Given the nature of NICU, the pain of leaving your fragile baby each day, the feelings of emptiness and grief, the uncertainty and ups and downs, the lines, wires, monitors and alarms, not to mention the security buzzers at the entrance of the unit or the constant rigorous hand-washing, it came as no surprise to me that parents who have experienced premature birth are at greater risk of postnatal depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You see, more than 40 percent of NICU mums experience postnatal depression(compared to 5-10 percent of mothers who deliver at full-term without complication)2 and more than half report symptoms of anxiety and PTSD. Yet, like many aspects of mental health, PTSD following neonatal intensive care is rarely spoken about, and mums, just like me, hide away.
I guess that’s why I share my experiences now, why I shout about the two in five mums who experience mental health difficulties following premature birth to anyone who’ll listen! NICU may be a hidden world and the often-conflicting host of emotions difficult to understand, but only by speaking openly and honestly can we begin to raise awareness, offer hope and call for more support.
To read more of Catriona Ogilvy's article, please click here.
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