Taking Care of Yourself
After getting home with your baby, you may struggle with certain emotions and feelings. It is important to know that you aren't the only one in this. Many NICU parents feel depressed, anxious or highly stressed, and these feelings may last for months together. Many parents go through postpartum depression, and this not something to be ashamed about. It is important to seek help at the earliest, so that you and your baby can be happy.
In addition to taking care of the baby, it is important to take care of yourself. While taking care of your baby, it is possible that you would have put your mental and physical health on the backburner. Some tips to consider are:
- Allow time for yourself, to feel emotions and to release those emotions.
- Tap into your previous coping mechanisms, they may help make you feel better
- Consider creative outlets such as writing, blogging or painting to release your frustration
- Establish a set routine for yourself. This will give you a semblance of control over things in your life
- Get rest whenever you can. Sleep deprivation impacts your ability to cope
- Eat nutritional, healthy food
- Connect with friends, family and peers and talk about how you're feeling with them.
