NICU Family Support®

Celebrating 25 years of NICU Family Support

For 25 years, the March of Dimes NICU Family Support program has been a trusted source of education, compassion, and connection for families navigating one of the most difficult moments in their lives: the NICU. Since its launch in 2001, the program 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.

Through evidence-based education, peer support, and training for healthcare providers, NICU Family Support helps families understand their baby’s care, build confidence as caregivers, and prepare for the transition home. Today, the program serves more than 50,000 families each year through partnerships with hospital NICUs nationwide.

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of NICU Family Support, we remain committed to ensuring that every baby and every family receive the care, resources, and support they need to thrive.

About the program

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

NICU Family Support is offered in NICUs across the U.S. to provide family education, staff training on patient-centered care, and an improved patient experience with support from 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’re 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 seven 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 during their NICU journey.