A big part of NICU Awareness month is bringing awareness to the struggles of the NICU families, parents, infants, and siblings. And highlighting all the places that provide support for NICU families.
NICU parents are under an enormous amount of stress.
They are obviously, deeply worried about their newborn. They are overwhelmed with all the uncertainty. There is often financial stress from unexpected time off work and medical costs. Plus all of the mental and emotional strain that comes with have a seriously ill infant in the NICU.
To read more about what about what our NICU journey was like read my post My NICU Story.
In honor of NICU Awareness month I wanted to create a list of the best resources and support for NICU families.
Honestly, there are a few of these I didn’t know about until the end of our NICU time and I really wish I had known about them earlier. Knowing how much even just a little help and support can mean during a time like this makes me very passionate about passing this information along.
If you have an infant in the NICU or have reason to believe your baby may spend time in the NICU please take advantage of the resources I’ve included in this post. And if someone you love is going through their NICU journey right now, please share this post with them.
Project Sweet Peas
Project Sweet Peas is first on my list for so many reasons. It is run by volunteers who, through personal experience, have become passionate about providing support to families with premature or sick infants and infant loss.
They provide care packages, hospital events, peer-to-peer support, financial aid, educational materials, and other Project Sweet Peas services, support the cultural, spiritual, emotional, and financial needs of families as they endure life in the NICU.
Plus, they also are the founding organization of NICU Awareness month 💚
Hand To Hold
Another organization committed to helping families before, during and after a NICU stay and infant loss. What makes Hand To Hold special is they provide one on one mentoring with someone who has been through it.
They offer a handbook and sibling coloring books, online communities and also a podcast, among other services
Graham’s Foundation
This foundation was founded to empower parents of premature babies to help improve outcomes for their preemies and themselves. They are committed to a world where no parent goes through the preemie journey alone.
They provide support through care packages, connecting with a preemie parent mentor and they have an app to help navigate this uncertain time.
March of Dimes
March of Dimes is the biggest foundation on this list. They lead the fight for health of all moms and babies. This is a great place for info and education material about all aspects of the NICU. They have an online community for support, as well as an app.
Check for local organizations in your area.
Here in New Jersey we have Michael’s Feat which helps families in Monmouth and Ocean county. They did a lot for us when our twins were in the NICU.
In California they have Miracle Babies. They serve the San Diego area. They offer shuttle rides to and from the NICU, care packages, financial assistance along with education materials and an app.
Don’t be afraid to check with your hospital staff. Talk to a social worker too. Usually you will be assigned one as soon as your baby is admitted into the NICU. There is a lot of help and support out there NICU families, which is good because they need it, so DON’T BE AFRAID TO SEEK IT OUT! No family should go through such a scary and stressful time alone.
Was there an organization that helped your family through your NICU time? Please, share your stories below. I’m always here to answer questions too!
To read my Tips That Helped Us Survive Our NICU Journey click here!
