How to Support NICU Families

Description

Having a baby in the NICU poses many unexpected challenges for new parents that can impact them significantly. Unfortunately, many doulas find themselves unprepared or unsure of how to best support clients who become NICU families. This course will equip doulas with the knowledge, tools, and confidence necessary to support birthing parents, and partners who have or have had a baby in the NICU.

Learning Objective: To prepare doulas for the possibility of working with NICU families by developing a deeper understanding of what families can expect in the NICU, and how to best support families where they are at in their journey.

Lesson 1: Introduction

In this lesson, you will learn who this course is for, go over some disclaimers and learn a little about your educator.

Lesson 2: Terminology & Risk Factors

In this lesson, we will go over terminology that may come up throughout this course and with your NICU family clients. Explore risk factors for NICU admission and risk factors for preterm labor and/or birth.

Lesson 3: Medical Equipment and Medical Team

In this lesson, you will learn about the medical equipment that may be found in a NICU patient’s room and who is a part of the baby’s medical team. 

Lesson 4: What a NICU Parent Can Expect of Their Child’s Stay and How They Can Be Involved

In this lesson, you will learn how you can help your clients understand their child’s care, how to ask questions, and how they can be involved in their child’s care when possible.

Lesson 5: How Doulas Can Support NICU Families

In this lesson, you will learn effective approaches to supporting families whose child is in the NICU.

Lesson 6: Conclusion and Resources

In this lesson, you will be able to identify common resources that you can utilize as a doula and share with the NICU families you are supporting.