Neonatal Support Groups

Having a child in the NICU can be a very scary time. Sharing with other parents who understand what you are going through can help.

Parents of preemies and critically ill children often deal with very unique circumstances. Even though friends and family may be very supportive, few people can really relate to what you're are going through than other parents in similar situations. Cook Children's parent support groups meet weekly on the NICU floor.

NICU parent support group

Connect with other NICU parents and caregivers at our weekly support group meeting. We provide a safe, confidential place for parents to share their stories and learn about ways to manage their stress.

Join us each Wednesday at 3:30 in the 3rd floor consultation room.

Our licensed therapist facilitates the group.

NICU scrapbooking support group

Parents of NICU babies meet weekly. Cook Children's provides scrapbooking supplies and albums. Parents bring pictures and mementos. For more information, contact our NICU Child Life Specialists at 682-885-6243.

Specialty support groups

If your baby has been diagnosed with a specialty condition, you may also find comfort in a related support group.

Specialty support groups

Family support and resources

We know that a child's illness or injury can impact a family physically, emotionally and financially. Fortunately, you don't have to face these challenges alone. We provide a growing number of services and resources for patients and families, all designed to help support, heal and encourage you through every step of your journey.

Family support and resources are here

Family-centered care

At Cook Children's, our family-centered care approach means that families become partners with us in their child's care. Studies have shown that active parent participation — learning, asking questions and providing input — can lead to better health outcomes and improve the overall quality of care and safety for the child.

Find family-centered care here

Sibling support

If you have older children, they too may feel the impact of having a baby brother or sister that needs specialized care and attention. Our Sib2Sib program offers group activities and outings to help provide them with coping tools, and offers a place where they can express their feelings.

Sibling support

Child Life services

The the Child Life team at Cook Children's offers many different levels of support to patients and families throughout our system. Child Life helps with everything from comforting your child during a procedure, to helping families and patients feel more at ease during a stay at our medical center or a visit to one of our specialty offices. We invite you to learn how they can help you.

Child Life

Annual NICU reunion

The Cook Children's NICU family is exactly that, a family. Special bonds are born here between staff and patients, staff and parents, and families sharing similar experiences.

The Cook Children's NICU Reunion marks milestones and celebrates the achievements and successes of each and every one of our kids. With lots of food, fun and fellowship, it's a great time to renew old friendships and say hello to NICU staff members.

The NICU reunion is held at Cook Children's NICU every year in May. The weather is magnificent, and the smiles are as sunny as the season. And, like the one big happy family that we are, we also keep in touch year-round on Facebook.

Tell us your story!
Every year, families bring "storyboards" to the NICU reunion. It's never too early to start getting ready for the next year. Share your family's experience in the Cook Children's NICU. Create a 20x30" foam board poster including photos of your baby from then and now. Include a short story about your time at Cook Children's NICU and update us on your baby's progress. Your stories will bring hope and encouragement to other families and friends who are in the NICU.

We're here to help.

If you are interested in scheduling a tour of our NICU, please call 682-885-4375. You can find information on how to refer a patient or other NICU contact information here.