Patient and Family Resources
We want you to have all the information you need to understand your baby’s condition and to take part in their care. This page provides links to resources that we hope will be helpful.
Resources at Seattle Children’s
- Welcome to the NICU
- What to expect in the NICU
- Resources for your hospital stay
- Transportation and lodging
- Hospital services
- Paying for care
- Social Work
- Family Resource Center at Seattle Children’s provides information and support
- Neonatal transport team to safely bring your fragile baby to Seattle Children’s
After-Pregnancy Care and Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
We support you in breastfeeding/ your baby. Breastmilk/chestmilk is one of the most important ways you can contribute to your baby’s future health.
- Postpartum Care: Healing After the Birth of Your Baby (PDF) (Spanish)
- Lactation Services
- How to Support a Lactating Parent (PDF) (Spanish)
- PE2949 How to Support a Pumping Parent (Spanish)
- Lactation Meal Program (PDF) (Spanish)
- Nipple Shields (PDF) (Spanish)
- Informal Breastmilk Sharing (PDF) (Spanish)
- Lactation Suppression (PDF)
- Breastfeeding (WomensHealth.gov)
For Parents of Premature Babies
- Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies
- The Preemie Primer
- March of Dimes
- MyPreemie App (free phone app)
- Peekaboo ICU Preemie App (free phone app)
Treatment-Related Resources
These links help explain some of the special tests and treatments that babies in the NICU might need.
- Breathing support including high-frequency ventilation, inhaled nitrous oxide and ECMO
- Bronchoscopy (Flexible)(PDF) (Spanish)
- Neuro NICU to protect and support brain development
- Developmental Follow-Up After a NICU Stay (PDF)
- Echocardiogram
- ECMO
- Lung care resources
- Pain Management for Your Baby in the NICU (PDF)
- Procedures related to the digestive system (gastroenterology)
- Surgery – What to Expect for information on pain control and tips for talking with your child’s doctor about surgery at Seattle Children’s
- Tests and procedures related to the urinary tract (urology)
- When a Tracheostomy Is Recommended for Your Child (PDF) (Amharic) (Simplified Chinese) (Somali) (Spanish)
- Whole Body Cooling (therapeutic hypothermia) (PDF)
- Newborn Intensive Care: What Every Parent Needs to Know. The NICU has copies to loan.
Condition-Specific Resources
You may find it helpful to see resources on your baby’s condition from Seattle Children’s:
- Brain and nervous system (neurosciences)
- Craniofacial conditions affecting the head and face
- Digestive system (gastroenterology and hepatology)
- Fetal Care and Treatment Center
- Heart (cardiology)
- Kidneys (nephrology)
- Lungs (pulmonary medicine)
- Surgery
- Urinary tract (urology)
These websites may be helpful to learn more about your child’s condition:
- American Pediatric Surgical Association Resources for Parents
- MedlinePlus
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
Baby Care in the NICU and at Home
- Kangaroo Care (PDF)
- Soothing Your Baby in the Hospital and at Home (PDF)
- Safe Sleep Practices for Your Baby in the NICU and at Home (PDF)
- Infant Care and Safety (PDF)
- Developmental Follow-Up After a NICU Stay (PDF)
For Siblings and Families of NICU Babies
- Social Work services
- Spiritual Care
- Family Resource Center services (PDF)
- Activities for Families at and Near Seattle Children’s (PDF)
- What to Expect When You Visit Your Sibling in the NICU (PDF)
- CaringBridge web page to help stay in touch with family and friends
Support
Check with your team about current support groups hosted at Seattle Children’s, such as:
- Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Family Chat (private Facebook group)
- Parent Support Program
- Sibshops
Additional support services — including free massages and haircuts — are available through the Family Resource Center.
Other support (not sponsored by Seattle Children’s)
- Multiples of America for parents of twins, triplets or more
- Hand to Hold
Contact Us
If your baby will need care in our NICU and you have questions or would like to arrange a tour, contact us at 206-987-2675.
If your baby is in our NICU and you need to reach a nurse, call 206-987-2041.
Providers
- If you need neonatal emergency transport, call 206-987-5437 or 866-987-8899 (toll-free).
- See how to transfer a patient.