About the NICU Program
MAPS is partnering with Wisconsin NICU Parents to create a volunteer, peer-support program that will match current NICU parents with local parents who have graduated from the NICU (about a year+ out from the experience). The goal is to provide emotional and mental support to the new parent(s).
We are introducing our program at the Meriter NICU first. The nurses will provide information upon admission to the NICU so parents are able to contact someone from our program right away if they're interested. We'll also have a form they can fill out at discharge giving our volunteers permission to contact them after they are discharged.
The program will consist of a check-in while the family is still at the hospital (if requested), another around 2-3 weeks after baby's birth, then again at 8-12 weeks, plus a few more up until baby's first birthday. However, our volunteers will also make themselves available outside of those scheduled check-ins based on each family's needs.
