parents of preemies
you are not alone.
Premature birth puts you on a journey unlike any other. Your preemie is struggling, and you feel powerless, afraid, and alone. You have to be your preemie’s advocate and support system, while still somehow taking care of your own needs. Parenting a premature baby can be a profoundly difficult and isolating experience, but never assume you are alone. Studies show that parents of preemies who connect with NICU parents (virtually or in person) feel less anxiety and depression, which is why we have made it our purpose to ensure that every parent is supported after premature birth.
NICU Parents
- NICU care packages
- The MyPreemie App
- Support for parents who live far from the NICU
- Multiples in the NICU support
- Multiple preemie journey support
- Breastfeeding/pumping support
- Support for dads of preemies
- Parent support for IVH
- Parent support for lung and breathing issues
- Parent support for NEC
- Parent support for ROP
- Our Facebook page
Life After NICU
- Transition home care packages
- Life after NICU mentor
- Parent wellness support
- Parent support for feeding challenges
- Tips for Transitioning Home from the NICU
- Preemie Parent Product Exchange Facebook group
- Join our Circle of Hope
- Become a NICU Ambassador
- Join our Preemie Parent Influencer team
Preemie Loss
- Remembrance care packages
- Belinda, preemie loss parent mentor
- Ashley, preemie loss parent mentor
- Remembrance resources
- Preemie Loss in a Multiple Birth
- A Preemie Mom’s Story of Love and Loss
- Honoring the Ripples of Graham’s Life
- Ashley on How Loss Can Inspire Positive Action
- Racing to Remember Liam
family and friends
Support in the NICU and beyond.
When a friend, relative, or someone you care about is coping with the effects of premature birth, you may feel helpless to support or even understand them. Their world is in turmoil – and they obviously need help, but what kind? There’s no one right or wrong way to support a mom or dad coping with the challenges of premature birth, but often the best thing you can do is simply let them know you care. Research has shown that parents of preemies weather the challenges prematurity brings more easily when they have a strong network of support. You can be a part of that network by helping us show them they’re not alone.
Understanding the Preemie Journey
- Preemie Parent Voices
- A Preemie Grandparent’s Perspective
- They Need to Know: Prematurity Doesn’t End When You Say Goodbye to the NICU
- Resources for Understanding Prematurity
- Protecting Preemies from RSV and Other Illnesses
- NICU glossary (PDF)
Supporting Parents of Preemies
- Send a care packages to preemie parents
- Support for grandparents of preemies
- How Family & Friends Can Help Preemie Parents
- How to Talk to Parents of Preemies
- 8 Things You SHOULD Say to Parents of Preemies
- Time: The Best Gift You Can Give to Parents of Micro-Preemies
- Preemie Support Resources
nicu professionals
Partnering with NICUs.
We could not do all we do to support parents of preemies without the help of the NICU professionals who share our resources with the moms and dads of the babies in their care. When we communicate closely with doctors, nurses, social workers, and community liaisons, we are able to understand and respond to the needs of specific hospitals and connect with moms and dads of preemies at the local level. We believe that family support and education is an essential component of family-centered care and preemie support in the NICU, and emerging research suggests that family-centered care can lead to better outcomes during infancy and beyond. Together we can empower parents of preemies and change the prematurity experience.
Supporting Parents in the NICU
- The MyPreemie App
- Our NICU Ambassador Program
- A Look At What Our NICU Ambassadors Do
- Meet Laura Martin, NICU Ambassador Director
- Parents of Preemies Day
Preemie Parent Experience
