Mental Health and the NICU Mom: The Silent Battle Behind the GlassIf you’ve ever walked through a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), you’ll know the atmosphere – quiet, sterile, filled with tiny machines keeping even tinier lives stable. What you might not see, though, is the emotional toll it takes on mothers standing behind that glass.
For many moms of premature babies, the NICU isn’t just a place of healing – it’s a battlefield of fear, hope, and heartache. Studies suggest that up to 70% of mothers with babies in NICU experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, and a significant number show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) even months after discharge.
“Having a baby in NICU can be one of the most emotionally isolating experiences a mother faces,” says Sr Londe, independent midwife and Vital Baby South Africa’s trusted advisor. “You’re told to be strong, to hold it together. But inside, you’re scared and feel powerless.”
Unlike traditional postpartum depression, which often develops after birth, NICU-related mental health challenges can begin immediately; triggered by medical uncertainty, feelings of guilt, or the inability to bond physically with your baby.
“You may only be allowed to touch your baby for minutes at a time,” says Sr Londe. “That separation can deeply impact bonding and confidence.”
Feeling numb, struggling to sleep even when your baby is safe, replaying traumatic moments, or feeling disconnected from your child – these are all warning signs of trauma or depression. And yet, many mothers dismiss them.
“There’s still a stigma around maternal mental health,” says Sr Londe. “We need to normalise the conversation and remind mothers that they’re not alone.”
Talking to your healthcare provider, joining a support group, or connecting with a therapist who specialises in perinatal mental health can make a world of difference. Hospitals are also increasingly introducing peer-support programmes where NICU graduates’ parents help new families navigate the emotional maze.
“It’s okay to need help,” says Sr Londe. “You’re not failing as a mother, you’re processing an extraordinary experience.”
As the conversation around maternal mental health grows, brands like Vital Baby are helping raise awareness that caring for moms is as important as caring for their babies. Because behind every incubator, there’s a mother who needs healing too.
Exigo Care is a manufacturing and distribution concern based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The company has two major divisions, which are the distribution of baby nappies and adult nappies nationally. Exigo Care focuses on purchasing stock lots (excess goods) of AAA-quality baby and adult nappies, importing and repackaging them locally. This enables Exigo Care to offer its customers world-class baby and adult nappies at affordable nappy prices, allowing the company to offer free delivery if you buy nappies in bulk.
Latest posts by Exigo Care
(see all)
Post Views: 30,683
Co-Sleeping, Cribs, or Sleep Training — What Works Best?If there’s one topic guaranteed to spark debate at every baby shower, moms-and-tots group, or family WhatsApp chat, it’s sleep. Should babies co-sleep in the family bed? Should they start in a crib from day one? And what about sleep training — is it kind, or is it cruel?
Ask ten parents, and you’ll likely get ten different answers. But what do the experts say, and how do these choices affect a baby’s development long-term?
“Sleep is such an emotional subject because it affects the whole family,” says Sr Londe, independent midwife and trusted advisor to Vital Baby South Africa. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What’s important is balancing safety, bonding, and rest — for both baby and parents.”
Option 1: Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping — sharing a bed with your baby — is popular worldwide, especially in cultures that value close family bonds. Many parents say it makes night feeds easier and helps babies feel secure.
Pros: Promotes bonding, easier breastfeeding, may help babies settle faster.
Cons: Safety concerns (risk of suffocation or overheating), disrupted sleep for parents, harder to transition baby to their own bed later.
Sr Londe explains: “If parents choose to co-sleep, it’s vital to follow safety guidelines — like keeping pillows and blankets away from the baby and ensuring no one in the bed has consumed alcohol or medication that causes drowsiness.”
Option 2: Crib or Cot Sleeping
Many sleep experts recommend placing babies in their own crib or cot in the parents’ room for the first six months. This offers closeness without the risks of bed-sharing.
Pros: Lower risk of suffocation, easier for parents to move freely, sets early sleep boundaries.
Cons: Night feeds may feel more disruptive, some babies resist being apart from mom.
“Room-sharing in a crib is a safe and balanced choice,” says Sr Londe. “It allows for quick response at night while giving baby a dedicated, safe sleep space.”
Option 3: Sleep Training
Sleep training methods range from gentle routines (like bedtime rituals and gradual settling) to structured approaches (like controlled crying). The goal is to help babies learn to fall asleep on their own.
Pros: Can improve sleep quality for the whole family, helps babies develop self-soothing skills.
Cons: Controversial, as some parents worry about stress or attachment issues.
Sr Londe notes: “When done gently and consistently, sleep training can be effective and doesn’t damage the parent-child bond. It’s about finding the right approach for your baby’s temperament and your family’s values.”
Here’s the secret: there is no single “best” method. What works for one family may be unthinkable for another.
The golden rules?
- Always prioritise safety (flat, firm sleep surfaces; no loose bedding; sleep on back).
- Be consistent with whichever method you choose.
- Give yourself grace — no family ever sleeps perfectly all the time.
“Parents often feel pressured by what they read online or hear from relatives,” says Sr Londe. “But the truth is, the best sleep method is the one that keeps baby safe and allows your family to function with as much rest as possible.”
Research shows that babies can thrive whether they co-sleep, crib-sleep, or sleep-train — as long as their emotional and physical needs are met. What matters most is a loving, responsive environment.
“Don’t get stuck in the comparison game,” Sr Londe adds. “Your baby’s sleep journey will be unique — and that’s okay.”
Exigo Care is a manufacturing and distribution concern based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The company has two major divisions, which are the distribution of baby nappies and adult nappies nationally. Exigo Care focuses on purchasing stock lots (excess goods) of AAA-quality baby and adult nappies, importing and repackaging them locally. This enables Exigo Care to offer its customers world-class baby and adult nappies at affordable nappy prices, allowing the company to offer free delivery if you buy nappies in bulk.
Latest posts by Exigo Care
(see all)
Post Views: 30,683
Can Moms Really Afford to Breastfeed?Let’s face it—new parents already juggle a million things, and the idea of breastfeeding on top of work, finances, and life can feel completely overwhelming. In South Africa, the laws say mums should get support. But do the laws match reality? And can moms genuinely afford to breastfeed?
South African law gives new moms four consecutive months of maternity leave—usually starting around one month before the due date and extending to three months after the birth. It’s illegal to return to work within the first six weeks, unless a healthcare provider says you’re ready.
However—here’s the kicker—employers aren’t required to pay salaries during this time unless it’s in your contract or a company policy. Instead, moms can apply for benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).[1] UIF payouts range between 38% and 60% of your salary, depending on how much you contributed before leave[2]. Meanwhile, the application process can take 3–8 weeks, and you must reapply every month while on leave.
The law also entitles mothers to two paid 30-minute breastfeeding or expressing breaks per day—on top of lunch or tea breaks—for the first six months of a baby’s life. And employers are encouraged to provide a private, hygienic space for this purpose[3].
But the reality often falls short. Many women return to work within three months due to financial strain. The lack of proper lactation facilities, supportive workplace policies, or even awareness of these rights means many stop breastfeeding entirely. Even worse, domestic and informal workers—who often need the most support—are the least likely to access maternity protections.[4]
South African moms are advised to exclusively breastfeed for six months, in line with WHO guidelines. Yet the statistics tell the real story: only around 32% of babies under six months are exclusively breastfed, averaging less than three months of breastfeeding overall[5].
These low rates are linked to higher risks of malnutrition, diarrhoea, pneumonia, and even infant mortality.
Even in the system’s imperfect current state, here are some practical tips from Sr Londe – independent midwife and Vital Baby’s trusted advisor – to help moms make breastfeeding work:
- Start UIF early – Apply as soon as possible, and if your company delays or doesn’t pay you, get in touch with the Department of Labour or CCMA.
- Talk to your employer – Explain your need for breastfeeding breaks and a private space to express. Sometimes simple understanding can spark supportive changes.
- Plan financially – UIF coverage can be lean; build a budget for lower income, and explore supplements if your employer offers top-ups.
- Build a support network – Teams like family, caregivers, or nearby daycare can make daytime breastfeeding or milk drop-offs possible.
- Make expressing work for you – Learn to express efficiently and store milk smartly—room temp for up to 8 hours, longer if you have a freezer.
Breastfeeding isn’t just about health—it benefits business too. Breastfed babies are generally healthier, meaning less absenteeism, more productivity, and better staff retention. Plus, it contributes to broader goals like gender equality, economic inclusion, and improved child development outcomes.
Here’s the bottom line: Can moms in South Africa afford to breastfeed? Legally, yes—but practically, it’s often an uphill battle. Gaps in pay, awareness, infrastructure, and enforcement mean many moms return to work too soon. But with proactive planning, workplace conversations, and community support, breastfeeding while working is absolutely doable.
[1] https://www.news24.com/Life/What-the-law-says-about-maternity-leave-UIF-and-going-back-to-work-20150826
[2] https://www.bbrief.co.za/2025/08/05/employee-maternity-leave-pay/
[3] https://www.news24.com/Life/What-the-law-says-about-maternity-leave-UIF-and-going-back-to-work-20150826
[4] https://www.saffarazzi.com/news/no-proper-maternity-pay-or-leave-for-domestic-workers-in-south-africa/
[5] https://internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13006-024-00634-z
Exigo Care is a manufacturing and distribution concern based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The company has two major divisions, which are the distribution of baby nappies and adult nappies nationally. Exigo Care focuses on purchasing stock lots (excess goods) of AAA-quality baby and adult nappies, importing and repackaging them locally. This enables Exigo Care to offer its customers world-class baby and adult nappies at affordable nappy prices, allowing the company to offer free delivery if you buy nappies in bulk.
Latest posts by Exigo Care
(see all)
Post Views: 30,683
