A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 59
Feeding your premature or sick baby
Why am I receiving differing advice from nursery staff?
Your baby’s needs are changing all the time and NICU/SCN
staff will provide advice based on their individual training and
experience and what your baby’s needs are right now.
This can be particularly challenging when mothers are deciding whether
to breastfeed or bottle feed. The final decision is yours. Make decisions
based on what is best for you and your family. It’s often a good idea to write
everything down and go through it with a NICU/SCN staff member that you
feel comfortable with.
Get Connected
It’s time to set up your support network. There are so many support services
available to you while you are in hospital and once you transition home.
Connecting with parents who have been through a similar experience
can provide much needed support and understanding. If you are feeling
overwhelmed, talk to someone you feel will understand and empathise with
your situation like a friend or relative, member of the hospital staff or LLTF
peer support team member.
Where to look for practical and emotional support:
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation:
Website: lifeslittletreasures.org.au
Parent Support Line: 1300 697 736
We have a supportive Facebook and Instagram community and run three NICU Connections
online Facebook groups each week where you can connect with other parents and the LLTF peer
support team who all have the lived experience.
Hospital Staff:
You may find comfort in talking to a hospital social worker, NICU/SCN staff, hospital lactation
consultant and hospital pastoral care worker.
Mental health supports:
Life’s Little Treaures Foundation Parent Support Line: 1300 697 736
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
PANDA: 1300 726 306.
Support Groups:
Numerous organisations support the needs of premature and sick babies. If your baby has specific
needs, ask your hospital social worker to advise you on how to connect to the most relevant group.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
56
