For Families I’m a Friend or Relative
Family members and friends will want to help you during your hospital stay and when you head home, so we’ve created resources to help them, help you!
When a baby arrives and begins their journey in NICU or SCN, their whole ‘village’ will be affected. Grandparents, siblings, friends and other relatives are some of those who will be feeling worried, upset and concerned.
That’s why we’ve created a bunch of tailored tips and resources to help guide them through the journey, what they can expect and how they can best support you.
Grandparents
Your precious grandchild has arrived and requires specialised care. Not only are you worried about baby’s health you’re also concerned for the parents and how they’ll cope with the journey ahead.
Our tip sheet for grandparents provides some ideas on how you can express that love and support in a way that is considerate and will provide comfort during this difficult time.
Tip Sheet for Grandparents
Siblings
When their brother or sister is born sick or premature, siblings often have to adjust to changes in routine, parental behaviours and care-giving arrangements.
Their world is often turned upside down and they will need support too. LLTF, in partnership with NIDCAP, have created two books specifically for siblings who find themselves in this situation.
Our My Colourful Journey colouring-in book can help siblings understand what is happening when their brother or sister is in NICU or SCN.
My Brave Journey is to help siblings when their brother or sister passes away.
Find out more
Other Relatives and Friends
The birth of a premature or sick baby can be an emotional rollercoaster ride for parents – one full of trials, joys and sorrows. As a concerned friend or relative, you might struggle to know what to do, or say, to offer support.
Helping with siblings, coordinating a food roster and driving parents to the hospital are just some of the ways you can help. Sometimes just being there to listen is the best help of all.
Take a look at the app and tip sheet we’ve developed to help you provide help to your loved ones.
Little Treasures App to Provide Support
Little Treasures App for Friends and Family
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is one of the toughest journeys you will ever face as a family.
To make it easy to rally family and friends we have created this App so you can list all the little tasks that will help you at this time. Better still, nominate an organised friend to set it up!
Whether it’s picking up washing, cooking meals, entertaining siblings or arranging lifts to and from the hospital, all these tasks can be listed and everyone close to you can sign up to help!
Link to download App“I know you have loved me since I was born, but I have loved you my whole life”
