Connecting to your child

Your experiences of loss, grief, fear and stress can sometimes make it difficult to connect with your newly diagnosed baby. You may find you are unable to completely enjoy your baby. However, this is a very normal reaction to diagnosis that can come and go at different times.

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You might feel a desire to withdraw emotionally from your baby to avoid the heartache you foresee in the future, and feeling this way is often accompanied by feelings of great guilt and the belief you’re a bad parent.

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You might feel a desire to withdraw emotionally… to avoid the heartache you foresee in the future

3 Simple Ways to Connect

  1.  If you notice your mind wandering into worry territory, switch your attention to something special you love about your baby – chubby legs, for example, or tiny toes. Spend time focusing on that spot, noticing every crease, mark and movement
  2. Connect by touching and massaging your baby
  3. Use physiotherapy time to sing songs, encourage eye contact and talk to your baby

Click on Emotions After Diagnosis to learn more about common reactions to a diagnosis of CF in a newborn, and go to the Getting Support section if you, your partner or anyone else in your family is experiencing anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue. You’ll find a list of helpful resources.

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Getting support