Having a baby in the NICU can be one of the most intense and disorienting experiences of early parenthood. The machines, alarms, medical language, and constant worry can make it hard to process what’s happening, let alone rest or bond with your baby.

Drawing on my experience working in a Level III/IV NICU as a Swiss-trained midwife and doula, I offer specialized support for families whose babies need extra care in the hospital and after discharge.

NICU doula support is non-medical and centered around your emotional wellbeing, understanding, and connection with your baby.

What NICU doula support can look like

Each family and baby is different. Together, we decide what would feel most supportive for you right now. Support may include:

Emotional support & grounding

  • Space to share your story, fears, grief, and hopes without judgment

  • Gentle check-ins to help you process updates and changes

  • Tools for coping with anxiety, uncertainty, and information overload

Understanding the NICU environment

  • Help translating medical language into clear, understandable terms

  • Guidance on what questions you might want to ask the care team

  • Support in preparing for family meetings with doctors or social workers

  • Help navigating routines, visiting policies, and pumping/feeding schedules

Supporting bonding & feeding

  • Ideas for bonding when you can’t always hold your baby (touch, voice, scent, photos, rituals)

  • Support around pumping, milk expression, and feeding plans (in partnership with your medical team and lactation staff)

  • Encouragement and practical strategies for skin-to-skin contact (when appropriate and permitted)

  • Support for partners and siblings in connecting with the baby

Preparing for going home

  • Conversations about what to expect after discharge

  • Help creating a simple, realistic support plan for the first weeks at home

  • Guidance on organizing follow-up appointments and resources

  • Space to process the transition from “NICU parent” to “home with baby”

NICU doula support can take place in person (when allowed by hospital policies) and/or virtually.

Fees & access

I believe that families with a baby in the NICU deserve compassionate, specialized support—and that finances should not be a barrier.

For NICU doula services, I offer:

  • Significantly reduced hourly fees and packages, and

  • Pro bono (free) support

Please reach out and briefly share your situation. Together we can find an arrangement that works for you. No family will be turned away from NICU doula support solely due to inability to pay.

If your baby is in the NICU and you’re wondering whether this type of support might help, you’re warmly invited to contact me or book a short call. We can talk about what’s happening, what you’re hoping for, and whether NICU doula care feels like a good fit for your family.