top of page
Search

How journaling can be helpful for NICU parents.

  • Writer: Kate Tauber
    Kate Tauber
  • Aug 7
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 13


Take Time For Yourself - Try Journaling to Help with the Stress Experienced in the NICU
Take Time For Yourself - Try Journaling to Help with the Stress Experienced in the NICU

How journaling may help you...

1. Emotional Outlet

  • Reduces anxiety and stress: Writing about feelings helps process fear, sadness, guilt, or anger.

  • Safe space for expression: Parents may feel they need to “stay strong” in front of others; journaling offers a private way to release emotions.

  • Helps with grief or trauma: Journaling can be a gentle way to work through complex feelings, especially if there are complications or loss.

2. Supports Mental Health

  • Improves mood: Regular journaling has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

  • Promotes mindfulness: Writing helps parents slow down and stay grounded during a whirlwind of emotions and decisions.

  • Tracks emotional progress: Parents may notice that their resilience and coping strategies grow over time.

3. Creates a Record of the NICU Journey

  • Captures milestones: Parents can document their baby's weight gains, first feeds, coming off oxygen, first cuddles, etc.

  • Chronicles daily events: Helps remember important medical updates, staff members, or changes in care plans.

  • Provides a narrative: Having a story to look back on can bring closure and be meaningful for the family in the future.

4. Encourages Bonding

  • Strengthens connection with baby: Writing letters or notes to their baby can help parents feel closer, especially when physical contact is limited.

  • Promotes a sense of control: In a situation where many things feel out of control, journaling can give parents something proactive to do.

5. Useful for Communication

  • Helps with medical conversations: Writing down questions or concerns helps parents advocate for their baby during rounds or meetings with care teams.

  • Captures advice or education: Parents can record things they’ve learned from nurses or doctors to review later.



    Here are some useful journal prompts to help get you started:

  • You don’t need to write a lot. Just a few sentences each day can help.

    💕 Emotional Check-In

    ·         Today, I feel __________ because __________.

    ·         What was the hardest part of the day?

    ·         What gave me hope or comfort today?

    ·         One thing I wish people understood about this experience is...

    👶 Baby's Progress

    ·         Today, my baby:

    ·           - Weighed: __________

    ·           - Ate: __________

    ·           - Needed: __________

    ·           - Did something new: __________

    ·         A special moment I shared with my baby today:

    ·         What I noticed when I looked at my baby:

    🏥 Medical Journey

    ·         What did the doctors or nurses explain to me today?

    ·         What questions do I have for tomorrow?

    ·         A medical term I want to remember and understand:

    ·         What decisions or changes in care happened today?

    💌 Messages to My Baby

    ·         Dear baby, today I want to tell you...

    ·         One thing I can’t wait to do with you when you come home:

    ·         A song, prayer, or quote I want you to know:

    🌱 Self-Care Reflection

    ·         What did I do to take care of myself today?

    ·         What do I need more of right now?

    ·         Who or what helped me feel supported?

    ✨ Looking Forward

    ·         One thing I’m grateful for today:

    ·         One thing I’m proud of (my baby or myself):

    ·         A hope I’m holding onto:


bottom of page