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.
CLASSES CURRENTLY BEING HELD THURSDAYS FROM 6 to 7 PM (DINNERTIME).
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.
