To meet a growing need for additional support during and after a baby's stay in the NICU, the Newborn Intensive Care staff established "The Graduate Group," a network of parents who have or have had children in Parkview NICU. The group, established in September 2000, provides comfort and support to families and serves as an information resource as well.
Mission Statement
We believe family members are the most important people in the lives of NICU babies and critical to a baby's survival, growth and development. Therefore, it is our mission to assist you, the family, along each step of the journey by:
Providing support and encouragement based on our own experiences of parenting in the NICU.
Providing literature and resources, as well as one-on-one support, to help you during your NICU stay and following dismissal.
Meetings
Graduate Group support meetings are usually held monthly at the Parkview Women's and Children's Hospital. For meeting dates and times, call (260) 672-6440.
Pizza Night
Pizza Night is a direct outreach to current Parkview NICU families. It is an opportunity for them to ask questions, share their own situation, relax and break the routine of hospital food. Pizza Night takes place two times a month at 6:30 p.m.
One-on-One Support
On occasion, a family in the NICU may want to contact another family who has gone through a similar situation. The NICU staff will facilitate this contact with the permission of both families. This support is not professional, but more an opportunity to share experiences.
NICU Reunion
Each summer, Parkview hosts the NICU Reunion, which commemorates NICU graduates who were born prematurely or were extremely ill after birth, but today enjoy healthy, happy and productive lives. Hundreds of NICU graduates, their families, Parkview NICU staff and neonatologists enjoy a fun-filled day of games, food and prize drawings. The annual event has been in existence for more than 25 years.
For more information, call Renell Liechty, developmental care coordinator for the Parkview NICU, at (260) 672-6440.