
Everything You Need
Parental & Family Support
We are passionately focused on nurturing your baby so he or she can thrive. Our neonatal specialists believe the best care includes a focus on family involvement, along with the most advanced technologies and procedures. With our family-centered care philosophy, we encourage you to be active in your child’s care. We also understand that few things are as comforting to parents as support from someone who knows firsthand what they are going through with their child's illness.
How We Help
Neonatal social workers can provide you with emotional support and links to community and financial resources. If you need information on lodging while your baby is in the NICU, please ask to speak with a social worker.
Discharge planners will help you get ready for your baby’s discharge and connect you with resources to help you and your baby as he/she goes home.
Chaplains are available to help meet your spiritual and religious needs, as well as to provide emotional support.
The March of Dimes NICU Family Support® Specialist is available to provide you with information, support and access to educational classes and the chance to meet other parents who have a baby in the NICU.
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Classes & Events
We offer a variety of activities and classes to help support the entire family during their NICU experience. Examples include scrap booking and craft nights, sibling groups to help normalize the NICU environment, parent-to-parent dinners, and lunchtime lactation support groups. An up-to-date calendar of events is at the front desk of the unit. Register for events in person with the unit greeter, or by calling 616.267.1300.
Parent-to-Parent Partnership
The Parent-to-Parent Partnership is a group of volunteer parents sponsored by the Neonatal Center at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. We are parents who care. Each of us has stood where you are today. Our goal is to make this experience a little easier. Together with the entire staff of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we offer a circle of caring for you, your family and your baby.
The Parent-to-Parent Partnership is free. The program developed out of our own experiences and because we sincerely care about your family’s journey. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital offers this program to you as a part of our commitment to meeting the needs of families whose infants are receiving care in the NICU.


Health Beat
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NICU event reunites tiny fighters
More than 1,000 people enjoyed an afternoon filled with memories and joy.