Finding support when your baby has complex medical needs

Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg — October 2025.

Caring for an infant with medically complex needs is a big job. You’ll quickly learn that you need a lot of support along the way.

Your Progyny Care Advocate is here to talk with you about navigating care and insurance, finding support resources, and managing stress. Please set up a call with us any time.

For now, we’ll share some ideas to help you focus on self-care — even when it feels like every ounce of your energy is going towards your little one.

Protect your time and energy

Taking care of your baby and working with their care team will take a lot of time and energy. It’s so important for you to use strategies to avoid burnout and stress.

• Ask about flexible work arrangements. Ask your manager about flexibility at work. Ideas include part-time hours, remote work, or a modified schedule. Many employers are willing to help out during challenging situations.
• Understand your leave options. Meet with human resources to go over your time off policies and options for extended leave. This can be a big help for managing ongoing health needs.
• Explore home health care. Depending on your child’s needs, having an in-home nurse a few hours a week may be a big help. Call your health plan to find out if this is covered for you.
• Accept help from others. People usually want to help, but they might not know what you need. It’s ok to be specific in your requests. Do you need help with cleaning, meals, or taking care of other kids? Maybe you’d like company when you go to the hospital, or simply need someone to listen? You can even make a list to share with family and friends.
• Try to use sleep strategies. Many parents of babies with health needs are sleep deprived. You may feel anxious, you might need to wake up often, or other reasons. Talk with your doctor and your baby’s care team for personalized sleep advice.

Take care of your emotions

As you care for your baby, pay attention to your own emotions and well-being too. It will help you, your baby, and others in your family.

• Join a parent support group. Ask your healthcare team or social worker if they have any support groups they recommend (either in-person or online). It can be a good way to talk about how you’re doing and learn what’s helped others.
• Find out about respite care. Respite care is a way to take a break from caregiving. It might be in the form of a caregiver at home, or drop-off day programs for your child. Your hospital’s social work team can help you find services and understand costs (and programs to help with costs).
• Do something to recharge every day. You have full permission to do this! Choose anything you enjoy: exercise, deep breathing, a hot bath, talking with a friend.
• Get professional help. If you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, please seek out professional help. Your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or your Progyny Care Advocate can help you sort through your counseling or therapy options.

You’ll have good days and bad days, but you’re never alone. And throughout it all, you’re doing an incredible job for your little one.

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