NICU Parent to Parent Support
The strongest, most valuable support often comes from those who already walked your road.
The Parent-to-Parent program here at Valley Children's Hospital is a family-centered care support program for families in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Parent-to-Parent was created by volunteer parents who are our Parent Partners – they truly are partners and have first-hand experience with at least one newborn in the NICU, all with different stories and unique journeys. The program is dedicated to giving parents a collective support system with access from anywhere. We are a team that encourages and advocates for parent involvement in their child's care, including the education and peer connection that helps prepare parents for life inside the NICU and after the NICU. These resources are made available for free and are customized for each parent because we understand that every experience may be different and there is value in support from others who have had a similar journey.
How to become a Parent Partner
We are always looking for more parent volunteers to continue offering peer support to our NICU families. If you are a NICU parent who has been out of the NICU for at least a year and are interested in offering support and volunteering with us, please click the link below to sign up for more information!
Interested in becoming a NICU Parent Volunteer? Click here to sign up
NICU Parent Representative
The Parent Representative coordinates the Parent-to-Parent program, provides comfort and information that promotes family-centered care by providing peer to peer support, and connects parents of babies with similar concerns and medical issues.
Kimberly Riddle, NICU Parent Representative, is available to provide support to our parents and families. These services are available to all of our NICU parents and families, and are provided at Valley Children's Hospital Regional Level IV NICU in Madera.
More NICU parent-to-parent and family support programs
The NICU at Valley Children’s Hospital provides a variety of resources and support opportunities for parents with a child in the NICU. These resources provide holistic support for NICU parents, from having a quiet place to take a break to support groups with other parents, and other family members, including siblings.
This is a place just for moms and dads that have a baby in the NICU to take a break from the bedside, eat, use the internet or just have a moment to reflect.
These sessions allow parents to talk with other parents who have had a baby in the NICU. Parent partners are volunteer parents who truly know what it is like to be in your shoes. They offer insight into their NICU experiences, answer questions and provide comfort and encouragement to parents during this difficult journey.
During Parent TIME (Talking and Connecting Parent-to-Parent, Inspired Moments, Making Friendships, Education and Enrichment), we present topics related to parents and infants, encourage questions, share information and resources and provide support and encouragement to both current and graduate NICU parents. All NICU parents and families are invited to attend. Classes are held once a month.
This class is the first Saturday of the month and is a creative and expressive space where siblings can develop more understanding and have a hands-on experience involving care in the NICU. In this class we do a few activities, including story time, arts and crafts table, hands-on child centered NICU education about baby care, and making their own sundae. We also offer the chance for parents and siblings to express questions or feelings about their NICU experience. Each sibling will receive a certificate of achievement for completing the class.
Explore more specialized NICU support services
Learn more about the programs and services available to NICU families to support their emotional well-being, provide education about parenting in the NICU, and prepare them for what to expect once they are discharged home.
NICU parent education
We offer a variety of classes to help you care for and bond with your baby while you are in the NICU. We also have classes to prepare you for your homecoming, including CPR basics, infant development, car seat safety, infant communication, and more.
Learn moreSafer sleep resources
When it comes to keeping your baby safe when they’re sleeping, remember: “back to sleep, tummy to play!” Learn how to create a safer sleep environment for your baby at home.
Learn moreVisiting the NICU
We encourage parents to visit 24/7, as long as possible. Learn more about the NICU visitor policy before you visit a NICU facility.
Learn more