And every time she returned to visit, she passed a new line-up of moms.

I had to ask permission to touch her or change her diaper.

I was not in charge, and thats so weird when youre the mom.

Or that even when parents dont develop a mood disorder, they often experience symptoms of these conditions.

If your child is in the NICU right now, you dont need an article to tell you that.

What you need is support.

Here is how to get it.

The National Perinatal Association also has acomprehensive listof organizations that provide peer-to-peer support.

For a lot of NICU parents, thats the first real hug.

I could feel she was with us even though shes wasnt there, she says.

When your child begins life in the NICU, you will miss out on some early milestones.

With my first, I lost four months of pregnancy and watching my baby grow, Kelley says.

There are baby books specifically geared toward NICU stays that can help you with this.

In 2015, the National Perinatal Association releasedguidelinesoutlining the kind of support hospitals should make available to parents.

Some hospitals also have staff psychologists or psychiatrists who can provide support or care if you need it.

People delivered meals to her, walked her dog and even cleaned her house.

For Sloane, having amealtrainset-up was a godsend.

You have to rest, and you have to healfor yourself and for your child.

You wont be able to be fully there for him or her when you are depleted.

Having another child at home forced her to leave the hospital, which she was grateful for.

When I got home, I just kind of unplugged.

I didnt call the nightshift.

I just wanted to be home and give a shot to focus on myself a little.

I was in bad shape, she says.

I couldnt take care of my kids because I couldnt handle the stress.

I needed to talk to somebody.

Therapy and anti-anxiety medication were tremendously helpful.

I now see therapy as this awesome form of self-care, she adds.

Its not something you do because you failed.

To me, its just nice to have a person in your corner.

The NICU stays of my children were the most difficult times of my life, Kelley says.

But I can now look back and see so many blessings.

You are not alone.

Theres an expansive NICU community of graduate families here to support you every step of the way.