Our NICU Services
Welcome!
Parents of infants who require special care begin their experience of parenthood in the unfamiliar and intimidating environment of the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). Peer support can help parents navigate complex hospital systems more effectively, give them a support system of other parents who have experienced a similar journey, and help them feel less isolated.
We are here to support you throughout your NICU experience and beyond. All of our services are completely free and confidential. Our main office is located on the NICU floor and is supported by Cone Health, the Guilford County Partnership for Children, and other grant funding.
Family Navigation
One of the most impactful programs we offer for families currently in the NICU is our Family Navigation support at Cone Health Women’s & Children’s Center. Every member of our NICU team is a former NICU mom who has experienced the journey firsthand. They now offer compassionate guidance, a listening ear, and helpful resources to families during their stay. This support is always available at no cost.
Baby Basics Program
Our Elizabeth's Closet (Baby Basics Program) provides baby care items and equipment for families needing assistance. If you are having difficulty purchasing the supplies you need to care for your baby at home, please ask to speak to the NICU Social Worker, or give us a call at 336.832.6507.
Blanket Project
Our blanket project provides a special keepsake blanket to all new NICU families to inform them about our services. One of our staff members may bring you a blanket, or leave one in your baby's bottom drawer. It's tied with a ribbon and has our contact information on it. Feel free to take this blanket home with you to both remember your stay and to connect with us later if decided.
Books for Babies
Here at FSNCC, we know that delivering books to our NICU families twice a month may seem like a small gesture... but its value is priceless! Reading to your baby, even at this young age, helps with bonding, comfort, increased vocabulary, cognitive stimulation... and more restful sleep! The benefits are endless and parents are establishing an amazing habit that will nurture their child for years to come. Each book distributed includes a bookmark from our friends at Guilford Basics to help families further connect with their services.
Gas Vouchers
We know that the stress of a NICU stay is extensive and impacts all aspects of your life. Something as simple as arranging child care for your other little ones, re-arranging work, or paying for gas can often keep families from spending time in the NICU with their little one. That's why we offer a limited supply of gas vouchers for families needing assistance with travel costs to and from the hospital.
Lending Library
There is so much to learn while experiencing a NICU stay! That's why we provide a well-stocked and curated lending library featuring the latest books about having a baby in the NICU and prematurity. Ask your nurse to contact one of our staff members to help you access library materials. Books can be checked out and used as long as your baby is a patient. Please leave all returned books with the secretary at the nurse's station.
Parent-to-Parent Mentors
Oftentimes the best and most empathetic support comes from other parents who have walked in your shoes. Our parent-to-parent mentors are trained parents who have experienced a NICU stay themselves and want to encourage others walking a similar path. If you would like to speak with a caring person who has "been there", please let our staff know.
Sibling Orientation Program
A NICU stay can be a confusing and overwhelming time for big brothers & sisters. Oftentimes siblings are unable to visit their brother or sister in the unit and struggle sharing their mom and/or dad as they leave for visits. Our Sibling Orientation Program offers the support and information siblings crave, with information they deserve, communicated on their level. From sibling comfort blankets, beanie babies, books about being a sibling, etc. we want siblings to feel both empowered and seen in this process. This program is most beneficial for families facing a NICU stay greater than one week and for siblings ages 4-11.
Special Assistance
Congratulations on your beautiful new addition. For families of children born with down syndrome, cleft lip & palate, and other conditions, our organization is committed to both serving you and connecting you with additional special assistance. We partner with and promote many local organizations, including the Down Syndrome Network of Greater Greensboro, Operation Smile, and more. All because we believe you weren't meant to walk this road alone... we're here to help.
Special Events
Our staff offers a variety of special events throughout the year that provide opportunities for our families to connect with others who have "been there". These events range from luncheons and dinners directly in the hospital, to NICU reunions we host in conjunction with Cone Health, picnics, and community events held in conjunction with downtown Greensboro. If you'd like to 'stay in the know', please click the button below.