Direct Family Support & Care

From NICU to home, we provide comprehensive support including KMC training, parent support groups, mental health services, and digital follow-up care.

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1. NICU Parent Support and Empowerment

At Preterm Infants Parents Network Uganda (PIPNU), parents are recognized as essential partners in the care of newborns in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Parents are not visitors they are caregivers, advocates, and decision-makers. Our NICU Parent Support and Empowerment Program provides structured emotional, educational, and practical support from admission through discharge and post-discharge follow-up, focusing on preterm and medically vulnerable infants.

Why Support Matters

NICU admission can be stressful, leaving parents anxious and exhausted. Effective support:

  • Reduces parental stress and anxiety
  • Strengthens parent-infant bonding
  • Improves preparedness for home care
  • Boosts caregiver confidence and advocacy
  • Builds peer support networks

Program Highlights

  • Emotional & Psychosocial Support: Parent circles, one-on-one mentoring, peer reassurance
  • Education & Skills Development: Training on NICU care, Kangaroo Mother Care, feeding, hygiene, infant cues, and self-care
  • Communication & Advocacy: Guidance on ward participation, informed questions, and navigating hospital systems
  • Peer-to-Peer Mentorship: Storytelling, moderated support groups, and mentoring by experienced parents
  • Discharge Readiness & Home Transition: Danger sign education, safe sleep, infection prevention, and linkage to Village Kangaroo Ambassadors for follow-up
  • Spiritual & Cultural Support: Culturally sensitive guidance in collaboration with hospital chaplains and faith leaders

2. Structured Post-Discharge Follow-Up

Family-Led Continuum of Care Model

The Family-Led Approach ensures uninterrupted care for preterm infants by linking hospital discharge to structured community follow-up.

The assigned Village Kangaroo Ambassador conducts structured home visits:

  • First visit within 48 hours of discharge
  • Ongoing growth and developmental monitoring
  • Feeding and Kangaroo Care support
  • Early identification of danger signs
  • Vaccination reminders and clear referral pathways
  • Digital tracking and alert systems for timely intervention

Impact

  • Reduced post-discharge complications
  • Improved follow-up and vaccination adherence
  • Early detection of developmental delays
  • Increased parental confidence and competence

Active NICU Sites

Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Mulago Women's Specialized Hospital, China–Uganda Friendship Hospital Naguru, Mbale, Mbarara, Kawunga, Luwero, and Mubende Regional Referral Hospitals

3. Mental Health & Bereavement Support

PIPNU supports families through stress, trauma, grief, and healing. Our Mental Health & Bereavement Program provides:

  • Peer support from trained parents
  • One-on-one emotional guidance
  • Group support circles
  • Bereavement companionship and memory-making
  • Referral to professional mental health care

Where Support Happens

NICUs, hospitals, homes, virtual groups, and community spaces

Who Provides Care

Trained parent mentors, Village Kangaroo Ambassadors, mental health professionals, and faith/community partners

Message to Families

Your pain is seen. Your grief is valid. You do not have to carry it alone.