Fear, anxiety and the realisation of being on their own for the first time…
Most parents don’t expect to have a baby born premature or sick – spending weeks or months on a neonatal unit, surrounded by the constant beep of machines. The unit can be a place of uncertainty, but it also becomes like a second home. As parents prepare to finally take their baby home, a new set of challenges can emerge – including feelings of fear, anxiety and the realisation of being on their own for the first time with such a vulnerable baby.
This is why we’ve created the ‘Going home from the neonatal unit’ booklet. This vital resource also equips them with the knowledge and confidence to look after their baby as they prepare to bring them home for the first time.
However, we are currently out of stock, and urgently need your help so we can continue to offer this crucial support to parents, free of charge.
- A gift of £4.80 will mean 10 parents will receive a copy of the ‘Going Home’ booklet
- A gift of £9.60 will double your impact and mean 20 parents receive a copy of the ‘Going Home’ booklet
- A gift of £19.20 will triple your impact and mean 40 parents receive a copy of the 'Going Home' booklet
"’Going Home’ was something that was massive for me to have. No one prepares you for leaving your baby on the unit as a first time mum but now you're going home with a one-month-old baby, and you feel that you should be well-versed in everything, but you're still leaving for the first time." - Rosheen, mum to Darcie (born at 33 weeks)
Looking after parents’ mental health with the Going Home booklet
The ‘Going Home’ booklet is a comprehensive guide that covers a range of topics. From practical advice on adapting to a new home environment, to emotional support for coping with this transition, there is also clear guidance about when and how to seek medical advice if their baby becomes unwell. It's a crucial resource for parents who often feel alone and uncertain during this challenging time.
80% of parents say their mental health suffered after their neonatal experience
With the help of professionals in neonatal care, Bliss has produced this booklet to ensure it addresses the needs and concerns of parents with a baby born premature or sick, and gives them the knowledge and confidence they need to look after their baby in the best way.
‘Going home from the neonatal unit’ is there to remind parents that they aren’t alone, and that support is available to them whenever they need it.
We know that access to this crucial information gives babies born premature or sick the best chance of survival and quality of life.
Here's how you can help
Give a gift: help bring us one step closer to our goal of £3,860 and provide 8,000 parents with a copy of this crucial information, free of charge. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps ensure we are there for families, whenever they need us.
Spread the word: Share this Crowdfunder with your friends, family, and colleagues who might be interested in making a difference to the lives of neonatal parents and their babies.
"Don’t be afraid to seek (and accept) help. There’s no weakness in needing someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on" – Carl, dad to twins (born at 27 weeks)
Your generosity will mean that parents with a baby born premature or sick have access to the tools they need to adjust to their new life at home, with the confidence and knowledge to care for their baby and their own wellbeing.
And if you need support, we’re here for you. Please email [email protected] to make contact with one of our dedicated support team 💙