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NICU Parent Support

Learn about programs and resources available to support parents who have a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
NICU menu
Women's and Infants' Health
NICU overview
Clinics and services
Care team

Having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be very difficult. Our team in the NICU supports parents and families through our family-integrated approach to newborn care.  

We also offer the following support programs and information resources for parents. 

Parent Buddy Program

This program connects parents who have a premature baby in our NICU to another parent who has gone through a similar experience.

“Parent buddies” can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Your buddy will provide a sympathetic ear and share their own experience. They will talk to you over the phone during your baby's hospitalization and the first few months at home.

You can request a buddy who shares your language and culture by talking to your social worker or nurse or contacting the NICU parent resource nurse at 416-586-4800 ext.103077.

NICU parent classes

We provide classes on topics such as infant growth and nutrition, neonatal development and the medical aspects of prematurity.

All parents and families of babies in the NICU are invited to our programs. If your baby has been transferred to another hospital, you are welcome to continue coming to these classes.

A monthly calendar of classes will be posted on your baby's door. For more information, call 416-586-4800 ext 8679.

Infant safety course

This course is offered to parents at Mount Sinai when the baby is between 33 to 35 weeks gestation. It’s also available even after you have been discharged.

The course is designed to teach parents how to reduce risks, handle emergencies and feel more confident about bringing their baby home.  

When an interpreter is needed, families can receive the Infant Safety course individually.

For questions about upcoming dates or to register, please contact the NICU parent resource nurse at 416-586-4800 ext. 103077.

CPR

We strongly recommend taking a certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course.

To find a course near you, contact St. John Ambulance at 416-967-4244 or the Canadian Red Cross Society at 416-480-2500.

Prenatal and infant safety classes

Consider some of the other prenatal and infant safety classes offered at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Parent binders

The “Me and My Baby” binder contains essential information about what to expect while your baby is in the NICU.  

All parents with a baby in the NICU receive a copy of the binder. Please speak to your baby's nurse if you have not received your copy.