New Program Sees NICU Parents Offering Peer to Peer Support
17-11-2022
As we mark World Prematurity Day, Windsor Regional Hospital is taking the opportunity to shine a light on some amazing work being done by a group of local parents.
Our NICU Family Advisory Care Team, which includes parents from the community, has spent the last year putting together a Peer Support program for parents of babies who have been hospitalized at WRH.
Peer-to-peer support is beneficial in a number of ways and hearing from a parent who has gone through a similar situation can be comforting. The program gives parents an opportunity to learn new ways to deal with difficult situations while removing any feelings of isolation or loneliness. Peer Support is there to ensure families know they have someone to turn to who understands the challenges of having an infant in the NICU.
"Peers can provide support in ways medical professionals cannot. Parents may share feelings with a peer they would not otherwise share with the NICU team," says NICU Social Worker Gioia Levesque. "Peer support can increase a parent’s confidence, well-being, self-esteem and assist in working through their situation."
Nearly 30,000 babies are born prematurely every year in Canada. Studies show NICU parents are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues such as depression which, in turn, affect their ability to parent - so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
"This journey came with many two-steps forward and three-steps back moments," explains Monique, a mother of two premature babies. "It was such a blessing to have met other preemie parents in the NICU and within our community. Even though there was often no solution to what I was struggling with, sharing in these experiences with those who have walked the same path made it less isolating. It was just nice not to feel alone in your struggle."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, peer-to-peer support is only being offered virtually or by phone.
Parents interested in using the service can ask their nurse for more information or contact Gioia Levesque by email at Gioia.Levesque@wrh.on.ca or by phone at 519-254-5577 ex. 57201.
Former NICU parents interested in lending a hand to the program can email wrhnicufact@gmail.com for more information.