NICCUPS
NICCUPS
Nepean Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Parent Support – NNICUPS – was formed in March 1992, an initiative of Julie Clarke, the mother of a 27 week premature baby (13 weeks early) who was born in York, England. Julie had formed a similar group at York District Hospital in 1984.
With the support and enthusiasm of the Neonatologists and nursing staff of Nepean Hospital’s unit, five mothers of premature and sick babies were invited to be the founder members.
The aim of NNICUPS is to help alleviate the anxiety and trauma of parents who have a baby being cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, by providing emotional and practical support.
Parents of these newborn babies need to be reassured that the feelings of fear of death, guilt and fear of becoming too attached to their baby are normal, but only someone who has experienced these anxieties can truly empathise. It’s often easier to confide in a stranger, as other family members will also have feelings of anguish.
We are a founding member of the National Premmie Foundation.
