Both in the NICU and outside of it, we want to support you as you navigate the emotions and challenges of having a baby in hospital care.
Support for you and your baby in the NICU
• Sibling recess: On weekends, the NICU has volunteers who will watch and entertain your older children while you spend time with your baby
• Cuddler program: We have specially trained volunteers who hold, swaddle and read to your baby in the NICU when you are not able to be there
• Free flu shots: We offer family members who are 18 years or older free flu shots during flu season
• Dedicated rooms for parents: We offer a family rooms to retreat from the busy activity of the NICU — a calm space to read a book, watch a movie or catch up on work, many of the activities often interrupted by your hospital stay
• Celebrating NICU “graduates": Each year the Renée Schine Crown NICU at Rush University Medical Center hosts a Preemie Picnic and NICU Graduate Reunion to celebrate former patients and keep in touch with our NICU care team
For more information about any of the above programs or benefits, please talk to your baby's nurse. In addition, we also suggest the below resources which are not Rush-affiliated.
- CaringBridge.org: An online community where you can share the challenges, hopes and triumphs of facing a life-changing health event; members create personalized websites to communicate and update friends and family
- March of Dimes: The leading nonprofit fighting for the health of premature babies; offers information about pregnancy, baby care and complications; hosts an annual fundraiser —March for Babies — in Chicago