Complicated emotions/ NICU Card

This card helps you show up for someone who is going through a complicated life event.

As with the most tenuous and raw moments in life, your friend may not be ready to talk or to visit, but sending this card quietly lets them know you are there for them with an invitation to connect if and when they are ready.

While this card was written for those with babies in the NICU, the words are validating for all kinds of difficult and complicated situations in the human experience. 

About the Card Contributor

Jess contributed this card's watercolor artwork and text to help support other parents with babies in the NICU, or those going through other big emotional life events. While she wrote this card's sentiment based on her experience as a mother to twins born precariously prematurely, she also has found this card’s sentiment to be relevant in many other difficult life transitions.

Jess and her babies spent three months in the hospital with so many ups and downs. They are now healthy and thriving, but she still remembers how difficult it was to leave the hospital without her babies every day they were in the NICU.

She sends love to those who know the mingled feelings of joy and fear in the NICU, and anyone who is sorting out the complicated emotions that come with living the human experience.

Jess' advice for supporting someone with a baby in the NICU

While Jess was in the NICU with her preemies (and with a toddler at home), she was too overwhelmed to know how to answer friends and family who asked what they could do to help. She insisted they didn't need help but wished there was an easier way to accept help.

Looking back, she has these suggestions:

1. Set up meals to be delivered at a date that's best for the family- after eating so much hospital food they will be so grateful for real food!

2. Understand that visitors to the NICU may be limited or not even allowed by the hospital, and if they are allowed, the family may not be ready for visitors. Jess says she appreciated that people wanted to be there, but the situation felt too raw and tenuous for visitors most days. Visitors can accidentally bring outside germs into the NICU; please understand and give space for parents' heightened (and reasonable) anxieties. 

3. Don't send flowers or balloons. They usually aren't allowed into the NICU and while the baby is in the NICU, families will spend most of their time at the hospital and won't be home to appreciate those gifts. 

4. If you can help with anything at home, offer concrete ideas such as to to walk the dog, take other children to the park, do laundry.

5. Don't expect daily or even weekly updates. It's an overwhelming and emotional time. Give space but let them know you are there for them. 

Thank you for reading Jess' story. We hope it helps you support your loved-one during this difficult time.

Product Details

5x7 trifold greeting card with coordinating envelope.

Inside of card is blank for your personal message. A synopsis of the card artist/author's story is printed inside the center panel of the card, visible when card is fully unfolded. 

Heavyweight 88lb paper with linen texture.

All cards are sent next day and always ship FREE.

Designed, printed and sent with love from Portland, Oregon.