Having a NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) baby can be incredibly overwhelming. According to the National Library of Medicine, many NICU parents experience symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during and after their stay. It’s incredibly important that NICU parents take care of themselves as well, even if it sometimes feels completely impossible to manage their own mental health while taking care of an extra tiny human. In Michigan, and the Ann Arbor area specifically, there are many resources to ease this incredibly difficult time.
I myself had a long NICU stay. My daughter was born at 27 weeks and 5 days, and I needed lactation support, mental health resources and financial assistance. I found myself compartmentalizing everything, and every beep, couch or cry made my heart pound. Asking for help can only make you a stronger and better prepared parent, whether your child leaves the NICU healthy or medically complex.
Below, you’ll find several resources, both online and in person, that you can take advantage of. Some are particular to NICU parents, while others can be helpful for new moms who had full-term healthy babies but still need that extra support.
March of Dimes
March of Dimes is a program specifically catered towards NICU families. You can find online resources, such as information about continuing medical care after the NICU, learning about common tests that your baby will go through and financial support you can apply for. You can find community through marches, starting your own fundraiser, or joining their Facebook group or app. Not all of the resources are local, but they do have a partnership with the Mott’s Children’s Hospital and a Detroit March that you can join.
Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC)
The Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program helps pregnant women or moms with children five and under. It supplies food that is healthy for your children, promotes breastfeeding and includes visits and information on nutrition and breastfeeding. You can find out if you are eligible here. If you need help applying, you can talk to social services in the NICU, or if you’ve graduated, you can simply fill out the questionnaire on their site and go from there.
Help Me Grow
Help Me Grow is a Washtenaw County program that connects parents with resources, schooling and developmental resources. This is particularly helpful for NICU parents since their children often have developmental delays. Help Me Grow has a prenatal program for children under three with home visits, socialization events and early education. While it is expected for your little preemie to be behind, it never hurts to give them a little bit of additional support.
RELATED: Resources for Grandfamilies and Kinship Families in Washtenaw County
The Little Victors League
The Little Victor’s League provides support for families who have medically complex children. They coordinate your stay, doctor’s appointments, specialists, pediatricians and emotional support. This is something you qualify for if your child is in the NICU within the University of Michigan system. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor, since many nearby hospitals share doctors, or at minimum, information with Mott’s Children’s Hospital.
Zero to Thrive
Zero to Thrive is a huge resource for mental health. A majority of its resources are free online downloads that include a variety of topics, such as Anxiety Relief for Children and Better Sleep When You Have a New Baby. However, it also offers Mom Power, a mental health course for mothers; Parent Cafe, a connection and support group and more, all under the Strong Roots group programs.
PSI | ShareWell
PSI stands for Postpartum Support International, and the site offers virtual Perinatal Mental Health Support Groups. You can join for loss, abortion, anxiety, NICU, single parents and more. Each session is about ninety minutes long, and you can even browse sessions that are happening the same day and register. All classes are completely free.
BFCAA
BFCAA is the Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor. You can sign up for private consultants, classes, prenatal support, breastfeeding and support groups. You also have the option to go in person or take virtual classes.
There are even free walk-in classes every week with no registration required. Preemies have a difficult time with latching, and many parents leave with bottle-fed babies. This can give you that extra support you need to get your little one to latch.
The Mamas Network
The Mamas Network provides spaces for groups to get together and give each other support. They have childcare in Ann Arbor and Canton, and a calendar full of events such as “Dadas and Littles,” “Stroller Strides,” and “Family Swim.”
Most sessions are free with a suggested donation of $10. They have free office hours, support groups and often partner with other local companies. At a minimum, sign up for their newsletter so you know of upcoming sessions. You might need some support one day and find they have a free event near you.
The NICU can be an incredibly isolating place, even if you manage to befriend your nurses and other moms. And when you leave, you’re going to need support. Luckily, the Ann Arbor area is full of amazing support groups, classes and medical resources for you and your child. Community is incredibly important and a reminder that you’re never alone.
