NICU Parent Support and Empowerment - Direct Family Support and Care

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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