Supporting Parents of Premature Babies and Babies Discharged from
the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Common parent concerns:
- Is my baby getting enough to eat?
- What do I do if my baby will not wake up for feedings?
- What do I do if my baby is fussy and crying all the time?
- How can I support my babies development?
- What do I need to do to keep my baby from getting sick and going back to the hospital?
- How can I talk with other parents who have questions and concerns like I have?
We know that all parents have questions when they first come home from the hospital with their baby. We also know that parents of preemies and babies who have been in the hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have many more concerns – whether their baby was hospitalized for several months or just a few days. We also know that parents have many questions during the first months and even years of their child’s life.
Because every baby is unique and special and families come from many different backgrounds, we believe that one type of approach does not work for everyone. We believe that when parents have specific information about their baby, they know what works best for their own child.
Our goal is to improve the health, safety, and well-being of babies discharged from the NICU and their families by providing them with health support services (education, support, and coordination of care) and educational opportunities for those who care for them.