Introduction to this program

"Parents with babies in NICU are not always empowered to manage their own needs or the needs of their baby while admitted to the NICU or after discharge."

This statement is very true for most of the parents who are confronted with a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) experience. The aim of this program is to empower you as a parent of a NICU baby to understand and manage your own needs and those of your baby while admitted to the NICU and after discharge.

The program does not attempt to replace the doctors, nurses and therapists who are looking after your baby, but to help you to get to know your baby better and get involved in the care. This will lead to better bonding between you and your baby and you will be less afraid to take your baby home and care for her yourself. In this website you will find quote reference information articles from good quality research sources, and for more detailed information your are invited to read Prematurity – Adjusting your Dream.

For the sake of simplicity, all babies will be referred to as her/she. This however does not exclude baby boys they are just as important.

How does this program work?

Little Steps is a web-based program that aims to provide you (parents, family and friends) with the basic information that you will need when your baby is admitted to the NICU, such as admission information, NICU terms, tips to support babies and parents etc. by means of text and photographs. You can search for information regarding trustworthy support systems that are available to parents with babies in NICU.

You can e-mail your questions to a qualified professional, should you require more information on certain topics. You will be enabled to gather recent and research based information regarding your baby's clinical diagnosis and the management thereof by linking to specific web sites or referring you to research articles.

Some hospitals will offer Premmie Parenting Workshops on a regular basis to help you master the skills you need. These workshops should be attended while your little one is still in the NICU and you can visit the "Parenting Workshop" section to find a trained facilitator in your area.

You can also send pictures of your little one in the NICU to be placed on the Photo Gallery to share it with family, friends and other parents. This website also gives you the opportunity to share the story of your journey with other parents of premmies.