September is NICU Awareness Month and we want to highlight the impact that NICUs and medical teams make for patients!
A recent study estimated that 9% to 13% of infants require NICU care in a year. Thankfully, there are neonatologists, nurses, social workers, nutritionists and many more medical staff specially trained to help tiny NICU warriors every day!
Access to a NICU can provide major benefits for both parents and babies. These spaces are obviously centers for advanced medical care for babies facing a variety of issues.
Many associate premature birth with a NICU stay, but there are many reasons a baby might need extra care or observation. The discovery of a congenital condition at birth, difficulties during delivery, and other illnesses might create the need for a NICU stay.
For babies, access to a NICU ensures that they receive specialized care tailored to their individual medical needs. The physical and emotional closeness with parents in the NICU is essential for the development of infants born prematurely.
Thanks to your support of RMHC of Alabama, 285 families have been able to stay one block from the hospital at the Ronald McDonald House while their child was in the NICU.
While the NICU helps parents with skin-to-skin care and daily bonding with baby, being able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House means mom and dad can get a good night’s sleep, a homecooked meal and more so they can be at their best.
You are also giving parents respite and support through the Ronald McDonald Family Room at UAB Women & Infants Center!
This space is located within the UAB Regional NICU and is outfitted with a laundry area, sleep rooms, showers, a small kitchen and dining area where mom and dad can refuel, and a sitting area to relax and meet other families.
To date in 2024, 163 families have benefitted from the 3 sleep rooms in the Ronald McDonald Family Room.
If you would like to help even more families through the end of the year, here are the best ways to do so!
- Make a gift that will help provide a room for a NICU family!
- Donate Wish List items like snacks that can really help lift a family up during long days at the hospital
