Project  Aims:

To provide information and support to parents and families during a NICU hospitalization of their newborn and during the transition home

To provide comfort and support to families who suffer the death of a newborn in the NICU setting

To improve the relationship and communication between NICU staff and NICU parents through professional development and support opportunities

Support to Parents in Akron

Parent Care Kits
The March of Dimes provides informational and emotionally supportive materials (3 booklets and 2 videos) about the NICU experience for distribution to all families with a child admitted to the NICU.  The books provide information on… 1) a basic NICU orientation for parents, describing the staff, equipment, and common conditions seen in the NICU in a glossary-like format,  2) the emotional aspects parents will experience during the NICU experience,  3) a special baby book that allows parents to track the unique course their child will take in their hopeful progress to full health.  The two videos included serve as an introduction to the NICU staff, equipment, common procedures and ways of negotiating this system, and as an overview of the various things to expect in the hospitalization of a premature baby.

Comprehensive Photography Program
Photos are very special to NICU families.  A photo is a spontaneous, tangible documentation of a moment that can be shared with others.  For may NICU families, pictures are the only way they can share their child with others.  For some, it is the only thing they are able to leave the NICU with if their child does not survive.  Most families are so stressed that they don’t think to bring a camera.  This program insures that ALL families have beautiful, quality, lasting photos of their child.

Transition to Home Project
Whether it is a first child or a couple has other children at home, taking a child home after a stay in the NICU is a difficult thing for families.  Some families may only stay a few days, while others may be in the hospital for over a year.  Families find it difficult to leave the equipment and medical support.  The more they are able to do in the hospital, the easier the transition to home can be. Through this module, families receive a “going HOME” binder filled with information sheets divided into eight different catagorize.  Additional sheets can be added so that each book is customize for the needs of that family and child.

Neonatal Transport Support Program
Imagine having your child, finding out there is a problem, and then having your newborn taken immediately by ambulance to another hospital hours away.  This scenario happens to many families in the NICU.  The NICU at Akron Children’s Hospital receives ill and premature newborns from 35 hospitals in 17 counties. Through this module: the hospital dedicated transport team provides every family with a Polaroid™ picture of their child before they leave the birth hospital and each family receives a photo composite of the neonatologists. Families who rush to the new hospital frequently come without any money.  Each family also receives a “cafeteria cash” coupon so that they can go to the cafeteria and get something to eat. Lastly, a pamphlet has been created which answers the most common questions parents/families have about why a transport is necessary, and a sheet has been prepared including all the hotels and restaurants in the area and if they offer a discount to NICU families.

For More Information
Questions should be directed to The NICU Family Support Program Coordinator, Kristie Stefan at kstefan@marchofdimes.com or 216-643-3330 or 330-543-DIME.