The NICUPs provide support in many ways: one-on-one, parent group meetings, breastfeeding support, parent library with on-line resources, and support for those who are expecting again after an experience in the NICU. The NICUPs work closely with NICU staff to help make the NICU an environment where families can come together and focus on their child's recovery.

The NICUPs rely solely on donations and in the past have been able to provide Medela Symphony Breast Pumps for each bedside in the unit, new recliners, car seats, clothing and much, much more. The NICUPs provide a voice for the families going through the NICU and with their fundraising efforts are able to give those families the support and resources they need to make their stay in the NICU a little easier.

The NICUPs know that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is not where anyone expects their pregnancy journey to end, and we are there to offer the type of encouragement that can only be offered by those who have been through this.

Recently awarded the Becky Hatfield Family Support Award by the National Perinatal Association, the NICUPs assist the Family Care Coordinator at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in providing resources and emotional support to NICU families. Some of the support programs include: Mercy Mother's Milk Club for breastfeeding support, weekly gatherings for mothers who are on hospitalized bed rest, parent group meetings to discuss topics such as common complications while in the hospital and taking your preemie home, as well as an online resource program called Baby Care Link.

In addition to direct financial contributions, the NICUPs fund our support efforts with our annual fundraising campaign, Letters from Santa. In the past, we have been able to raise enough money to purchase breast pumps for the unit, provide a developmental care seminar for our nursing staff, as well as cover our other support activities.