Having a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a heart-wrenching, anxiety-inducing, exhausting experience no family wants to go through. Practicing self-care is important for all of us and even more crucial for parents of sick and preterm infants.

During your time in Butterfly Ward you will have a lot to contend with in addition to worrying about your sick baby. You will be confronted by new faces, new language, new equipment and a new environment. As well as all of the difficulties faced inside the ward, our families still have to deal with day-to-day pressure from the outside world, such as getting older children to school on time, running a business, the upkeep of the family home.

We hope the COCOON resources will ease the burden somewhat by teaching you about life in Butterfly ward. You can read the educational materials at your own pace to get tips on how to look after yourself and to learn many practical skills about caring for your baby, such as how to change a nappy or use a nasogastric tube to feed your baby.

Of course, no app or website can replace the mentorship and support our staff can offer you at the bedside so please don’t hesitate to ask us if you need help any time day or night, and remember that your baby needs you to be as healthy as you can be so never feel “guilty” for taking time out to look after yourself.

This section covers some suggestions from our Social Workers on how to look after yourself during your Butterfly journey.