Together For Families

Together For Families

Caregiver Support

Having a baby who is sick enough to be in the hospital is stressful. As a caregiver, you may have a lot of different emotions. You may feel worried or sad. You may need a little extra support to cope. Our hospital staff and professionals are skilled in listening to you. At times, you may need more information or a place to go to rest or relax for a few minutes.

Mothers can feel sad, emotional, tired, and moody in the two weeks after they give birth. This is common and usually doesn’t last more than a couple of weeks.

Some caregivers may feel a deep depression or worry that lasts much longer. This is called postpartum depression or anxiety. It may last for the first year of your baby’s life. You might need treatment. Talking to your doctor or your child’s doctors may help you decide if you need more help.

What Resources Are at Children's Wisconsin Milwaukee Hospital?

To learn more about these supports, please talk to your nurse. These resources may be for you, your child or other family members.

  • Child Life and Creative Art Therapies: A child sees, feels and hears a lot of new things in the hospital. Child life specialists use play, preparation and distraction to help children and teens understand and cope with their stay. Different things are used to help children relax and take their mind off their pain and worry. Music and art therapy are a part of this team. Art and music are used to help patients express thoughts and feelings about the hospital, reduce pain and decrease anxiety.
  • Sibling Care: Sibling care is a special place for brothers and sisters of patients. Siblings can take part in activities designed for their age to help them better understand their brother or sisters’ health care needs.
  • Spiritual Care: Spiritual care attends to the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Specially-trained chaplains provide spiritual, religious and emotional support to promote spiritual healing and well-being. Chaplains are part of the health care team at Children's. The chapel is on the 1st floor of the hospital and can be used for prayer, meditation or quiet reflection.
  • Hospital Psychologist: Psychologists at Children’s Wisconsin provide care to your child and your family. They help families with coping and managing stress. They can help you decide if you need more help for your sadness and worry. Psychologists focus on supporting families so that children can grow and be healthier.
  • Hospital Social Worker: Social work services are a vital part of the health care team. Medical social work services can offer social and emotional support, education, and help with resources. Social workers help families speak up for their child’s health care by recognizing their strengths and goals.
  • The Daniel M. Soref Family Resource Center: Stop in for a cup of coffee or cocoa, read the newspaper or relax to soft music. There is also a phone charging station, computers, printer, fax and copy machine for family use.
    Staff are trained to help children, young adults, and their families find answers to questions about local resources, support groups, funding options, parent-to-parent support, referrals and help connecting to community resources.
    Families may check out DVDs, video games and books through the lending library. Call (414) 266-3169 with questions.
  • The Noel Family Healing Garden is on the first floor of the West Tower by Café West. It is an outdoor space for families to take a break and get fresh air during warmer months.

What Resources Can I Find Outside the Hospital?

What if I Need Help Right Away?

If you have a mental health crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also contact your local county crisis hotline.

How Can I Get Help Finding a Mental Health Provider Near My Home?

  1. Ask your nurse for a social work consult to find resources.
    • After discharge, you can call the family services department at Children’s Wisconsin at (414) 266-3465 to talk to a social worker about resources. They can be reached Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  2. Ask your primary care provider or OBGYN for a referral to a specialist.
  3. Call your insurance for a list of in-network providers in your area.

For additional help with resources, you can call: