her daughter Carleigh.
Welcoming a new life is beautiful, but some families face challenges like premature births and birth complications that often require newborns to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), presenting unique emotional and physical hurdles for parents. To support these families, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach’s NICU Family Support Program hosted a month-long celebration during Prematurity Awareness Month, from decorating onesies and hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, to partnering with the March of Dimes, with help from Zeta Phi Beta, to host a group baby shower for NICU parents.
Understanding that many NICU parents spend the holidays away from home, overwhelmed by the demands of a premature baby’s unexpected and extended hospitalization, Miller Children’s & Women’s NICU Family Support Program ensures that NICU parents are supported and feel cared for during the holiday season. This year, the program hosted a special Thanksgiving luncheon, sponsored by Compass One, providing parents with the opportunity to connect with one another over a meal. These moments of connection help alleviate anxiety, foster a sense of community, and remind parents that they are not alone.
Earlier in the month, the NICU Family Support Team, with the help of Zeta Phi Beta volunteers, organized a heartwarming baby shower for NICU parents who may have missed celebrating their own showers due to early deliveries. The event featured games and prizes donated by the March of Dimes, including a raffle for a crib and mattress from Million Dollar Baby Co. Along with the prizes, parents took home thoughtful gifts such as diapers, onesies, baby wipes, breastfeeding covers, books, and plush toys. These celebrations allowed parents to share their stories of strength and resilience in a supportive, stress-free environment.
“We weren’t able to have our own baby shower, so to be a part of this baby shower was very beautiful,” said Kayla Russell, NICU mom. “We hope to bring our little girl home very soon and are extremely appreciative of the Miller Children’s & Women’s care team and everyone who helped plan the baby shower for caring for her. The special care and attention the care team has provided to us has made this journey a bit easier to navigate.”
The celebrations also included a onesie decorating activity earlier in the month, with personalized onesies displayed throughout the NICU in honor of Prematurity Awareness Month.
“Events like these remind us of the strength that comes from the NICU community,” says Brenda Macias, BA, Family Resource Coordinator, NICU Family Support Team, Miller Children’s & Women’s. “Parents often feel isolated during their time in the NICU, but gatherings like this foster connections that can alleviate feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Sharing experiences and solutions creates a supportive environment where families can learn from one another and realize they are not alone in their journey.”
Miller Children’s & Women’s is one of 22 hospitals in California to feature a regional level IV NICU, the highest designation available by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This distinction reflects Miller Children’s & Women’s ability to provide advanced care for critically ill and premature infants. Miller Children’s & Women’s is also home to the largest Small Baby Center in the region, including the Tiny Baby Program, to care for extremely low birthweight babies in an environment mimicking the womb.
