A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 68
Family and friends
Tips for Family and Friends
As a concerned friend, you might struggle to know what to do,
or say, when a baby is in a neonatal unit.
We’ve put together these tips to help you.
DO...
DON’T...
Congratulate the parents – welcome the baby
into the world with a card, thoughtful gift or
offer to post the birth announcement on socials.
Acknowledge the toll this experience can take –
ask ‘How are you?’ and actively listen when
they respond.
Check in with supportive messages – ‘I’m
thinking of you’ or ‘I’m here if you want to talk’.
Focus on the positives – say things like ‘You’re
doing a great job’ or ‘Your baby looks strong’.
Help out with domestic duties – cook meals, do
laundry, care for siblings, walk the dog.
Offer to pass on information to family members.
Drive the parents to the hospital – parking can
be tricky, not to mention expensive.
Offer to keep parents company in the hospital.
Scan the QR
code to visit
our website.
Compare the baby to others – this may only
serve to maximise the parents’ grief.
Interfere or give parenting advice – everyone’s
journey is different.
Abandon the parents – stay in touch; knowing
you are thinking of them helps.
Talk about setbacks the baby may face.
Expect the parents to attend events or
gatherings.
Visit the family when you are sick.
Compromise the baby’s progress – respect the
parents’ wishes and instructions, e.g. don’t kiss
the baby when their immunity is low.
Didn’t you know something was wrong?
At least you can get a full night’s sleep while the
baby is in the hospital.
At least you didn’t get huge and uncomfortable
in your pregnancy.
He/she must be in so much pain.
Will they be normal when they get bigger?
AVOID SAYING THINGS LIKE …
When can I hold the baby?
It must be hard to watch someone else take
care of your baby.
How do you leave him/her in the hospital
every night?
Join our online community
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
lifeslittletreasures.org.au
65
@lltfoz
@lifeslittletreasuresfoundation
