Explore Resources that Will Guide You on Your NICU Journey
NICU Parent’s Guide
Having an infant in the NICU may be one of the most stressful times in your life, but you are not alone. This short guide will give you quick pointers and tips on connecting with your baby and navigating your NICU journey.
Your NICU Guide
Navigating the NICU can be difficult for any parent, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been down this road before. Each NICU stay is a different experience, depending on the baby’s condition.
Whatever your particular circumstances, this resource is designed to help you by providing education on what the NICU is, what it may look like, who the caregivers are, and more. It also suggests questions you might want to ask to ensure you have a role in your baby’s care.
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Su Guía de la UCIN
Enfrentarse a la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN) puede ser difícil para cualquier padre, tanto si es la primera vez como si ya ha pasado por esto antes. Cada estadía en la UCIN es una experiencia que difiere según la afección del bebé.
Independientemente de sus circunstancias particulares, este recurso está diseñado para ayudarlo brindándole educación sobre lo que es la UCIN, qué aspecto puede tener, quiénes son los cuidadores y más. También se sugieren preguntas que podría querer hacer para asegurarse de desempeñar un papel en la atención de su bebé.
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The RDS Children’s Book, Understanding Respiratory Distress Syndrome
An often-overlooked member of the NICU family is the older brother or sister of the newborn, who’s excited to meet their new sibling and doesn’t understand why they have to stay in the hospital…and why Mom and Dad are spending so much time at the NICU.
Understanding Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a children’s book that helps explain RDS and the NICU experience in an effort to ease the anxiety and worry of siblings like Asher, who is the main character in the story. Follow Asher as he teams up with the MediKidz to learn more about RDS and how it affects his twin baby sisters, Cora, and Jane.
English
El Libro del SDR para Niños
Understanding Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) (Comprender el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria [SDR]) es un libro para niños que ayuda a explicar el SDR y la experiencia en la UCIN en un esfuerzo por disminuir la ansiedad y la preocupación de hermanos como Asher, que es el protagonista de la historia. Siga a Asher mientras trabaja con MediKidz para conocer más sobre el SDR y cómo afecta a sus hermanas gemelas, Cora y Jane.
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The Superhero Project
At Chiesi, we are driven to support and connect patients, families, and caregivers during their time at the NICU. We are proudly sponsoring The Superhero Project, whose mission is to improve the experience of families with infants being treated in the NICU.
The Superhero Project works to assist families with babies born prematurely who are residing in the NICU. They work to bridge the gap between home and the hospital by donating care packages, assisting with financial grants, providing assistance to secure technology that allows families to view their babies 24/7, and much more.
Programs Offered by The Superhero Project*
AngelEye CameraSystem™:
The AngelEye CameraSystem™† includes a camera and one-way speaker that is placed at the baby’s bedside while hospitalized in the NICU to allow families to see their newest member via livestream when they are unable to be there in person.
Kelly’s Kloset:
Kelly’s Kloset is one step in bridging the gap between home and hospital, one closet at a time. This closet is a space where NICU parents can go to select something special, and most importantly call their own, when taking care of their baby. You may find special blankets, clothing, and accessories here.
Lullabies of Love:
Lullabies of Love is a program that provides books for the NICU library and a digital voice recorder at each bed for mom and dad to record themselves reading books, singing lullabies, or talking to their baby.
PJs with a Smile:
Every day, thousands of women are discharged from the NICU without their babies. The PJs with a Smile campaign seeks to provide NICU mothers with a brand-new set of pajamas, a letter of encouragement from a former NICU mom, and a fresh flower on their day of discharge.
Wrapped in Love:
For all women who have a superhero gain wings over a cape, The Superhero Project, Inc. provides a warm, comfortable robe for any moment they wish to be wrapped in a hug and feel their child’s spirit. Notecards from moms who have gone through the same experience are also provided to let these moms know that they are not alone and are supported by women who have walked in their shoes and come through this extremely difficult journey.
Gas Cards and Parking Vouchers:
For families residing in the NICU for an extended time period, gas cards and parking vouchers are available for hospitals to request to offset commuting costs to and from the hospital.
*These programs are offered by The Superhero Project but are only available at select hospitals.
†The AngelEye CameraSystem is one of many camera systems offered by NICUs. The Superhero Project only works with the AngelEye CameraSystem at this time. In addition, it is important to note that not all hospitals have this service available.
1. Understanding RDS. (n.d.). Understanding RDS.
2. Corporate Partners | The Superhero Project. (n.d.). Superhero Project Inc.