The staff are always there to help you. Always phone the Unit if you are worried, at any time of the day or night. Get as much rest as possible and try to eat well. Don't forget it is warm in the Unit, so dress appropriately.

Take time out for yourself.

Don't feel pressured to visit every day, you may need a day off. It is important for your baby to have parents who are as relaxed and rested as possible.

Be firm.

Say so if you don't feel up to having visitors, or if you don't want visitors to see your baby in the NIC Unit. Write down questions as you think of them. Keep a pen and paper by your bed. You may wish to keep a diary of your baby's progress and your feelings while your baby is in the NIC Unit.

When your baby goes home

Keep her adequately clothed. Remember, if you are cold then she is likely to feel cold as well. The same if you are feeling hot. In cold or wet weather also dress your baby in a bonnet, bootees and mittens. Don't wrap your baby too tightly. Follow the SIDS guidelines. Avoid extremes of hot or cold and keep your baby away from crowds as there may be a risk of infection.

You may like to bath your baby when both parents are at home. It may take some time to establish a regular feeding routine. If you are having problems with feeding, help is always available through your community nurse, paediatrician or the Nursing Mothers' Association.

Try to have some time alone with your partner.

It's also very important to have some time to yourself. Maybe your partner or a relative could look after the baby while you have your hair done, go shopping or visit a friend.

It is useful to have some bottles available for expressed breast milk so that your baby can still have the benefit of breast milk even when you are not there. Note on the calendar when immunizations are due: keep a bottle of infant paracetamol handy. Some babies become disturbed or agitated when handled too much.

Ask anyone with a cold or diarrhoea (especially small children) not to visit. Visitors should respect parents' wishes when cuddling is restricted. Your baby may take a few nights to settle in after the hustle and bustle of the nursery – home may be too quiet! A radio turned down low may help.

You may easily become tired,

Keep housework to a minimum for the first few weeks and rest when the baby is sleeping. Your baby has been sick so you are likely to be anxious when he comes home. However, most of his problems will have been resolved by the time he leaves hospital. On the whole, try to treat him as you would any other baby.