NICU Family Support®

All babies and families deserve the best possible start

Not every pregnancy goes as planned, and unfortunately, too many families find their babies in the NICU due to preterm birth, birth defects, surgical or genetic conditions or other diagnosis. This time can be stressful and overwhelming for families. That’s why NFS offers support and education they need during this difficult time.

Since 2001, NFS has partnered with hospitals across the country to educate NICU staff and support families through evidence-based programs and a variety of online and in-person resources while babies are in the NICU and during their transition home.

About the program

NICU Family Support® (NFS): Classic and Virtual Models

NFS is offered in more than 70 NICUs across the U.S. to provide family education, staff training on patient-centered care and an improved patient experience with the support of March of Dimes experts.

Educating NICU families

Providing education and information to families is one of the most meaningful ways to engage them in creating a positive experience while they are in the NICU. NICU Family Support® provides multiple ways for families to receive critical information.

Educational resources include “The NICU Journey” and “In the NICU for a Shorter Stay” booklets and an evaluated parent education curriculum of 7 topics. Resources are reviewed for medical accuracy and health literacy standards.
Educating NICU staff

NICU Family Support is committed to increasing the knowledge of NICU staff by providing on-going educational opportunities. Web-based, on demand, presentations from the March of Dimes Training Institute are provided, which include free CNEs. Additionally, NICU Grand Rounds and Leading Practice Workshops are provided on current NICU trends. Through these offerings, NICU staff receive tools to work effectively with families and each other.
Improving the patient experience

Quality improvement consulting on unit specific goals to impact patient experience and family-centered care, including annual Patient Experience Projects. Additionally, programs host activities or events each month, such as dinners or holiday events, designed to help parents bond with baby and to form a community on the journey home.

NICU Family Support Coordinators provide a voice for families, bridging the gap between hospital staff and families. We offer knowledge, compassion and support.

Lauren LaRosa can't remember a time when she didn't want to grow up and work in the NICU.

The Cato family story takes an interesting spin, one we need to take a step back to understand.

For Vania Biglefthand and her husband Ray—and like too many parents across the country—access to care became a very real problem on their journey to building a family.