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“When we got to discharge, my mental health was at rock bottom, and my ability to cope with all the readmissions that we had when she eventually came home, all the extra appointments and care she needed, sent me over the edge. I was on the brink of a breakdown.” #NICUMHAW23

“It’s ok not to feel strong. There’s a lot of emphasis put on NICU parents being really strong. And that might be the case for some, but some people don’t always feel that way.” Amy shares her supportive and caring advice to neonatal families. Thank you so much Amy! #NICUMHAW23

A huge thank you to the incredible Amy for sharing such raw and personal insight into her experience.Amy has written a beautiful book,reflecting on her neonatal stay called Twenty-Four Plus Six,if you would like to preorder her book,follow this link.... amazon.co.uk/Twenty-Four-Pl…

On the agenda today for #NICUMHAW23 we’re sharing parent experiences when it comes to leaving the house and going out for the first time after discharge.We’ll be hearing from Sam over at The NICU Mummy & Lottie from the team at Leo’s on their experiences.

Meet Sam of The NICU Mummy. Sam’s son was born full term at 39 weeks in 2017 and required neonatal care. They spent time between Sam’s local hospital and Great Ormond Street, who operated on her son at just 3 weeks old. Here, she shares insight her story. #NICUMHAW23

“We were invited to a NICU group, which I decided to go to. I didn’t really think that we’d be the only full term family there. It was one of the best things I ever did because I was reunited with a mum who was in NICU at the same time as us.” #NICUMHAW23

“My mental health was running on fumes at the time, and I didn’t give myself time to stop and think too much. I am glad I pushed through and went to the groups. I’ve made really good friends who I’m still friends with now.” #NICUMHAW23

A huge thank you to Sam @the_nicu_mummy for taking the time to share her journey and experiences. If you’d like to follow Sam and keep up to date with her content or read what she’s already posted, head to her Instagram, which we’ve tagged in our videos today. #NICUMHAW23

This evening we’re sharing how Lottie from team @leosneonatal felt about going out for the first time after her son Oska was discharged. Lottie’s twin boys Leo and Oska were born prematurely back in 2015. #NICUMHAW23

“Initially, taking Oska out for the first time was stressful because of the oxygen. I was worried about how long oxygen would last and what that would mean for Oska if we ran out.” #NICUMHAW23

“You could clearly see he was unwell, he had oxygen on. But people would often feel the need to ask what was wrong with him and the need to touch him. On reflection I know it was kindness but at the time it evoked feelings of anxiety and protection.” #NICUMHAW23

“Take a moment and pause; don’t rush. There’s this idea that we should be filling our time with going to groups and experiencing all these things, but the reality can be very different.” Thank you so much to Lottie for sharing her experiences with us today. #NICUMHAW23

Today is the final day of this year’s Neonatal Mental Health Awareness Week, and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed!Our theme for today is ‘Getting To Know The New You’, & joining us is NICU Mum and Psychologist Frankie from Sam Thompson. #NICUMHAW23

Neonatal mum Katie bravely shares how the early arrival of her son, Oscar, changed who she was and the mother she thought she would be. But, it's that same love that, with the help of Oscar, is helping her heal. #NICUMHAW23

When Tammy & James found themselves shielded in the COVID-19 Pandemic after a turbulent NICU stay with their son Harry, their world was turned upside down. They found Harry’s utter love for the outdoors and music helped them heal after their time on NICU. #NICUMHAW23

Clinical Psychologist, NICU mum and Co-Founder of @miraclemoon Dr Frankie Harrison is joining us this evening. Here she shares how Miracle Moon was born, and the great work it does to support the neonatal community. #NICUMHAW23

“My mental health journey has been up and down. I experienced postnatal anxiety. I reached out for support from my GP, and there were no services in my area to support me." Frankie openly shares her experience of needing support after #NICU #NICUMHAW23

“It took a long time for me to piece the new parts of me together.” Frankie talks about her experience of changing after motherhood. We want anyone watching this video to know that change is completely normal, and if you’re struggling, please reach out for help. #NICUMHAW23

“The most amazing thing about the new me is who I am as a mum.” The lovely Frankie shares some beautiful insight into her identity as a mum. She shares ways to support yourself while learning to love the new you. #NICUMHAW23

And, that was our final video for this year’s #NICUMHAW. Thank you so much to brilliant Frankie from @miraclemoon for finishing the week off. What a week it’s been! Thank you to everyone who has supported the week, it has meant the world to us!! We'll be back in April 2024!!