Developmentally Supportive Care
The NICU is proud to offer the highest level of care combined with a compassionate approach. The unit provides developmentally supportive and family centered care through multiple programs including the Wee Care Program, March of Dimes NICU Family Support, Skin-to-Skin Care and Lactation Support.

Wee Care Program
The Wee Care Program is an evidence-based, clinically relevant, comprehensive program designed to teach the philosophy and foundation of developmentally supportive family-centered care, while providing practical approaches to promote the best possible outcomes for premature infants and their families.

March of Dimes NICU Family Support
The March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program provides information and comfort for families of premature babies and other critically ill newborns being cared for in the Miller Children’s NICU. This program is the first such initiative in the state of California and is led by a March of Dimes NICU Family Support Specialist®. This program helps parents through the hospitalization of a newborn – often a lengthy and emotional process, where parents feel isolated and may not get a chance to hold their baby for weeks. Providing communication with other parents who are sharing a similar experience, or whose babies have “graduated” and are at home helps parents to know they are not alone.

Skin-to-Skin Care (Kangaroo Care)
Skin-to-Skin Care involves placing a diaper-clad, premature infant in an upright position on a parent’s bare chest – tummy to tummy – with the infant’s head turned so that the ear is above the parent’s heart. Skin-to-Skin Care is safe and beneficial even if the infant is connected to high tech equipment. Miller Children’s Hospital teaches and encourages Skin-to-Skin Care, which has been shown to have a major, positive impact on survival and growth rates, as well as a decrease in the number of days in the hospital.

Lactation Support Program
Experts agree that breast milk provides many wonderful and vital health benefits for all newborns. There are many special advantages for premature and sick babies. In the NICU, RN Lactation Specialists provide certified lactation consultation for new parents. They help the mother provide this important nutrition in the way that works best for the premature infant and the parents at each stage of their baby’s development. The lactation support program includes on-site breast pumps, cozy private pumping rooms, individualized assessment and teaching. There is also an onsite and online breastfeeding supply store called Essentials.