Hand to Hold, a national NICU family support organization, produced this video specifically for siblings who have a brother or sister in the neonatal intensive care unit. The tour is led by a NICU graduate who explains what a NICU is, about the care babies receive there, the importance of handwashing and what a big brother or sister can do to show their love for their sibling even if they can't visit them in the hospital NICU. Visit www.handtohold.org to learn more. © NICU Parent Network: Hand to Hold
Hear neonatologists, bedside nurses, and other NICU medical staff talk about what they do to care for your baby in the NICU. Includes information on respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, chaplains, and more.
For many premature babies, and even some full-term babies, the NICU provides the support and care they need to transition from the womb to the world. Here are some reasons your baby might need the NICU.
You'll encounter lots of wires, tubes, and high-tech machines in the NICU. Find out what they do and how they help your baby.
Premature and/or sick babies have a greater risk of infection. Make sure you prepare yourself and your baby's visitors for keeping the NICU environment safe and healthy.
An introduction to life in the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. Learn how you and NICU staff work together to give your baby the very best care.
Your baby's NICU bed, sometimes called an isolette or a warming bed, keeps her warm and safe. Watch as a NICU nurse explains how this medical marvel works.
Dr. Mitchell Goldstein addresses whether all NICUs are capable of providing the same level of treatment a baby might need.
If your baby has been born early or needs special medical care, they may need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. We say "NICU." This is where your baby gets support while they grow and get stronger.
Dr. Valencia Walker addresses the common question: When can my baby come home?
These suggestions are tips to help you be proactive for meetings with your baby's healthcare team, so you will feel somewhat more "in control" of your NICU experience. You have every right to be partners in the care of your baby, and you are the best advocate your child has. © TWN
A shorter NICU stay information sheet has basic information for families whose baby will be in the NICU for less than 14 days. © March of Dimes
Information about your baby's NICU is a place for families to write down contact information for staff and other important information about the NICU. © March of Dimes
When your baby needs intensive care is a brief introduction to the NICU and why babies may need to stay there. © March of Dimes
Answers to common questions is a resource with answers to commons questions NICU families may have when their baby is in the NICU. © March of Dimes
NICU 101 — what you need to know is a resource with information for families about being with their baby, preventing infections and using cell phones while in the NICU.© March of Dimes
Your baby's stay in the NICU is a resource with information about how families can be involved in their baby's care. © March of Dimes
Weight chart is a resource with a grams to pounds conversion chart for pounds and half pounds, from 1lb up to 12lbs. © March of Dimes
Phone number list is a place for families to write down contact information for important people or places, including their baby's pediatrician, pharmacy, medical equipment supplier and the NICU. © March of Dimes
Words to know is a resource with the definitions of the pink words used in each of the Chapter of the NICU Journey booklet documents.© March of Dimes
NICU staff members is a resource with descriptions of staff that families may interact with in the NICU, including doctors, nurses and therapists. © March of Dimes
Equipment in the NICU is a resource with descriptions of equipment commonly found in or used with babies in the NICU. © March of Dimes
NICUs provide specialized care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also have intermediate or continuing care areas for babies who are not as sick but do need specialized nursing care.
In most cases, you can be with your baby in the NICU at any time. Read on to learn what you can expect.
While your baby is the NICU, you will have lots of opportunities to bond with and care for your baby. Watch this video to learn some of the ways NICU babies benefit from close contact with Mom and Dad.
Family and friends in the NICU: Your special role information sheet provides ways that family and friends, and grandparents in particular can help support the new parents while the newborn is in the NICU, whether they live nearby or far away. © March of Dimes
A young couple shares the fears and joys of having a preemie daughter in the NICU.
Life as a mom of twin preemies, and the early days of caring for your child in the NICU.
Dr. Kara Calkins discusses acceptable visitation practices by friends and family of the baby in the NICU.
Having a baby in the NICU is a difficult time in any parent's life. When you have other young children at home, challenges are multiplied. They need your time and attention, too. One of the most valuable things we can offer our children in times of crisis is clear, consistent information. This resource provides some of the most common questions your child may have and suggestions on how to answer. © NICU Parent Network: Hand to Hold
Dads and the NICU: Your special role information sheet offers information and tips on how dads can cope during NICU stay. © March of Dimes
Fathers have an important role in the life of their baby. When parents find themselves in the NICU after delivery, fathers often experience a wide range of emotions. © NICU Parent Network: NICU Helping Hands
Family Stories is a collection of stories from families who have had a baby in the NICU. © March of Dimes
Adoptive families is a resource with supportive information for adoptive families with a baby in the NICU. © March of Dimes
Coping with being in the hospital while pregnant information sheet is devoted to helping moms-to-be during their period of bedrest. It covers what they can do to cope and helps prepare them for their baby's arrival. © March of Dimes
For moms: Your postpartum checkup information encourages moms to go to their postpartum check-up, describes what happens at the postpartum check-up and provides information about how the postpartum check-up helps moms reduce their risk for premature birth in their next pregnancy. © March of Dimes
For moms: How to take care of yourself is a resource for moms who have had a baby in the NICU. It includes information about what they can do for themselves to stay healthy, where to go to for help from others, and talking to their doctor before another pregnancy. © March of Dimes
Pregnant moms-to-be with certain medical conditions can prepare themselves for the possibility their baby will spend time in the NICU. Learn about those final weeks of pregnancy and how to prepare for a possible NICU experience.
Being a NICU mom or dad can be an emotional rollercoaster. Learn about resources and strategies to help you cope.
Coping as a NICU parent is a resource with ways for families to cope with stress while their baby is in the NICU. © March of Dimes
When your baby's birth is followed by a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, it can have a very real and lasting impact on your mental health. Parents with babies in the intensive care unit are more at risk of depression and anxiety disorders. Learn how to lessen your chances of suffering from anxiety, depression or even post-traumatic stress disorder, recognize the signs that may mean you should seek help and know how to advocate for your health throughout your NICU experience.
A mom that has been through the NICU with two children shares all she has learned about taking charge of her baby's health.
Understand that there are many ways to bond with your baby during their NICU stay. © NICU Parent Network: Hand to Hold
Understand that there is a chance of PTSD after experiencing time in the NICU with your baby. Learn the symptoms of PTSD and know that there is help available. © TWN
The emotional, physical, financial and psychological impact of a NICU stay often blindsides families. Hand to Hold is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the information, resources and support parents need during and after a NICU stay to ensure the best outcome for the baby and the entire family unit. © NICU Parent Network: Hand to Hold
When you're on your own is a resource with supportive information for single parents with a baby in the NICU. © March of Dimes
Helping your older children cope information sheet provides tips on how NICU parents can help their older children cope with the NICU experience. © March of Dimes
You're about to bring a baby into the family. You want to get your child ready for the new arrival. Here are some tips to help your child adjust to the new dynamic.
Apply self-care instructions for stress in parents of infants, and know when to seek care.
The loss of a child is one of life's most traumatic events. Having a strong support network where feelings can be shared in a safe and open manner is paramount to the grief process. © NICU Parent Network: NICU Helping Hands
Understand the emotional and physical process of grief after the loss of a newborn.
