We talk a lot about self care here at Hand to Hold. It's that important! This week we're sharing tips from author and NICU mom Natalie Estelle, and we're sharing a review of her new book that makes a great gift for the NICU mom in your life. We also have new episodes of the NICU Dad Discussions podcast, a free download, and our virtual support groups are still going strong!
5 Self-Care Tips for NICU Parents
My micro preemie rainbow child was born at 25 weeks and three days, and she is why we spent nine weeks in the NICU. For my husband and me, it felt like forever. But with many NICU parent-to-parent conversations, our time was truly a blessing. Multiple visits per day, multiple middle-of-the-night, early morning phone calls inquiring about how many bradys she had through the night, and trying my hardest to pump multiple times a day — this was an experience I will never forget.
Within the nine weeks we spent at the hospital, I personally went through changes. Self care is needed first and foremost because without taking care of yourself, you cannot take care of your baby. There were five self-care acts that had the most powerful impact for me that I would like to share.
New episodes of the NICU Dad Discussions podcast are here, featuring NICU dad Mike Kelley, NICU and bereaved dad and author Chris Cox, and NICU dad and educator Jeff Bradbury.