New Jersey programs

Built upon a family-centered philosophy and incorporating NICU families into every level of the project, NICU Family Support is being rolled out through March of Dimes chapters nationwide.  This service is currently being offered in over 115 hospitals.  Serving the mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents and extended family of newborns admitted to the NICU, NICU Family Support addresses the needs of families throughout hospitalization, during the transition home and in the event of a newborn death.

NICU Family Support has multiple components that make it unique:

• A part-time March of Dimes NICU Support Specialist with professional NICU experience
• A volunteer parent-professional action committee guiding program selection, development and implementation
• March of Dimes volunteers providing parent-to-parent support to families within the NICU setting
• Sensitive and engaging educational materials that introduce parents to the staff, equipment, procedures and conditions that they may encounter in the NICU
• Customized programs to serve the needs of the specific NICUs and the populations they support 

NICU Family Support information and resources are available to all families through the March of Dimes national website.

NICU Family Support at Capital Health in Trenton is one of the nation’s hospitals currently hosting this program.  Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton is a level III Regional Perinatal Center, providing the highest level or care.  The March of Dimes, Capital Health and also, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center have committed to this project.

For more information, please contact Christy Keppel, NICU Support Specialist at (609) 815-7680 or by email at ckeppel@marchofdimes.com .

Hispanic/Latino Families Module

This module addresses the emotional and informational needs of Hispanic Families within the NICU setting, through the transition to home and in the event of a newborn loss.  All of the educational and support materials are in Spanish and there are translators and Spanish-speaking volunteers to support these families.

Comprehensive Photography Module

This module weaves photography throughout the NICU experience to provide lasting keepsakes for families.  Each family receives a disposable camera, the nurses have access to a digital camera and printer to take photos for the families and each month there are family photo shoots.  Photo albums, frames and scrap booking materials help complete this module.

Support Groups for families with premature babies:

•  Parent to Parent, a statewide network of parents supporting families of children with development delays, disabilities and special health needs can be reached by calling 1-800-372-6510 or email at parent2parent@spannj.com
• UNITE, a grief support network for families who have lost a baby, can be reached by calling 1-888-48UNITE
• http://www.p1pusa.org/

 

See also: NICU Annual Report(PDF,727.30kb)

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