NICU Family Support Program
St. Luke's puts parents and their babies at the center of the child's NICU care team, encouraging parents' presence, input and participation. A developmental care specialist and team provides an individualized developmental care plan (NIDCAP) for each baby, and we encourage parents to stay in the NICU room to remain close to their baby.
Iowa’s only March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program
We’re proud that our NICU was chosen as Iowa's first and only site to house the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program. The project's purpose is to provide information and emotional support to families of critically ill newborns being cared for in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Throughout a baby's NICU hospital stay, during the transition from NICU to home, as well as in the event of a child's death, we offer:
- Family Support Liaison – a specialist who has personally experienced having a baby in the NICU and works closely with families to help them throughout their time spent in the NICU.
- Educational materials – provide resources you need throughout your time in the NICU as well as your transition home – including materials for Spanish-speaking families.
- Programs and activities – include a photo keepsake, pizza party, and scrapbooking.
- Online information, resources and communities – available 24/7 at marchofdimes.com/nicu.
For more information on the March of Dimes NICU Family Support program e-mail us or call 319/369-8208.
