In 2014, nurses from Aultman’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) teamed up with a group of NICU graduate parents to make a PEEP … literally. They created a support group called Parents Encouraging and Embracing Parents, or PEEP. The group meets twice a month to offer much-needed emotional support to NICU parents. The goal behind PEEP is to help ease the minds of new NICU parents and attempt to make their often stressful NICU journeys a little bit easier.

Partnering with Aultman’s nutrition, occupational therapy and lactation departments has allowed PEEP to provide a valuable educational component, as well. One meeting each month begins with education on various infant-related topics and is followed by question-and-answer sessions with NICU graduate parents.

The other monthly meeting usually involves a crafting session that centers on the baby and their NICU stay. In the past, the PEEP group has decorated picture frames, flower pots and onesies, created mini scrapbook “brag books” and even decorated their baby’s rooms in the NICU. At every PEEP meeting, a meal or snack is provided at no cost.

PEEP meetings give current NICU parents a chance to meet with parents of NICU graduates - sharing their experiences and getting their concerns addressed. Usually, the group pairs current parents with a parent mentor who had a former NICU baby at Aultman. These mentors then assist the families throughout their NICU journeys, offering their advice, care and support.

PEEP also hosts NICU graduate get-togethers quarterly throughout the year to ensure families can keep in touch. Since PEEP is funded solely by donations, they host multiple fundraisers, as well. Their next goal is to raise funds so they can offer gas and/or grocery gift cards to needy families in the NICU. They also hope to provide admission gift bags for all new NICU families, filled with items that previous NICU families felt were necessities.

If you are interested in helping PEEP with their fundraising efforts, or to learn more about PEEP, please contact Mindy Carano or Briana Reardon in the NICU.