How you can support a neonatal family

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day and we thought we’d put together a guide on how you can support a family on the Neonatal Unit.

You may have friends, colleagues, neighbours or relatives with a little one on the neonatal unit. Here are a few things you can do that would help support them during this challenging time.

1) Batch Cooking
Batch cooking meals that are easily reheated or frozen is a great way to help a neonatal family. Often times, families are grabbing what they can at the hospital and don’t have time to think about cooking a fresh meal. A lovely homecooked meal that is easily reheated keeps parents well fed but also means they don’t need to spend a long time away from the unit.

2) Offer Support
It may sound simple, but sometimes friends and family don’t know how to react and can unintentionally withdraw. A simple text message to offer any support you can provide can make a huge difference. You might not get a response back, but just knowing that the offer of support is there can really help families with their mental health.

3) Offer Help
Offering to help where you can, from walking their dog, to offering a lift to the hospital; offer to help where you are able! This can take a huge weight off the shoulders of families who may be worrying about things that you can easily assist with and leave them with more brain space to focus on their little one.

4) Lend an Ear
Can you lend an ear for half an hour? Sometimes parents need time to decompress and have a chat, maybe over coffee, maybe over the phone. If you can lend an ear, you can help ease stress. Families may want to talk about their time on the neonatal unit, they may also want to talk about other things, but just being there to listen can make a huge difference, especially on those longer or more challenging days.

5) Ask
Ask. It might seem like a simple action, but simply asking if and how you can help can open the conversation for families. Families may not want to outright ask for help or support, but it’s easier when someone else has started that conversation.