With your baby in neonatal care, there are many things that need to continue at home or be taken care of. Whilst Mum is at the hospital or expressing breast milk, Dads have an important part of the family in how they can help.    

Being involved and proactive at home and in the hospital can support Mum in so many ways. Also remember to be there and listen when she needs to talk – this goes both ways.  Check in and be there for each other emotionally. 

You can help support Mum through the journey with a range of things, you are more helpful than you think!

• Take candid photos of Mum with your baby
• Record milestones in a journal (particularly important if Mum and baby are admitted to different hospitals or wards!)
• Take care of the house while she is recovering!
• If she's pumping, get her bottles of water to stay hydrated and wash the pump parts
• Talk to your employer about flexible working arrangements while your baby is in hospital
• Ask for help from family or friends if you have other children at home or pets - help take the mental load off Mum and assure her that things are still being taken care of at home
• Plan ahead for when baby comes home - start getting freezer meals and nappies ready, often Mums miss out on the 'nesting' stage where this would usually be prioritised, especially if baby has arrived a lot earlier than expected.