At Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), I have the privilege of serving as the NICU Family Support® Program Coordinator through the March of Dimes; a program created to provide education and support to families affected by preterm birth, birth defects, surgical or genetic conditions, infant loss, or any journey that leads to a NICU admission. I’ve worked closely with families and hospital staff to offer emotional support, education, and meaningful connection during what is often one of the hardest times in a family's life.
The March of Dimes NICU Family Support program partners with more than 70 hospitals across the country. Since launching in 2001, the program has been dedicated to supporting NICU families, educating NICU staff, and improving the patient and family experience. Through resources like the Parent Education Core Curriculum, the Compass by March of Dimes app includes trackers for feedings, pumping and weight information, kangaroo care time, and other resources that many parents rely on in their first parenting days. I provide Parent Education Booklets, and staff training tools, to ensure that families have access to the information and encouragement they need throughout their NICU journey.
At Saint Alphonsus, I bring these resources to life by organizing family activities, collecting feedback through graduate family surveys, celebrating holidays, and helping families feel connected to their babies during their hospital stay. I also facilitate a weekly family support class where parents can share their experiences, challenges, and small victories. These opportunities for connection make a big difference in helping families cope with the ups and downs of a NICU stay.
Why do I love what I do? Because I get to make a difference. Whether I’m celebrating a baby’s milestone, answering a parent’s questions, or simply being a compassionate presence, I know that my support matters.
For Mother’s Day, for example, I bring in a licensed photographer to capture moments between moms and their babies and create personalized footprint pendant keepsakes to honor their strength and love. Gifting moms’ their baby’s footprint necklace pendant is a really special First Mother’s Day gift.
Through the continued work of March of Dimes and coordinators like me, families in the NICU never have to face their journey alone.
Katie Strittmatter is the NICU Family Support® Program Coordinator through the March of Dimes.