For Families I’m in NICU/SCN
Your baby has arrived, and they have been admitted to a Neonatal Unit (NICU) or a Special Care Nursery (SCN), you are thinking ‘what just happened?’
We’re here to help you in these early days by providing information, practical and emotional support as well as connection opportunities.
You might be feeling sad, angry, isolated, confused, frustrated, guilty, stressed and anxious, but the most important thing is to remember these feelings are all normal and that it is OK to be feeling this way. This is one of the most difficult experiences you will go through as a family and you will need support in many forms.
With over 15 services to support families in hospital you won’t feel so alone on this life-changing journey.
The Right Information
We recommend you start by ensuring you have the right information.
The correct information will empower you during your stay so you can advocate for your baby and family. You can access one of our guidebooks written especially for parents and carers, by those who have spent time in NICU and SCN.
A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and SCN
A Guiding Hand for Families in SCN
Download Now
Get Connected
Your mental health is a priority so we offer emotional support through services like our NICU Connections events.
We run these sessions so that you can connect with other families going through a similar experience and to ensure you have access to LLTF staff and volunteers who have ‘been there’.
Register to join today
Bonding with your Baby
You have most likely pictured the birth of your baby to be quite different to the reality.
In many cases, parents may not be able to hold their baby in the early days and it might be a long time before you get to experience your first cuddle. It is OK – your baby knows you are there, they recognise your voice, are comforted by your smell and within weeks they will be able to see you more clearly. Here learn about all the great ways you can bond with your baby.
How to bond with your baby
Supporting siblings when you have a baby in the NICU/SCN
Welcoming a new baby into the world, especially when they need intensive or special care in the neonatal unit, can be an incredibly challenging time for the whole family. This includes not only the parents but also siblings who may find themselves struggling with a whirlwind of emotions.
Read our Tips to Support Siblings here
Don’t forget to celebrate
Your baby has arrived and you have become a parent so we want to help you celebrate by gifting you a FREE Little Treasures Welcome Pack.
It’s brimming with amazing items for baby and information to share with those in your inner circle.
Order your Little Treasures Welcome Pack here
Transitioning
There will come a time when your baby is well enough to graduate from NICU to the Special Care Nursery. It can be scary when your baby no longer needs such a high level of care and you need to move units. It can be a noisier environment and the ratio of nurses will be less.
To help you through this change we recommend you talk to your baby’s health professionals about what to expect in your hospital. Also reading from our Guidebook will help you prepare.
What is the difference between NICU and SCN?
Want to know more?
Head to the Knowledge Exchange to find more resources and videos from parents sharing their experiences to help you on your journey.
Knowledge Exchange 
Call us!
Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who’s ‘been there’, someone who has made it through NICU and SCN and can normalise the experience. Call the team at LLTF on 1300 697 736 or email us for a chat.
Contact Us
Talk to your baby’s health professionals
Communicate with the health professionals at the hospital who are caring for your baby – Doctors, Nurses and Social Workers – and ask as many questions as possible so you feel informed about your baby’s care. Don’t be afraid to tell them how you are feeling so they can help too.