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?
- 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?
Where are the classes held?
Who teaches the classes?
