Each year, nearly 1 in 10 infants in the United States is admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), reflecting the specialized care many newborns require. In 2023, the NICU admission rate was 9.8%, up from 8.7% in 2016, a 13% increase over seven years (CDC, 2025).
This rise underscores the growing need for accessible support systems for NICU families. The long hours, medical uncertainty, and constant adjustments can leave parents feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for support. To help, we've compiled a quick guide to nationwide NICU resources offering peer support, educational materials, and practical tools for parents and caregivers.
Bookmark this guide or share it with a friend, these resources are here to help families feel connected, supported, and less alone.
Nationwide NICU Resources
Hand to Hold
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit that focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of NICU parents. Their goal is to ensure that no family has to face the NICU journey without emotional support.
What They Offer:
Virtual support groups
Peer mentoring program that matches families with trained NICU graduate or bereaved parents.
NICU Babies, Parent Support Podcast available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Youtube.
Hand to Hold App with private groups, educational resources, podcasts, and direct access to services.
Educational tools like a NICU glossary, guides to the NICU care team, and parent stories.
Free counseling sessions (currently available to Texas and Florida residents).
Location: Nationwide, with some state-specific services
Visit Hand to Hold’s website here
Dear NICU Mama
Started in 2019, Dear NICU Mama was founded by two mothers who experienced the NICU firsthand. Their mission is to bring hope and connection to mothers who often feel isolated during this experience.
What They Offer:
A private online community (via Facebook and social media) where NICU mothers can connect.
The Letter Series, where moms write letters to each other to share encouragement and solidarity.
Educational resources through the Dear NICU Mama podcast and digital resource library.
Virtual events such as workshops, webinars, and support nights designed to promote connection and healing.
Hospital outreach kits that are distributed free to mothers currently in the NICU.
Location: Nationwide
Visit Dear NICU Mama’s website here
Project Sweet Peas
Project Sweet Peas is a nonprofit dedicated to serving NICU families as well as those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. With multiple chapters across the country, their impact reaches both local communities and families nationwide.
What They Offer:
NICU care packages
Food and fuel assistance through a one-time $100 award that helps offset travel and meal costs.
A private Facebook group for parents seeking peer-to-peer connection.
Bereavement support, including memory boxes, an annual luminary vigil, and the “We Remember” program.
Initiatives like Books for Babies drives, collecting NICU-friendly costumes and handmade baby hats.
Downloadable worksheets for mental health support and coping.
Location: Nationwide, with state chapters including Alabama; Charlottesville, VA; Greater Philadelphia Area; Delaware; Glendale, Arizona; Greater Lafayette, IN; Greater Pittsburgh, PA; Kansas; Morristown, New Jersey; New Hampshire; New York; Northeast Georgia; Southern Illinois; Southern New England; Terre Haute, Indiana.
Visit Project Sweet Peas website here
Grahams Foundation
Grahams Foundation focuses specifically on the unique challenges of parenting a premature baby. They provide tools and mentorship to help parents make informed decisions and feel confident in their role.
What They Offer:
MyPreemie App, a comprehensive digital guide for preemie parents. Features include information on over 100 health, developmental, and parenting issues of prematurity; suggested questions to ask doctors and nurses; a diary; trackers to record your baby’s daily measurements and compare those stats to preemie growth charts; to do list; a checklist of objects for you to gather as keepsakes; share updates with family and friends by sharing any page to Facebook, email, print, or save as PDF.
Preemie care packages that bring comfort during long NICU stays.
Parent mentoring program, where families connect with experienced preemie parents trained through Parent to Parent USA.
Educational content and articles about prematurity, milestones, and caregiving.
Events and webinars that allow families to learn and connect.
Location: Nationwide
Visit Grahams Foundation’s website here
March of Dimes – NICU Family Support
As one of the most well-known maternal and infant health organizations in the U.S., March of Dimes offers the NICU Family Support (NFS) program in more than 70 NICUs across the country.
What They Offer:
Educational resources that meet high standards for medical accuracy and accessibility.
Family-centered support both in-person and through virtual models.
Training for NICU staff to improve patient and family experiences.
NICU Family Stories, a platform where parents can share and read experiences.
Community-building events such as holiday celebrations, family dinners, and patient experience projects.
Location: Nationwide; Over 70 NICUs across the U.S.
Learn about NICU Family Support here
Visit the March of Dimes website here
Every NICU journey is unique, but no parent has to face it alone. Whether you’re seeking peer mentorship, virtual support groups, care packages, or educational resources, these nationwide programs can provide guidance, connection, and practical help. For even more support, visit our digital resource hub (currently being compiled) for additional programs and tools. We’d also love to hear from you, if you’ve found any resources particularly helpful, please share them with us at editorial@connectingmothersinitiative.org.