Information about parents’ mental health

Mum and dad looking into incubator at baby

Having a premature baby or sick baby in a neonatal unit can have a huge impact on you. Find information and support in this section.

Dad in foreground looking away from camera towards Mum who is sitting holding and looking at her twins in her arms

How you might be feeling

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed is not unusual for parents on the neonatal unit. Find out more about common mental health challenges parents face when they…
Facing away from the camera, Dad puts arm around Mum in a caring way whilst looking at baby in an incubator surrounded by two health professionals

Getting support with your mental health

We know that many parents struggle with their mental health after having a premature baby or sick baby on the neonatal unit. Whatever you might be feeling, you are not…
Mum standing looking into incubator at her baby who is wearing an eye mask. She is reaching through the incubator to comfort her baby.

Is it common for parents to struggle with…

We often hear that parents can struggle with their mental health when they have had a baby in neonatal care. But how common is this? And what does research tell us?
Parent looking away from the camera being supported by a friend looking towards them

Tips for supporting others with their mental…

Supporting someone who has a premature or sick baby can be difficult. You might not always know what to do or say at what can be a very emotional and stressful time.…
Mum sitting down looking away from the camera reaching into the incubator with both hands, holding her baby and looking at eye level. A nurse is standing next to her looking into the incubator

Supporting parents’ mental health –…

It can be hard as a neonatal health professional to know how best to support parents who are struggling with their mental health. We spoke with Helen Aitchison,…

The experiences you might face on the neonatal unit can affect your emotional well-being and mental health, which can sometimes stay with you beyond your time in hospital.

Bliss is here to support and empower you to be involved in your baby’s care, and you are best able to do this when you are supported to look after yourself too.

This information is for mums, dads and all parents to help you find the support that’s right for you. Find out more about how being in neonatal care can affect your mental health and where to get support, how to support someone you know, and how other parents have coped and handled their challenges.

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