International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8 as a way to honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. While it's important to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women in the workplace, some of the greatest displays of strength and resilience can be found in an unlikely place - the NICU.
A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a specialized department in a hospital that cares for the sickest and most fragile newborns. Postpartum is a highly sensitive time when everything goes right, but women with babies in the NICU are at an even more increased risk for anxiety and depression. These mothers must navigate fear, trauma, and uncertainty in a high-stakes environment while physically recovering from childbirth.
In honor of these women and their babies, Kyte Baby makes a donation to a different NICU every month through our Nominate-a-NICU program. These donations go toward medical equipment, family support, financial assistance, research, staff training, and wherever funds are needed. This month, we are so proud to announce Brigham and Women's Hospital as our March NICU.
About the NICU at Brigham and Women's Hospital
Located in Boston, MA, Brigham and Women's Hospital has a Level III NICU with 66 beds that provides complex multidisciplinary care to over 3,000 babies every year.
This NICU has an active Fetal Care Program, a collaborative multidisciplinary team, and is one of the handful of NICUs that collaborates with the March of Dimes in a NICU Family Support program with a former NICU parent who serves as a liaison to support and guide parents through their baby's journey.
The NICU Team at Brigham and Women's Hospital
Behind every NICU success story is a dedicated team of professionals working around the clock. The staff at Brigham and Women's Hospital NICU includes:
- Attending neonatologists, resident physicians, and fellows
- Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
- Respiratory therapists and physical/occupational therapists
- Lactation consultants and nutritionists
- Social workers, chaplains, and family support specialists
- Speech and language specialists
- Pharmacists and unit coordinators
The NICU team also works closely with the BWH obstetric group, the BWH Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists, and a wide variety of pediatric subspecialist services to provide optimal care for NICU patients and their mothers.
Words From the Kyte Community
"My son was born at 29 weeks, and we spent over 10 weeks in the NICU at Brigham. The staff was unbelievable in the amount of knowledge, care and compassion they showed us during that time. As first time parents, it was a challenging start, but the Brigham NICU took such incredible care of our baby boy and us."
-Micayla C.
"My sister recently stayed at Brigham and Women's Hospital when her unborn baby had a rare arrhythmia. Many departments collaborated on her case. The baby was born 3 months premature, is now in the NICU there, and is doing great after having multiple operations. I'm incredibly grateful to the staff at this NICU."
-Allison T.
"Aside from the amazing care they provided our son when he was born prematurely at 32 weeks, Brigham and Women's Hospital is on the forefront of research to support NICU babies. They also run amazing family support, providing daily lunch to families, running support groups, involving the siblings as much as possible, and so much more. They really care for the whole family while providing the best possible care to the baby."
-Kellie P.
"We will forever be grateful for the exceptional care my daughter received in the BWH NICU. Even eight months after leaving the NICU, our nurses continue to reach out to us, checking in on our family and my daughter. Their genuine care and concern is truly unmatched."
-Rachel H.
"On May 25, 2023, my wife gave birth to our son and daughter at just 22.5 weeks. Unfortunately, Matthew passed just ten days later. Emma spent a total of 191 days at the Brigham NICU, enduring several life-saving surgeries and daily sticks and pokes. The dedication and steadfast work of everyone on the NICU floor is nothing short of a miracle. Without her team of primary nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and doctors, we would not have Emma with us today. The care and compassion from Emma's NICU family never ceased. Her friends have all become like family, and they have never stopped checking in on a regular basis or during hospital stays and visits."
-Matt H.
Why Supporting NICU Families Matters
Every year, thousands of families face unexpected NICU stays. The emotional toll of watching your newborn fight for their life is immense, and the financial burden of extended hospital stays can be overwhelming.
Here's why community support makes a real difference:
- Emotional well-being: NICU mothers are at significantly higher risk for postpartum anxiety and depression. Programs that offer peer support, counseling, and family services help parents cope during and after their NICU journey.
- Medical equipment and research: Donations fund life-saving equipment and cutting-edge research that improve outcomes for premature and critically ill newborns.
- Family support programs: From daily meals to sibling involvement activities, comprehensive support programs ensure the entire family is cared for, not just the baby.
- Staff training: Continued education and training for NICU staff ensure the highest standard of care for every baby and family that walks through the doors.
How to Support Brigham and Women's Hospital
If you would like to give to the NICU at Brigham and Women's Hospital, you may make a donation through their giving page.
Every contribution, no matter how small, helps provide critical resources to babies and families who need them most.
How to Nominate a NICU
If you have a NICU that you would like us to donate to, you may submit a nomination along with your story on our Nominate-a-NICU page. Kyte Baby donates to a different NICU every month, and your nomination could help bring vital support to the families and staff who need it.
