A preterm delivery and multiple life-threatening birth defects can overwhelm any parent. For Collette Tabone and her husband Alex, their newborn daughter, Austen, was admitted to the Level IV NICU at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. While the medical team provided exceptional care, Collette and Alex felt lost and anxious, struggling to cope with the situation. When a baby is born premature or with serious health issues, the emotional toll on parents can be just as heavy as the physical challenges. Many parents face fear, helplessness, and isolation. This is where mental health care in the NICU becomes vital.
A Family-Focused Approach
Stanford Children’s takes a family-focused approach, offering not only life-saving care for newborns but also mental health resources for parents. This support ranges from counseling and therapy to stress-management tools, helping parents navigate the trauma of having a child in critical care.
For Collette and Alex, this support was invaluable. While they were grateful for the medical care their daughter received, the mental health resources helped them manage their stress and connect with other parents facing similar challenges. It provided them with the strength they needed to support Austen’s recovery and care for themselves.
The Lasting Impact of Mental Health Support in the NICU
Now, over a year later, Collette reflects on how the mental health support they received was crucial in helping them cope. It allowed them to focus on their daughter’s healing while also addressing their own emotional needs. They now understand that mental health care is just as essential as physical care in the NICU, benefiting both the child and the parents.
The role of mental health care in the NICU cannot be overstated. Hospitals like Lucile Packard are leading the way by integrating these services into neonatal care, ensuring parents get the emotional support they need to cope with their child’s medical journey. For families like Collette and Alex, this holistic care made all the difference and continues to support their healing long after their NICU stay.
