NICU Support Des Moines Central Iowa The Iowa Baby Ladies Resources and Support Is a NICU stay for your baby/babies in your future? Have you found your new baby unexpectedly spending time in a Des Moines area NICU? If so, The Iowa Baby Ladies team would love to share some resources with you.

Holding Tiny Hands

Holding Tiny Hands is a group started right here in central Iowa by parents who have been in your shoes as NICU parents. They know firsthand what parents need during this time. They offer practical support and guidance for families. There’s a contact form on their website to get in touch.

Postpartum Doula Support

Did you know Postpartum Doulas are trained to support NICU families too? Here are just a few ideas of ways we provide extra hands-on and emotional support for families while they are in the hospital or have come home. Contact katie@theiowababylady.com to learn more. (These services are booked by the hour.)

  • Meal & Snack Preparation (prepared in your home but could be taken to hospital)
  • Older Sibling support at home
  • Lactation Education (pumping tips, implementing feeding plans, maximizing supply, etc.) (Can be virtual)
  • Someone for you to talk to about the difficulties, worries, and struggles a NICU mom/parent may be having (Can be virtual)
  • Education on kangaroo care, baby wearing for single babies or twins, etc. (Can be virtual)
  • Helping prepare your home for baby’s arrival (changing areas, feeding areas, bottle prep areas, swaddling stations, etc.)
Once the baby/babies are home, we provide expert support during the days and/or overnights too.
  • All of those services above
  • Overnight care so you can catch up on sleep
  • Implementing feeding plans at home
  • Household organization, meal prep, laundry

Licensed Mental Health Therapists

We have some really phenomenal LMHT providers in the Des Moines/central Iowa area who know just how to help NICU families. I would encourage you to contact one today. Many also provide virtual services so you can have your session from your baby’s hospital room too.

Self-Care & Other NICU Tips

  • Get fresh air every day.
  • Go for a walk outside or around the hospital.
  • Visit a nearby coffeeshop or restaurant to see something different if going home isn’t an option.
  • Schedule your day and include a self-care option for yourself.
  • Journal
  • Eat something healthy. Eat some comfort food too.
  • Watch something funny on TV or Netflix.
  • Listen to a podcast.
  • Read a book, do a puzzle, or another simple activity.
  • Don’t spend too much time on social media.
  • Take advantage of the resources available to you. Talk to a therapist. Enjoy a meal from Ronald McDonald House. Call a friend.
  • Make connections with other parents in the NICU.

We wish your baby/babies a lot of healthy growth and progress, and we wish for you to find peace and support during your NICU journey. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance too!

NICU Support Des Moines Central Iowa The Iowa Baby Ladies Resources and Support