Support Services

NICU Parent & Family Advisory Council

Multidisciplinary committee of NICU staff working alongside parents to promote Family-centered Care. The committee gathers insight and experiences from patient families in order to improve the quality of care, promote collaboration and communication, enhance our care philosophy, and treat families with dignity.

NICU Mom’s Milk Club

The needs of NICU moms are different than moms with babies born full-term or that don’t require specialized care, especially when it comes to infant nutrition, lactation and breastfeeding. This new group, established in 2017, was created to give special support to NICU moms. Parents gather to talk about their experience with pumping/nursing, and NICU nurses and trained lactation supporters give advice, review equipment and discuss alternative techniques.

Breastfeeding Support Program

In collaboration with Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center we offer a breastfeeding support program, recognized by the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Care Award. The program provides breastfeeding education for NICU nurses and offers projects that promote, protect and support breastfeeding.

NICU Parents Dinner

This monthly event, sponsored by TWIGS, is an opportunity for parents to network with other NICU parents while enjoying catered meals in the unit.

CPR Education

CPR is a life-saving skill that is important for every new parent and caregiver to learn. We routinely offer infant CPR education to all parents, extended family and caregivers. Our goal is to empower parents and caregivers with CPR knowledge, instilling confidence before bringing baby home.

Pet Therapy

NICU families are often displaced from their pets during their infant’s NICU stay. Nonetheless, there is long-standing evidence that interacting with pets can reduce stress and contribute to healing. In collaboration with Atlantic Health System, we offer pet therapy in the NICU Family Lounge. NICU parents have reported that spending time with the pets is a calming and joyful experience; a welcomed change from the day-to-day pace of the NICU.

NICU Hugger Program

Should circumstances prevent a parent from being at their newborn’s side, e.g. during discharge planning or while caring for other siblings, the NICU Hugger Program can ensure that babies get the hugs and affection they need to heal and thrive. If NICU infants are healthy enough, and with consent from parents, NICU Huggers can comfort (e.g. hug) and provide developmental stimulation (e.g. sing) to babies. Huggers are volunteers who have passed a security screening and background check, and who have been trained by the NICU Staff. They uphold guidelines for confidentiality and infection control.

NICU Lending Library

Parent resource books are available for parents and families while their babies are in the NICU. The library also includes a great deal of educational information for parents that they can take home and share with other family members and care givers.

Developmental Care Committee

Each NICU infant is unique and may have special developmental needs during their NICU stay and for years to come. We have assembled a diverse group of NICU staff to regularly discuss the developmental care needs for our babies, and then communicate those needs to parents and caregivers. The committee focuses on developmental techniques, discharge readiness and long-term developmental care.

Support Services

NICU Parent & Family Advisory Council

NICU Mom’s Milk Club

Breastfeeding Support Program

NICU Parents Dinner

CPR Education

Pet Therapy

NICU Hugger Program

NICU Lending Library

Developmental Care Committee

Life in the NICU

Your Baby’s NICU Stay

Terms & Equipment

Online Resources

Discharge Planning