A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 38
Your baby and you
Differences in how parents and carers cope with grief
Grief is the natural reaction to loss. It is the normal and inevitable response,
and can affect every part of our life, including the loss associated with
having a premature/sick baby.
We may experience intense feelings such as sadness,
anger, anxiety, disbelief, panic, relief or even numbness.
Everyone grieves in his or her own way. There is no right
or wrong way to grieve. See the table on the page over
for examples of how parents may grieve differently.
For help
and assistance, please
call Life’s Little Treasures
Foundation support line:
1300 697 736
Coping Strategies
Looking after yourself is probably one of the biggest gifts you can give
yourself and your baby as the healthier you are, the better you will be able
to take care of your baby.
Below are some strategies that are often helpful in dealing with the stress
that comes with having a sick or premature baby:
• Maintain some type of routine
• Make time to get enough sleep and rest
• Regular exercise, such as walking, is good for relieving stress and tension
• Maintaining a balanced diet is important - ‘limit junk food and stay
hydrated
• Avoid using alcohol, medications or
drugs to mask the pain
• Try to spend time with those who
comfort and recharge you
• Talk to nurses, social workers and other
NICU/ SCN parents
• Some people express intense feelings
through creative ways such as painting,
drawing and writing
“When I held my baby
close I had a brief
moment of stillness – my
baby and I calmed and I
felt truly connected for
the first time.”
SUE, MOTHER OF 33
WEEKER
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
35
