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First Years Program

Education and support for parents of NICU babies

Please join us as you prepare for the next step in your NICU parenting journey: HOME!

The First Years program is an expert-lead group discussion aimed at easing the transition from hospital to home when caring for babies who have spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We aim to support families through every stage of their journey, and with this in mind, the First Years program is designed to provide valuable information in an interactive, comfortable, and supportive atmosphere.

A note from the First Years Program Coordinator, Niki Traibman:

Having a baby in the NICU is a unique experience, and First Years was designed to provide support to match. Normally, we meet in person each week to discuss different topics that are tailored to you and your baby, from the birth experience and NICU stay, through their first year of life. Thanks to COVID-19, we’re getting creative and going online! Lessons will be delivered via e-Newsletter and blog post weekly, and I encourage you to reach out to me via email with any questions or feedback that you have (or to be added to our First Years e-Newsletter list), so we can stay in contact and continue to have opportunities for discussion.

I know that being in the NICU can be an isolating experience, and our recent health crisis has exponentially increased that feeling. My goal is to continue supporting you, even from afar, in hopes of providing some comfort and companionship during an uncertain time. We may not be able to get together, but we are still in this together!


First Years Lessons

Vol. 1 No. 1: Quarantine Cuisine
Vol. 1, No. 2: Surviving the Hospital Stay
Vol. 1, No. 3: Using Your Resources



What types of topics are discussed in First Years classes?

Some of the materials you can expect to see covered include:

  • Baby’s Development (0-2yrs)
  • Family Nutrition
  • Appropriate and Safe Use of Equipment
  • Positioning Techniques
  • Community Resources
  • Self-Care for Mom
  • Developing a Routine
  • What to Ask the Pediatrician
  • Sleep and Soothing Techniques
  • Brain Development
  • Physical, Emotional, and Language Development
  • Baby Item Essentials
  • Skin Care
  • Feeding Benchmarks
  • Respiratory Health
  • Resources, Apps and Podcasts
  • Limiting Stress for Mom and Baby
  • Emotional Awareness
  • Keeping Baby Healthy
  • Breast Feeding
  • CPR and First Aid
  • Bath Time

Who may attend?
Classes are available families currently registered (as overnight OR day-use guests) at a local Ronald McDonald House, or families who were recently discharged. If you are not currently registered but are interested in attending, please call (479)463-6760 or email niki@rmhcofarkoma.org to inquire about eligibility.

Where are the classes held?
Find us in the living/dining area of the Fayetteville Ronald McDonald House in Washington Regional! Dinner is provided. Just check-in at the front desk.

Who teaches the classes?
First Years classes are being taught by Niki Traibman. Niki is passionate about community health and is currently pursuing a degree in Human Environmental Science at the University of Arkansas with a concentration in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Human Development and Family Science. This program is funded by a grant from RMHC Global.

 

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© RMHC 2020

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald's, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

RMHC is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to RMHC are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. RMHC of Arkoma's EIN is 73-1563945. A copy of our determination letter is available upon request.

RMHC of Arkoma
1333 Arapaho Ave, Ste C
Springdale, AR 72764
(479) 756-5600
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