Alumni Day * Memorial Day

The staff of 12N recognize that having a baby in an intensive care unit is a stressful time for parents and families. There is a primary worry about the health of the infant, but other worries about expenses, travel, parking, childcare and one's own health can all add up to overwhelming levels. Please remember that support during this difficult time is available from a variety of sources. The social workers, nurses, and doctors and therapists are all here to help you in every possible way. You can learn when and how to touch your baby. For those times when an infant might be too unstable to be handled it is important to remember that babies love to have their parents speak to them.

Parents play a special role in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Firstly, they are the prime source of love and tender care for their babies in the midst of a highly technical and alarm filled world. Parents are also a wonderful source of comfort to other parents. You may like to participate in one of the parents groups led by trained social workers and held in the conference room on 12N. Multiple topics are discussed at these meetings including baby care, feeding issues, discharge planning and development care. While every family has their unique issues, it can be helpful to realize that other parents have been through similar circumstances and sharing feelings and experiences can help one through a difficult time. It is remarkable how many parents stay in touch with each other for weeks and months after their children have left the hospital.

Alumni Day
Each year in September, Alumni Day is held in the garden of the Children's Hospital for the families of children who 'graduated' from our NICU. Over five-hundred people usually come and it is a memorable party for all those who attend. It is a day for meeting old friends, taking pictures, enjoying various child activities, and marveling at the antics of children who were once so sick. It is truly a joyful day for everyone concerned, and we encourage you to come.

Memorial Day
Each October a nondenominational service is held in the Chapel to remember those infants who died while on 12N. Many families return each year to honor the memory of their infant's short life. If the parents wish they can display a picture of their infant on a collage that is placed by the door of the chapel.

A candle is lit for each infant and prayers, poems, songs or memories are recited. A staff member can light a candle if the family is not able to be present. The service is followed by a bulb planting ceremony by a special tree in the garden that has been dedicated to the memory of all the infants who died in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This is a very special day for all concerned. Many parents have spoken of the comfort they derived from meeting with other families and sharing the grief of losing a child.

For Information, please contact Irene Bruskin (212) 305 9907