Wisconsin programs

• We’re improving the health of babies in our state.
• Our programs support moms-to-be and professionals.
• We offer comfort to families with a newborn in intensive care.

NICU Family Support Programs (NICU FSP) provide information and comfort to families during a newborn's stay in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), during the transition home, and in the tragic event of a newborn death. The NICU FSP contributes to NICU staff professional development and promotes the philosophy of family-centered care throughout the NICU. There are multiple options for NICU Family Support programs including a March of Dimes trained hospital staff member serving as NICU FSP or providing a March of Dimes computer kiosk, both through licensing agreements.

March of Dimes NICU Family Support has had a positive impact on the: Stress levels, comfort levels and parenting confidence of NICU families. Administrators see the project as "changing NICU culture" and making their NICU "a kinder, gentler place". Additionally, it has enhanced the presence of and the receptivity of staff to family-centered NICU care models.

Currently, the March of Dimes Wisconsin chapter has a NICU Family Support Specialist working to support families in the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Milwaukee. We also have the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin NICU Family Support Program blog, designed to provide information and support to current and graduate NICU families. For more information, check out the Children’s Hospital blog.

If you are interested in bringing a NICU Family Support Program into your care facility please contact our State Director of Program Services, Advocacy & Government Affairs, Maureen Kartheiser at (414) 203-3118 or via email.