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  2. Supporting Dads in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Supporting Dads in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Parents with a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can feel pulled in multiple directions. Providers have the power to shape the experiences of NICU parents. This collection emphasizes ways to provide support to Dads through self-care and social support tips and resources.

Project Fatherhood: Father Involvement Is a Game-Changer

There are individual and systemic barriers that hinder father-child engagement. Get to know the theoretical and evidence-based framework to support fathers from diverse families in addressing barriers and engaging in relationships with their children. Recorded on: 4/4/2018

 Training
  58 minutes
  Added on 5/28/2020
Dads in the NICU: Taking Care of Yourself and Seeking Support

Dads to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) babies often hold space for others, complete never-ending tasks, and experience joy and overwhelm as they bond and care for their newborn. Dads need to take care of themselves to be able to recharge and give support effectively. This handout contains six helpful tips to support Dads in taking care of themselves and prioritizing their own wellbeing.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/25/2022
Supporting Dads in the NICU: Tips for Partners

Many partners with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) find it difficult to maintain the health of their relationship. This tool provides suggestions for partners on how to acknowledge, validate, communicate, and interact with NICU Dads during this challenging time. 

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/25/2022
Returning to Work With a Baby in the NICU

This handout addresses the challenges of returning to work while a baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and offers strategies for coping with complex emotions and practical needs. It emphasizes self-care, maintaining a connection with the baby, and navigating work-related issues.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/6/2025
NICU Parenting: Coping With Comparisons

This handout outlines several key strategies to help NICU parents cope with comparisons.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 7/29/2025
Supporting Siblings of NICU Babies: A Family Guide

This handout is a family guide for supporting siblings of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) babies. It provides strategies for communication, bonding, and coping.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 10/7/2025
Self-Care Tips for NICU Families

This handout provides practical strategies and emotional encouragement for families navigating the challenges of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

 Printable Tool
  Added on 1/13/2026
Strategies for Preventing and Addressing Birth Trauma

This presentation from the UCLA Family Development Program is designed for professionals to use when presenting on the complexities of birth-related psychological distress. It equips providers with the knowledge and tools to recognize risk factors for birth trauma, identify signs and symptoms of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and support parents struggling in the aftermath of a traumatic birth. For an example on how to use these slides, please refer to the Addressing Birth Trauma video.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 1/13/2026
Parent Education Moments: Infants

This handout provides a list of topics that frequently arise during discussions with families, and the guidance recommended by the Family Development Program to support and educate them.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 1/20/2026
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