Parenting your baby in the NICU can be a relentless and exhausting journey. You may feel guilty, sad, worried, anxious, overwhelmed and alone. A little self-compassion goes a long way in times like these.
Self-compassion is the kind of love and kindness we would give to a friend. As parents, we often have to give to ourselves what we know we need. Self-compassion extends grace, patience, understanding, and acceptance to ourselves as we learn to parent our baby in the NICU. A mantra is a set of words we can repeat to ourselves to energize our intentions and bring calm.
Let’s take a minute to practice a little self-care with a mantra written to meet you where you are. A printable version can be downloaded at the bottom of this page, with options for singleton and multiple babies, as well as a blank version you can customize with the specific words you need to hear right now. We even included a screen-shot version for your phone so you can have it handy any time!
Repeat these words to yourself whenever you are in need of comfort and as often as you’d like.
A Mantra For Self-Compassion in the NICU
Say Out Loud
This is hard, and it hurts.
Other parents going through this experience also feel this way.
I am not alone.
Place your hand gently on your heart, or clasp your hands together. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and release it out of your mouth. Feel your belly rise and fall.
Say Out Loud
Parenting is a lifelong relationship.
My baby is resilient and I am doing my best.
I have the power to drive my baby’s team to deliver better and more personalized care to our family during this time.
May I also care for myself with kindness, compassion, and patience for the unknown.