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Member Spotlight – NICU Helping Hands

NICU Helping Hands-Family Support for Fragile Beginnings was first created in response to the growing need in Fort Worth, Texas for a local organization to support preemie families during their stay in the NICU and transition home. Their reach has since expanded nationwide to provide emotional, educational, and financial support to parents coping with the challenges of having a premature infant. Programs include mentorships that connect NICU families with experienced graduate families, opportunities for parent and professional education, and a robust hospital program, Project NICU, to enhance the support and education that NICU staff provide to families. In addition, NICU Helping Hands' Angel Gown Program comforts grieving families in the hospital by providing a beautiful infant burial gown to honor their child. To learn more, visit their website.

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NANN - Baby Steps To Home Discharge Pathway

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Developed by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, Baby Steps to Home is the first standardized, evidence-based discharge pathway designed for nurses. The resource is available online to all hospitals across the country. Baby Steps to Home contains downloadable documents for professional education as well as easy-to-understand handouts that nurses can share with parents prior to their baby's discharge.

Included in this resource are:

  • Ten steps of discharge covering 25 topics from common diagnoses to follow-up appointments
  • Downloadable evidence-based PDFs for nurses
  • Parent handouts that explain the condition, suggest questions for parents to ask their baby's providers, and provide practical information and tips
  • Modifiable parent handouts in English and Spanish that allow you to include your hospital's logo and other unit-specific information

For more information about Baby Steps to Home, visit their website at www.babystepstohome.com.

Member Spotlight – AWHONN

The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a nonprofit membership organization committed to improving and promoting the the health of women and newborns, as well as strengthening the nursing profession through research, education, and advocacy. AWHONN provides nurses and other professionals with clinical resources, guidelines, publications, and extensive support. AWHONN will host their annual convention June 14-18 at the Disney Coronado Spring Resort in Orlando, Florida. Attendees at the upcoming convention will be inspired to become better healthcare providers, leaders, and professionals in their field.

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Preemie Matters - May 2014

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In this issue of Preemie Matters: NICU Transition Toolkit • AWHONN Convention • Breast Milk Benefit to Preemies  • Gut Bacteria Linked to Infections in Preterm Babies • Parents of Preemies Day • Burnout in the NICU

AHRQ's Transitioning Newborns from the NICU to Their New Home Toolkit

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently launched a toolkit to enhance the process through which infants are discharged from the NICU. The Transitioning Newborns from NICU to Home Toolkit, with resources for medical professionals and parents to create a smooth and safe transition into the home environment for fragile newborn infants, includes: Health Coach Programs, Information Packets for Families, NICU Needs Assessment, Clinical Materials to Share with Primary Care Providers, and Follow up Telephone Surveys. This free-of-charge manual was designed to be adapted for any institution that cares for preemies and other fragile newborns.

AWHONN

The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a nonprofit membership organization committed to improving and promoting the the health of women and newborns, as well as strengthening the nursing profession through research, education, and advocacy. AWHONN provides nurses and other professionals with clinical resources, guidelines, publications, and extensive support. AWHONN will host their annual convention June 14-18 at the Disney Coronado Spring Resort in Orlando, Florida. Attendees at the upcoming convention will be inspired to become better healthcare providers, leaders, and professionals in their field.

Breast Milk Confers Benefits to Preemies

According to data presented at the 2014 Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting, maternal breast milk confers important benefits to preterm infants. Dr. Katherine Gregory and colleagues from Brigham and Women's Hospital concluded that feeding with maternal breast milk may not only help establish an optimal pattern of infant gut microbiota, but may also help protect against the use of antibiotics at birth. The researchers investigated the effect of different feeding patterns on the establishment of preterm infants' intestinal microbiota. Thirty preterm infants aged less than 32 weeks' gestation received either maternal breast milk, pasteurized donor human milk, or infant formula. The study found that all groups experienced a high frequency of Staphylococcus during the two weeks of observation, but those fed breast milk had the lowest incidence. Additionally, the infants given breast milk lost fewer phylotypes after exposure to antibiotics and recovered their microbiota more quickly compared to the infants in the other groups. "The analyses underscore the importance of feeding in establishment of the preterm infant intestinal microbiota," say the researchers.

Gut Bacteria Can Cause Life-Threatening Infection in Preterm Babies

A new study published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal suggests that twenty percent of premature infants are at risk for contracting the life-threatening bloodstream infection, late-onset sepsis. Little is known about the environment in which sepsis flourishes, which motivated researchers to conduct a cohort study of 217 premature infants at risk for sepsis. Senior author Dr. Philip Tarr stated, "The germ that invades the infant's blood flourishes in their gastrointestinal tracts for at least a few days before it causes sepsis." Additionally, the researchers determined that "infants whose NICU stays overlapped occasionally transmit the bacterial infection to other infants." The findings from this study should be used by healthcare professionals to develop a treatment strategy for this life-threatening bloodstream infection to protect the health of the fragile infants in the NICU.

Parents of Preemies Day

Parents of Preemies Day (PoPD) is a day of awareness created to recognize the courage and commitment of millions of preemie parents who stay strong and resilient during an extremely challenging time. On May 4th, hundreds of parents across the country celebrated the 4th annual PoPD through community events, NICU reunion events, at home, in NICUs, and online via the second annual PoPD Twitter chat. Thanks to coverage from  BlogHer, preemie parent bloggers, and various newspapers, more people now know about Parents of Preemies Day than ever before! Learn more about the day on Facebook or http://parentsofpreemiesday.org.

NICU Workers Report up to 54% Burnout

An analysis of a survey administered to healthcare workers at 44 NICUs reported burnout rates from 7.5 percent to 54.5 percent, according to a study in BMJ Quality and Safety. Non-physician staff members tended to report more burnout than physicians. Higher burnout rates were associated with the lack of a teamwork-like environment, lower job satisfaction, lower management skills, and poor working conditions. Overall, NICU caregiver burnout is correlated with lower perceptions of an organization's commitment of a patient safety culture.

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Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB’s disclaimer is available on our website.

Member Spotlight – Preemies Today

Preemies Today is a nonprofit organization based in the Washington, D.C. area that provides families with the latest prematurity education, a parent-to-parent support group, preemie care packages, hosts family outings, and initiated a local preemie playgroup. Preemies Today sends out a monthly e-newsletter, hosts Facebook chats, and can also be found on Twitter. Along with the SIDS Mid-Atlantic group, Preemies Today will host a support group on Thursday, March 6th for anyone affected by the loss of a baby. The event’s goal is to provide an inclusive, understanding, and patient environment where families and preemies can come together for support, education, and to discuss their own NICU experiences.

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Preemie Matters – February 2014

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In this issue of Preemie Matters: American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement and Clinical Reports on Preemie Care • Preemies Today •Talking to Preemies in the NICU Improves Language Skills  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Symposium • Increasing Human Milk Consumption in the NICU  • Mark Your Calendar for 2014 Conference

AAP Policy Statement & Clinical Reports on Preemie Care

A new policy statement and two clinical reports published last month by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) address the care of preterm infants. The policy statement covers respiratory support at birth, suggesting that clinicians consider the use of CPAP at or soon after birth with subsequent selective surfactant, as an alternative to routine intubation with prophylactic or early surfactant administration. A clinical report on surfactant replacement therapy updates a 2008 clinical report and underscores the policy statement's message about the use of CPAP. The second clinical report provides guidance, a literature review, and a cost-benefit analysis on the use of inhaled nitric oxide for preemies.

Preemies Today

Preemies Today is a nonprofit organization based in the Washington, D.C. area that provides families with the latest prematurity education, a parent-to-parent support group, preemie care packages, hosts family outings, and initiated a local preemie playgroup. Preemies Today sends out a monthly e-newsletter, hosts Facebook chats, and can also be found on Twitter. Along with the SIDS Mid-Atlantic group, Preemies Today will host a support group on Thursday, March 6th for anyone affected by the loss of a baby. The event's goal is to provide an inclusive, understanding, and patient environment where families and preemies can come together for support, education, and to discuss their own NICU experiences.

Talking to Preemies in the NICU Improve Language Skills

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics suggests that exposing preemies to more adult, conversational language in the NICU pays off in their language abilities at 18 months, leading researchers to conclude: "We need to provide more information to families about the importance of talking to these babies in the neonatal ICU." The study - which included a cohort of 36 preterm infants with average age of gestation of 27 weeks and average weight 2.7 pounds - found that for every increase of 100 adult words per hour a baby heard at 32 weeks, there was a 2-point improvement in language scores. "Children learn from conversations going on around them, but the back and forth communication is the most important," says senior author Dr. Betty Vohr, Alpert Medical School at Brown University. "This just really involves talking to moms and informing them that you have an important role here, and you can make a big difference for your baby."

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Symposium

Pennsylvania Premie Network will host a Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Symposium, "Understanding the Care and Management of the Addicted Mother and Baby," March 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at two on-site locations -Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA - in addition to webinar. Attendance is free and lunch will be provided at this event aimed at neonatologists, pediatricians, ob/gyns, nurses and nurse practitioners, NICU staff, newborn nursery staff, early intervention professionals, and agencies serving preterm babies and their families. The symposium includes two morning speakers sessions, followed by an afternoon panel discussion. For more information, contact Dottie Schell, Program Director, Pennsylvania Premie Network,1-888-523-6122 (PA only) or (484) 446-3061.

Increasing Human Milk Consumption in the NICU

Breastfeeding basics for all RNs, human milk donations for all infants under 33 weeks, and becoming a collection site for donated milk are just three best practices that emerged from Medela's new effort highlighting successes in increasing human milk consumption in the NICU. After a nationwide call for submissions for its Human Milk Breast Practices in the NICU, Medela is supporting first place winner Memorial Hospital of Gulfport, Mississippi and runner up Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio with $10,000 and $5,000 in product awards, respectively. NICUs working to increase human milk consumption around preemies can learn more about these leading strategies.

Sources:

Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB’s disclaimer is available on our website.

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Preemie Matters – December 2013

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In this issue of Preemie Matters: Facebook Chat on Maternal Mental Health & Preemie Moms • PREEMIE Reauthorization Act Becomes Law • Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) • Preemie Dads' Experiences in the NICU • Preterm Births Decline Among Black Americans • Mark Your Calendar for 2014 Conferences

Facebook Chat on Maternal Mental Health & Preemie Moms

Thanks to all who participated in last month's informative and inspiring Facebook chat on the NPIHC page! The November 14 event on maternal mental health and preemie moms featured speakers Dr. Lisa Osborn, Kasey Mathews, Laura Martin, and Michele Rosenthal, and brought together experts in the field and parents who've had first-hand experiences with trauma, depression, and anxiety after a preterm birth. The successful chat had 94 attendees over the course of the hour, 107 comments, and a 92% active engagement rate among attendees. Missed it? You can access the archived conversation on our website or Facebook chat tab.

PREEMIE Reauthorization Act Becomes Law

President Barack Obama signed S. 252, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, into law on November 27, reauthorizing federal research, education, and intervention activities related to preterm birth and infant mortality. The legislation was authored by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Representatives Ann Eshoo (D-CA) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ). It had broad support from our member organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP), and National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). The original PREEMIE Act brought the first national focus to prematurity prevention, leading to the Surgeon General's Conference on the Prevention of Preterm Birth which generated a public-private agenda for innovative research and support for evidence-based preventive interventions. The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act extends these efforts.

Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP)

The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) is a national organization dedicated to disseminating best practices, advocating on members' behalf, providing technical assistance, convening leaders, and advising states to reach a common goal of healthy children, families, and communities. AMCHP's members directly serve women and children nationwide by administering critical public health education and screening services, and coordinating preventive, primary and specialty care. The organization also recognizes leadership in maternal and child health in several ways, including annual awards presented to MCH leaders, honoring excellence in the field. These awards will be presented at AMCHP's upcoming Annual Conference.

Preemie Dads' Experiences in the NICU

A new study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing (JOGNN) finds that while the fathers of NICU preemies tend to experience strong emotions, they often don't express them outwardly - a discrepancy that can lead healthcare professionals to under-appreciate dads' needs. The research was a focused ethnography collected between 2003-2006 in the neonatal ICU of a large U.K. teaching hospital, collecting data through participant observation, in-depth interviews with dads, and an ethnographic of NICU staff. The findings showed that preemie fathers worked hard at balancing tensions between what they wanted to feel, what they actually felt, and what they perceived others expected their feelings and behaviors to be. The authors say these insights could help NICU professionals improve communication with and support of dads.

Preterm Births Decline Among Black Americans

Good news for maternal and child health: According to a recent CDC report, preterm births among black Americans fell between the years 2006 and 2010. For non-Hispanic black infants, the prematurity rate was 17.1% in 2010 - down from 18.5% in 2006 - as determined by final birth certificate data from the National Vital Statistics System. Despite this progress, disparities remain a challenge. The preterm birth rate for black babies was still approximately 60% higher than for white babies. Nationally, the preterm birth rate was 12%.

Mark Your Calendar for 2014 Conferences

The new year begins with a number of professional, educational, and networking opportunities for professionals and parent leaders in prematurity. Registration is now open for AMCHP's Annual Conference in Washington, DC, January 25-28. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's Annual Conference takes place February 3-8 in New Orleans, and NEO: The Conference for Neonatology will be in Orlando, February 20-23. Let us know what your organization is planning for 2014, so we can share the news via NPIHC's Facebook page and website.

Sources:

Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB’s disclaimer is available on our website.

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Facebook Chat: Maternal Mental Health and Preemie Moms

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This archived chat, hosted on the NPIHC Facebook page on November 14, 2013, was a dialogue on mental health issues affecting preemie moms with maternal mental health experts and parents who have first-hand experience with trauma, depression, and anxiety after giving birth to preemies. Since mothers of preterm infants are at significantly increased risk for maternal mental health disorders and don't always find the help and support they need, it's critical that parents have the opportunity to connect with each other and learn from professionals. Participants included Laura Martin, Dr. Lisa Osborn, Kasey Mathews, and Michele Rosenthal. The chat is available on the NPIHC Facebook page (live chat tab from November 14) and below. Thank you to all of those who participated in the chat!

 

 

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Preemie Matters – November 2013

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In this issue of Preemie Matters: ACOG & SMFM Redefine 'Term Pregnancy' • EverThrive Illinois • U.S. Preterm Birth Rate Drops to 15-Year Low, But Challenges Remain • Insights on Pros & Cons of Private NICU Rooms

ACOG & SMFM Redefine 'Term Pregnancy'

In a joint Committee Opinion, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have redefined 'term pregnancy' and the parameters of preterm birth. The new Committee Opinion replaces 'term' with a series of more specific labels: 'early term,' 'full term,' 'late term,' and 'postterm.'  The change of definition is intended to prevent early elective deliveries, support high-quality prenatal care, and improve data collection, reporting, and clinical research. Learn more from ACOG.

EverThrive Illinois

EverThrive Illinois, formerly the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition (IMCHC), works to improve the health of women, children, and families through community engagement, partnerships, policy analysis, education, and advocacy. EverThrive works with 90+ members in maternal and child health, through various programs including the Illinois Premature Infant Health Network (IPIHN), which brings together physicians, hospitals and community and health organizations to increase quality health care access for premature infants and their families in Illinois. IPIHN recently hosted a legislative dinner on November 6th in partnership with the Illinois Prematurity Caucus, attended by 16 legislators and 35 guests.

U.S. Preterm Birth Rate Drops to 15-Year Low, But Challenges Remain

March of Dimes has released its annual Premature Birth Report Card with the most recent data on prematurity in the United States. The 2012 the U.S. preterm birth rate dropped for the sixth consecutive year to 11.5 percent. This represents a 15-year low. And six states - Alaska, California, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Vermont - earned an "A," as their preterm birth rates met the 9.6 percent goal. Nineteen states earned a "B," 17 states and the District of Columbia received a "C," five states got a "D," and only three states and Puerto Rico received an "F" on the report card. The nation as a whole again earned a "C." Among the ongoing challenges: The gap between blacks and whites has been slowly narrowing, but the preterm birth rate among non-Hispanic blacks is still more than 1.5 times the rate of non-Hispanic whites.

Insights on Pros & Cons of Private NICU Rooms

In the NICU, maybe not all silence is golden? A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics provides new insight on the pros and cons of private neonatal ICU (NICU) rooms. "Current practice tells us that we should minimize the amount of stimulation to the baby, so you would think that babies in private rooms would do better - but we found the contrary," said the study's first author, Bobbi Pineda, PhD, of Washington University. The observational study used comprehensive neurobehavioral testing and brain imaging with MRI. At discharge, preterm infants in NICU private rooms tended to show abnormalities in the structure of the brain's language area compared to those cared for in open wards. And at age two, those who had been hospitalized in private rooms showed poorer language skills. Even controlling for multiple contributing factors, the association persisted, raising questions about sensory exposure and suggesting the need for more research on optimal NICU environments.

Sources:

Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB’s disclaimer is available on our website.

Prematurity Awareness Month & World Prematurity Day 2013

by Phyllis Williams-Thompson, MS, CIMAssociate Director, Prematurity Campaign Domestic & Global Partnerships NPIHC Steering Committee Member

This November marks the 11th annual Prematurity Awareness Month.

The event has evolved and grown from a single day to remember and honor babies born too soon, to a month-long, international awareness campaign, which grew out of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign launched in 2003. The campaign’s goal: Lowering the U.S. preterm birth rate to 9.6 percent of live births by 2020 by applying known preterm birth evidence-based interventions and funding research to find new ways to prevent premature birth.

In 2012 the U.S. preterm birth rate dropped for  the sixth consecutive year to 11.5 percent. This represents a 15-year low. And six states – Alaska, California, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Vermont – earned an “A” on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, as their preterm birth rates met the 9.6 percent goal. However, the nation as a whole again earned a “C.” Our work continues.

The March of Dimes thanks each and every one of you – Prematurity Campaign Alliances, World Prematurity Network, and other friends of the campaign - for your wonderful collaboration and for raising awareness for premature birth on behalf of babies and families all around the world.

Learn more about our findings on the state of preterm birth in the U.S. in our newly-released Premature Birth Report Card, and review your state’s progress at the State Report Card Map.  We hope you will get involved with the third annual World Prematurity Day on November 17 through social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter. Find out more and share your story on the World Prematurity Day Facebook page, and on Twitter by using #WorldPrematurityDay and following @MarchofDimes.

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Preemie Matters – October 2013

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In this issue of Preemie Matters: New Members • Senate Passes PREEMIE Reauthorization Act • Navigating the Journey • Trauma Therapy for Preemie Moms • Centering Healthcare Institue • Transitioning Home From the NICU

New Members

Join us in welcoming the Coalition's newest members:

Learn more about National Premature Infant Health Coalition membership and complete the online application on our website.

U.S. Senate Passes PREEMIE Reauthorization Act

The U.S. Senate passed S. 252, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, on September 25. This bipartisan legislation - co-sponsored by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) - reauthorizes federal research, education, and intervention activities begun by the original PREEMIE Act, which brought the first-ever national focus to prematurity prevention. The bill now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Navigating the Journey Through Childhood

November 17 in Fairfax, VA, Preemies Today will host a parent and provider conference, "Navigating the Journey Through Childhood," aimed at educating about maternal and child health needs and raising awareness of prematurity. This World Prematurity Day event at the Inova Fair Oaks Physicians Conference Center will include sessions on developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, post-preemie pregnancy, postpartum post-traumatic stress, nutrition, Medicaid waivers, and speech and language tips, among others. Register online at the Preemies Today website.

Trauma Therapy Eases Symptoms for Preemie Moms

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics finds that a short, cost-effective therapy developed to treat military trauma survivors can help ease the emotional distress of preemie moms. The intervention includes six sessions combining elements of the COPE (Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment) NICU program with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Mothers in this study who received the intervention had a significant reduction of trauma and depression symptoms, and those who initially reported the most stress showed the most benefit. Finding effective, accessible treatment for this population is key: Up to 40% of mothers of preterm infants experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can have long-term consequences for both mother and child.

Centering Healthcare Institute

Centering Healthcare Institute's mission is to improve maternal-child health by transforming care through Centering groups -- a model of group health care. In this model, health assessment, education, and support are provided to group members by a care provider, changing the way women experience their care. The model, piloted by nurse-midwife Sharon Schindler Rising in the the early 1990s, led to the beginning of professional training workshops in 1998. Its redesign of healthcare delivery helps to promote safety, effectiveness, culturally-appropriate patient-centered care, and more equitable care, among other benefits. Centering Healthcare Institute's Fourth National Conference takes place October 26-29 in Washington, DC, bringing together clinicians, researchers, policy makers, administrators, and students to discuss ideas for transforming healthcare delivery.

Premature & High-Risk Infants: Transitioning Home from the NICU

Register online now for Premature and High-Risk Infants: Transitioning Home from the NICU, scheduled for November 1 in Denver, CO. Sponsored by Special Kids-Special Care of Denver, the conference provides a forum for healthcare professionals to share their expertise in the care of premature and high-risk infants and their families as these babies transition home from the hospital. The goal is to optimize health and developmental outcomes, and to support families by sharing best practices, clinical guidelines, and current research with the healthcare professionals and agency staff who care for them.

Sources:

Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB’s disclaimer is available on our website.

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National Perinatal Association on RSV

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization in all children less than 12 months of age in the United States and is a common illness affecting high-risk individuals, especially premature babies. RSV is dangerous for premature babies because they often lack fully-developed airways. Infants born prematurely do not have the immunity to help fight off viruses because they were born early.

The National Perinatal Association

 

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Preemie Matters – September 2013

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In this issue of Preemie Matters: New Member • August Webinar Recap • Neonatal Nurses Day • Papas of Preemies • Home Visiting Programs for Preemies • NPA Annual Conference

New Member

Join us in welcoming the Coalition's newest member: Academy of Neonatal Nursing. Learn more about National Premature Infant Health Coalition membership and complete the online application on our website.

August Webinar Recap

Thanks to all who joined our August webinar on an important new resource for the field, the Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Care of Late Preterm Infants, with presenter Raylene Phillips, MD, IBCLC, FAAP. And special thanks to participants who responded to our post-webinar survey. Among the results: 73% gave the webinar an overall rating of "excellent" and 94% say they would take part in a future NPIHC webinar. Participants came from hospitals/healthcare (40%), nonprofit/government (43%), and industry/corporations (16%). Missed the webinar or would like to share it with a colleague? Find the archived slides and audio on our website.

September 15 is Neonatal Nurses Day

National Neonatal Nurses Day - Sunday, September 15th - was established in 2000 by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) as an opportunity for the neonatal community to honor nurse colleagues and show pride in the profession of neonatal nursing. This year NANN is encouraging all neonatal nurses and their units to embrace the theme "Love What You Do," sharing ideas for marking the occasion. Because we at NPIHC love what neonatal nurses do, we invite both parents and professionals to join us on September 15th on the NPIHC Facebook page, where we will honor and thank neonatal nurses across the country. With a post to our Facebook wall or a comment on our messages, please tell us about a neonatal nurse who has made a difference for YOU, sharing your stories and photos. .

Papas of Preemies

Joel Brens is on a mission to give a voice to the father's perspective of prematurity and the NICU. Following the preterm birth of his son Jayden in 2010, Brens founded Papas of Preemies as a support community run by parents, for parents. Through the Papas of Preemies website, blog, and Facebook page,  a growing lineup of contributor dads share personal insights, experiences, information, and resources. In October, Brens will be one of four Preemie Parent Alliance members speaking about his NICU experience for an audience of professionals at the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) Annual Educational Conference in Nashville.

Home Visiting Programs Effective for Preemies & Their Parents

A research review published in Pediatrics finds that home visits by nurses or other trained health professionals can improve the development of preterm infants and effectively support parents and the home environment. The first of its kind in 20 years, this review looked at 17 studies including a total of 2,983 babies, measuring outcomes in five categories. Currently 400 home visiting programs of this kind serve at least 500,000 U.S. families, largely funded by state and local governments. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) designates funding for home visiting programs aimed at improving outcomes for at-risk preemies and their mothers, which may expand their reach. This review's research team calls for additional studies to investigate how home visiting programs can best meet the needs of special populations, including low-income and late-preterm preemies and their families.

NPA's 34th Annual Conference

Registration is open for the National Perinatal Association's 34th Annual Conference, set for November 7-9 in Salt Lake City. With the theme "Families at the Center: New Dimensions in Perinatal Care," the event brings together healthcare professionals and parents - including representatives from NPIHC member organizations -  for a unique learning and networking opportunity. Sessions in this year's lineup cover topics including psychological services in the NICU, the impact of reproductive technologies, NICU environment of care, breast milk for preemies, prematurity's impact on the education system, preemie nutrition and bone density, music for parent and infant stress reduction, and more. Find complete details at NPA's conference brochure and registration flyer.

Sources:

Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB’s disclaimer is available on our website.

Breastfeeding: The Importance of Preparing Mothers of Preemies Prior to Discharge

by Maureen Doolan Boyle While pregnant with my first baby; like most other expectant parents, I read everything I could about pregnancy and newborn care. With all of my heart I wanted to give my precious baby the best possible start in life and believed that breastfeeding would be an important part of my baby's early life. I was fortunate to be working in a hospital at that time that had a full-time lactation consultant. I visited her several times to learn as much as I could in advance. When my beautiful baby girl was born (10 days late!); I had every intention of nursing her moments after delivery, and I did.

Two years later our unexpected pregnancy took an interesting turn when we learned that I was carrying triplets. Again I prepared myself that best I could and although I knew my babies would be born early I had hoped to breastfeed them and provide the same best start possible. Unfortunately, I learned quickly that providing breastmilk to babies in the NICU was not as easy as I had hoped. I learned to use the breast pump the morning after I delivered and to divide the very few drops of “liquid gold” I was able to produce into 3 separate containers so that each of my babies would be able to receive the gift of my early milk (colostrum). I color coded everything, including their breastmilk so that my first baby who was well enough to receive my milk would not get ALL of my colostrum. Some days later, when my last baby was ready to start receiving breastmilk he was also able to also receive some of the very first breastmilk. The more I learned about all of the long term health benefits of preemies receiving breastmilk for as long as possible I was determined to help my precious newborns as much as I could. The NICU was such a foreign place and although the staff was nice and kind; I felt as if I was an outsider looking in on the care of MY babies. I felt quite helpless at times and could not wait until I could hold and care for my babies. If giving my babies my breastmilk was the only thing I could do that no one else could do and it had so very many health benefits; than of course I was going to do this.

When my first child was born a nurse helped me with each of my first attempts to put her to my breast. She showed me how help her latch on and how to change breasts and then how to breathe through the discomfort once my milk came in. A nurse was with me maybe 6 different times before we were discharged from the hospital. I felt prepared and comfortable and had the resources and support I needed if I had questions about breastfeeding once we were home. My experience with our triplets was quite different. Our nursing staff was wonderful, kind and absolutely medically adept but there was little to no support when I asked to try to put my healthiest baby to my breast at what would have been 34 weeks gestation.

It is a very widely accepted how important breastmilk is for ALL newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all newborns receive breastmilk for ideally their first year of life. How much more important it should be for a baby that is born early or has medical challenges soon after delivery. The medical literature supporting the positive health advantages for a preemie who has received breastmilk is overwhelming. Over the last 25 plus years I have been working with families of multiple birth children and families of preemies I have been greatly disheartened to see that the support of providing breastmilk in the NICU and adequately preparing new mothers for the transition from pump to breast PRIOR to discharge has not kept up with all of the support new mothers of term infants receive.

My hope for all mothers of preemies is that they will have the same opportunity to nurse their baby at the breast at least 9 times prior to discharge from the NICU with the help and support of a nurse or lactation consultant by their side mentoring them much in the same way I had with my singleton term infant almost 30 years ago. If a mother of an at risk infant is to have a successful breastfeeding experience she needs to receive, at the very least, the same help and support as that of a full term infant. We all know how exhausting and challenging it can be for any new parent adapting to the myriad of needs of a newborn during the first few weeks and months after delivery. For a parent of preemie who may have ongoing medical challenges, be at risk for medical and developmental issues the transition from NICU to home can be exceptionally challenging for families. How much easier it would be for a mom to be able to nurse at the breast then to have to pump and then feed a bottle to her baby. How much more likely she would be to continue to provide breastmilk for her baby (or babies) if she could streamline the process and just put her baby to the breast? Preemie parents can use all of the help and support prior to discharge to ideally make this transition as easy as possible. If our moms of preemies are to have any chance of giving their babies the best start possible and ideally living up to the recommendations of the AAP and other medical professionals they need to have the same support and resources as do other new mothers.

For additional information and resources for expectant and new parents of multiples and preemies please visit the MOST (Mothers of Supertwins) website: www.mostonline.org/

Information and resources: www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/

Additional FAQs answered on the MOST website: www.mostonline.org/faq_bf.htm

Will I be able to breastfeed my new triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets, sextuplets? www.mostonline.org/faq45.htm

Where should I begin when deciding if I want to breastfeed?

Why should I nurse so many babies?

How do I provide pumped breast milk if my babies are too small to breastfeed?

Will I have enough milk to feed ALL of my babies?

Will I be able to breastfeed two of my babies at once?

Will my babies be able to nurse if they are premature?

Disclaimer: This piece can not be used by anyone without prior permission from the author. For information, contact Maureen@MOSTonline.org or visit the website at http://www.mostonline.org/.

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Preemie Matters – July 2013

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In this issue of Preemie Matters: August 8th Webinar: Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Care of Late Preterm Infants • Video Educates About Risks of Elective Preterm Delivery • Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin • PreemiePalooza in North Carolina • Prone Sleep Increases Preemie SIDS Risk

August 8th Webinar: Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Care of Late Preterm Infants

Mark your calendar and register now for NPIHC's next webinar, set for August 8 at 2 p.m. EDT. Late preterm infants are often treated as "slightly small, almost term babies," yet babies born at 34 0/7 - 36 6/7 weeks gestation have significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates due to their significant, if not always obvious, immaturity. The "Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Care of Late Preterm Infants" is an evidence-based approach to providing safe and supportive care for this vulnerable group. Join presenter Raylene Phillips, MD, IBCLC, FAAP, who will review this new resource and describe how its use will lead to improved outcomes for late preterm infants by providing guidance, education, and support for families and the healthcare providers who care for them. The session is appropriate for parents and other advocates, professionals in the field of infant health, and physicians and clinicians providing care to premature infants and their families.

Video Educates About Risks of Elective Preterm Delivery

A new video from the National Child & Maternal Health Program at NIH's National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) aims to prevent non-medically indicated preterm induction of labor. The "Is It Worth It?" video, part of an educational initiative to reduce elective deliveries before 39 weeks of pregnancy, features NPIHC friends including blogger-advocate Heather Spohr and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). The initiative's first phase focused on educating healthcare professionals via a CME course for nurses and doctors, sharing the latest research and best practices. Complementing the course, the "Is It Worth It?" video - available in varying formats - discusses maternal and child health risks posed by delivery prior to 39 weeks, barring medical indications. The videos are being shared online and are playing in healthcare providers' offices across the U.S.

Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

The Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to accept, pasteurize, and dispense donor human milk by physician prescription, primarily to premature and ill infants. Founded in 1998 by two Austin, TX neonatologists, the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin is the second-largest milk bank in the U.S. and a leading member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). Currently the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin serves 100 hospitals in 21 states, processing 8,000 ounces of milk every week and serving thousands of preterm babies annually.

PreemiePalooza in North Carolina

August 3, 2014 from 5 to 9 p.m., NPIHC member Zoe Rose Memorial Foundation will host its first annual PreemiePalooza at Windy Meadows Farm in Graham, NC. This family festival "celebrating music, food, and preemies" will bring together a lineup of musical guests for an al fresco evening of fun. Your participation helps the Zoe Rose Memorial Foundation's goal of raising $5,000 to support preemie families. For more information, contact Keira Sorrells at keira@zoerose.org.

Prone Sleep Increases Preemie SIDS Risk

A new study published as an abstract in the journal Sleep shares preliminary data suggesting that preterm infants who sleep in the prone position may be at heightened risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), due to decreased cerebral oxygenation. The Australian research team notes an overall 9.6% increased SIDS risk among preterm infants, possibly associated with cardiovascular instability and failure of arousal from periods of sleep. Preemie infants may also have lower blood pressure, abnormal blood pressure control, higher heart rate, and reduced heart rate control, contributing to SIDS risks. The prone sleeping position, on the stomach, is already known to be associated with reduced blood pressure and cerebral oxygenation in full-term babies, which increases risk for SIDS.

Sources:

Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB's disclaimer is available on our website.

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Preemie Matters – June 2013

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In this issue of Preemie Matters: New Members • NPIHC Webinar: Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Care of Late Preterm Infants • Critical Shortages Affecting NICU Infants • National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) • Preemie Parent Alliance Summit • Breast Milk Use in NICUs Remains Too Low

New Members

Join us in welcoming the Coalition's newest members: National Association of Neonatal Nurses  • National Association of County and City Health Officials • Pennsylvania Premie Network  • The Tiny Miracles Foundation  • Parent Connection  • Texas Parent to Parent  • Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin Learn more about National Premature Infant Health Coalition membership and complete the online application on our website.

NPIHC Webinar: Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Care of Late Preterm Infants

Mark your calendar and register now for our next webinar, set for August 8 at 2 p.m. EDT. Late preterm infants are often treated as "slightly small, almost term babies," yet babies born at 34 0/7 - 36 6/7 weeks gestation have significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates due to their significant, if not always obvious, immaturity. The "Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Care of Late Preterm Infants" is an evidence-based approach to providing safe and supportive care for this vulnerable group. Join presenter Raylene Phillips, MD, IBCLC, FAAP, who will review this new resource and describe how its use will lead to improved outcomes for late preterm infants by providing guidance, education, and support for families and the healthcare providers who care for them. The session is appropriate for parents and other advocates, professionals in the field of infant health, and physicians and clinicians providing care to premature infants and their families.

Critical Shortages Affecting NICU Infants

Have you seen our new blog post from Dr. Mitch Goldstein on the nation's drug shortage crisis affecting fragile infants? Recent media coverage has put a spotlight on widespread shortages of critical medications and nutrients affecting hospitalized preemies and other patients. A May 22nd story in the Washingtonian reported "rationing, hoarding, and bartering of critical nutrients" in Washington, DC facilities, and "doctors reporting conditions normally seen only in developing countries." In late March, NBC News reported on the national scarcity of injectable zinc, "in such short supply that at least seven extremely premature infants in the U.S. developed horrifying skin lesions and life-threatening reactions after their hospitals ran out." CDC began its coverage of these shortages in the February 22, 2013 edition of their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). And as with this new blog post from Texas Children's Hospital, individual facilities and providers continue to report on how shortages are affecting them, through outlets like social media, making the case that the problem will not "self-correct" and that federal legislation has not yet moved forward to address it. In one possible - though limited and temporary - step forward, USA Today reported that U.S. health regulators are allowing overseas imports of one critical IV drug formula used to nourish preemies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says new supplies of the drug total parenteral nutrition, are being made available to U.S. patients through this arrangement, as a temporary measure to ease shortages triggered by the shutdown of the drug's primary U.S. manufacturer. Watch our Facebook page and Twitter #NPIHC as we continue to follow these shortages and the measures addressing them.

National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN)

NANN, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, is the longest established professional voice supporting neonatal nurses through excellence in practice, education, research, and professional development. NANN was founded in 1984 in California by five neonatal nurses. NANN celebrated the first Neonatal Nurses Day in 2000, and in 2001 introduced their journal, Advances in Neonatal Care. More recently, in 2011, they launched MyNANN, a private online social network for members, and released the second edition of Policies, Procedures, and Competences for Neonatal Nursing Care. NANN's 29th Annual Educational Conference takes place this fall in Nashville, TN. Connect with NANN and get their latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

Preemie Parent Alliance Summit: October 4-6, 2013

Registration is open for the Third Annual Preemie Parent Alliance Summit, set for October 4-6, 2013 in Nashville, TN. Join preemie parent leaders and professionals for a learning and networking opportunity aimed at working together to support the families of premature infants. Among the event's notable speakers is PTSD expert Michele Rosenthal with a keynote, "Reclaiming Life Beyond the NICU: Redefining Who You Are and How You Live." Learn more about the work of the Preemie Parent Alliance at the PPA website.

Breast Milk Use in NICUs Remains Too Low

A new study published in Pediatrics finds that the use of breast milk in advanced-care NICUs is increasing, but remains too low. Using CDC data, the research team found that only about one-third of NICUs routinely provide human milk, whether from a baby's mother or donated -- suggesting that many medically-fragile babies are not receiving optimal protection from infections and other morbidities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all preterm infants receive human milk. "Hospitals... can further support the care of medically fragile infants by adopting policies and practices to support mothers in being able to provide their breast milk to their infants," the authors write.

Sources:

Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB’s disclaimer is available on our website.

A Critical Problem: Drug Shortages

Pharmaceutical Shortages in the NICU

by Dr. Mitchell Goldstein, neonatologist and NPIHC Steering Committee member

The healthcare system as we know it is changing. Certain systematic changes bode well for perinatal and neonatal care. The new laws which provide for enhanced coverage for young mothers and recognition that pre-existing conditions cannot be excluded will favorably impact babies and their mothers.

However, despite these systematic changes, the healthcare system is reeling from the effects of unanticipated medication shortages. Nowhere is this more critical than in the NICU. There are a myriad of root causes. As pharmaceutical manufacturers gear up for changes in remuneration, less productive product lines are discontinued. Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) attempt to secure the best price for their client hospitals, but single sourcing further complicates issues with remuneration as pharmaceutical suppliers are unable to sell into a competitive marketplace. Faced with uncertain supply, hospitals and their suppliers hoard medications and other crucial pharmaceutical supplies. Moreover, issues with compounding pharmacies have restricted the possibility of second sourcing to first line pharmaceutical manufacturers. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations may add many months or years to the wait for a replacement.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is nutrition that is provided by vein and depends on the availability of a large number of varied pharmaceutical supplies. Most Neonatal Intensive Care Units have had to weather shortages of vitamins, iron, trace elements, electrolytes, protein, and even glucose during the past several years. Sometimes one set of electrolytes can be substituted for another, but glucose, protein, vitamins, and trace elements are essential to provide nutrition to babies who cannot tolerate traditional feeds. If a baby is TPN dependent for a long period of time, these shortages can be life threatening.

We must send a message to those change agents that the needs of our babies must be given the highest priority in this new paradigm for healthcare delivery, or watch helplessly as our preterm and other at risk babies are ravaged by nutritional deficiencies that have not been seen in the USA since the early 1900s.

Father's Day Blog

A Letter to Me

by Joel Brens Papas of Preemies, Founder

Dear Joel,

I realize at this point you haven't quite had the chance to process this life changing moment. My guess is you'll be relying on your adrenaline from racing to the hospital to see your wife and brand new baby boy. It's okay to cry. Those tears might have some sadness to them but are full of happiness and relief. Both mom and baby are stable. At the end of the day, that's all you ever really asked for.

This wasn't what you drew up or hoped for as a first time parent. Your early days as a dad will be stark in contrast to dads who experienced a "normal" or full term pregnancy. Please do not let that harbor bitterness within. The moment has arrived, and all you can do is make the best of your circumstances.

Within a few hours reality will slap you square in the face. The constant beeping noises and alarms in the NICU will take some getting used to, but in time you will get adapt to the environment. In some strange ways it will become a comfort. It's okay to feel uncertain, or scared, or even a bit angry. Nobody ever wants to be thrust into the NICU, unfortunately nobody ever has a choice.

This may seem like asking too much, but in order to better prepare yourself for when you take your child home, you have to learn to let go of fear. That's a tall order considering the complete lack of control you feel right now. You'll learn soon that asking questions to the NICU staff, understanding what plan for continuity of care they are giving, becoming an advocate for your son, and getting involved will tremendously help you get a little of the control back.

These are a few tips and things to consider moving forward:

-Most importantly, you are NOT alone. There are a great deal of other dads out there who are struggling just like you are. Seek these people out in the future as relating to others will prove to be most therapeutic.

-Be kind and gracious to the NICU staff. They work so very hard on helping to get your child healthy enough to come home. I cannot stress enough how much having a good relationship with those responsible for caring for your son can make.

-With that in mind, you have to learn to trust these people. At some point you have to go home and leave your son in the NICU. It's incredibly difficult to do, but its necessary. You can always call in and check up on your child if you want to.

-Need a break? Take one. Stress is not a good thing to bring into the NICU. Clear your head every now and again.

-When you finally bring your son home, take it one day at a time. I can't, and won't for that matter, tell you to not stress out about development. It's something that most parents, (and every parent of a preemie) worry about. But don't let that cloud the ability to enjoy little things.

-Take a million pictures. On days you are having a tuff go of it, or your patience is waning, take a look at all of the pictures to remind yourself of how far you've come. Your son is truly a miracle!

You are going to be an amazing father! Keep up your faith, your hope, and take a moment every day to hug your child and let him know he's your everything.

Sincerely, A friend

To learn more about Papas of Preemies, you can visit their website, connect on Facebook, or email them at papasofpreemies@gmail.com.  To view the original blog, it is also available on their website.

Member Spotlight – Families Blossoming

Families Blossoming provides coaching-based emotional support and resources for the parents of children born preterm and those with special needs, specializing in the post-NICU or post-diagnosis period. An independent business founded by preemie and special-needs mom Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez, Families Blossoming draws on the expertise from Gigi's experiences as a parent and advocate for her own child, as well as her professional background as an occupational therapist and healthcare project manager. In addition to coaching services, Families Blossoming also supports parents with a blog, a monthly e-newsletter, a Facebook page, and a forthcoming book, From Roller Coasters to Carousels: An Interactive Guide To Regaining and Maintaining A Sense of Calmness for the Preemie and Special Needs Parent.

Preemie Matters – May 2013

In this issue of Preemie Matters: Virtual Summit Recap  • Families Blossoming  • Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Often Good for Extreme Preemies Receiving Active Care • An Inside Look at Life as a NICU Graduate • NICU Heroes Award

Virtual Summit Recap

Thanks to our presenters and participants who made the Coalition's 2013 Virtual Summit a success! We kicked off the week's events with a team at the Washington, DC March of Dimes March for Babies, followed by a networking reception with a keynote from Dr. Mitchell Goldstein and the debut of our new video. As we surpassed our 1,000th Facebook follower, we also hosted our first live Facebook chat, "How Providers Can Empower Parents," with guests Dr. Sue Hall, Keira Sorrells of Preemie Parent Alliance, and Laura Martin of Graham's Foundation. Strong participation from preemie parents made this a particularly successful feature of the Virtual Summit! If you missed it, visit the "Replay Live Chat" tab on our Facebook page. The Virtual Summit also included two webinars, "Collaborating with Legislators to Advocate for Prematurity" with Janine Lewis of the Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition and Rep. Robyn Gabel (D), Illinois - 18th District, and "Enhancing Safety and Outcomes with Evidence-Based Practices" with Dr. Alan Spitzer of Pediatrix, both now archived on our website. Stay tuned for info on future webinars and Facebook chats, as we continue the momentum from the Summit.

Families Blossoming

Families Blossoming provides coaching-based emotional support and resources for the parents of children born preterm and those with special needs, specializing in the post-NICU or post-diagnosis period. An independent business founded by preemie and special-needs mom Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez, Families Blossoming draws on the expertise from Gigi's experiences as a parent and advocate for her own child, as well as her professional background as an occupational therapist and healthcare project manager. In addition to coaching services, Families Blossoming also supports parents with a blog, a monthly e-newsletter, a Facebook page, and a forthcoming book, From Roller Coasters to Carousels: An Interactive Guide To Regaining and Maintaining A Sense of Calmness for the Preemie and Special Needs Parent.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Often Good for Extreme Preemies Receiving Active Care

A study published in the May 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) looks at neurodevelopmental outcomes for extreme preemies, and the news is encouraging. The Swedish research team found that about three-quarters of infants born extremely prematurely and who received active care had mild or no neurodevelopmental disability at age 2.5 -- and that neurodevelopmental outcomes improved with each week of gestational age. They compared outcomes for 491 infants born before 27 weeks of gestation between 2004 and 2007, matching to singleton control infants. Lead researcher Dr. Frederik Sernius of Uppsala University says the results are potentially helpful for clinicians counseling families facing extremely preterm birth.

An Inside Look at Life as a NICU Graduate

A June 7 webinar, "Life Goes On: An Inside Look at Life as a NICU Graduate,", with Anne DeBattista, RN, MS, CPNP/CPMHS, PhD (c), will detail the latest statistics on the long-term consequences of prematurity and newborn illness, the programs delivering services to infants in hopes of minimizing long-term difficulties, and her perspective on the current state of early intervention services in the United States. The Dandle-LION hosted session will support NICU staff in understanding what lies ahead for preemies and their parents post-discharge, empowering them to give realistic guidance to parents before discharge, knowing that parental commitment and involvement has a huge impact on long-term outcomes. Nursing CE credits are available.

NICU Heroes Award

The NICU Heroes Award program- sponsored by Hand to Hold- recognizes NICU professionals for their compassion and dedication to improving outcomes for medically-fragile babies and their families. Parents and guardians of children who have been admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit are invited to nominate a favorite NICU Hero for this honor by May 27, 2013. Terms and conditions for the award program are available on the Hand to Hold website.

Sources:

Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB’s disclaimer is available on our website.