ICUbaby.org

ICU Baby is a non-profit organization that
provides support to families with babies in the NICU.

ICU baby is a non-profit organization that unites NICU families and provides emotional, financial and informational support so babies and families can thrive together in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

05/28/2026

Donor breast milk is a lifeline for premature infants, and the bipartisan DONOR Milk Act would formally recognize it as what it truly is: a Critical Food.🍼🩵👩‍🍼

ICU baby encourages FDA oversight of donor milk facilities as part of this legislation. It's the right step to ensure every baby has access to donor milk that meets the highest safety standards.

Thank you Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Congressman Chris Pappas, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Rep. Morgan McGarvey , and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici for championing this legislation for our tiniest babies.

Support the DONOR Milk Act & call on your representatives in Congress to support it too!🍼🩵👩‍🍼

Rep. María Elvira Salazar Rep Mario Diaz-Balart Congresswoman Frederica Wilson

05/22/2026

👀Sneak Peek! Beyond the Beeps, Episode 23: What Happens When Nobody Tells You What To Expect in the NICU?

Victoria Varela-Hefty, director of programs at ICU Baby and mother of James, a 28-weeker born in 2024, shares her NICU journey with Leah Jayanetti, NICU Wellbeing Specialist at ICU baby.

From a high-risk pregnancy complicated by Sjögren's syndrome and preeclampsia to an emergency classical C-section, inadequate postoperative pain management, and a cardiac complication, Victoria reflects on what it felt like to navigate her own medical crisis while her son was down the hall in the NICU.

She speaks powerfully about what was missing: not heroic interventions, but simple things - someone acknowledging her feelings, preparing her for what was coming, and reminding her that asking for help was allowed.

She also shares how James is thriving today, and what she wants every NICU family to know about the power of pausing.

As NICU Mental Health Week comes to a close, we’re honored to share Victoria and Leah’s heartfelt conversation in hopes of expanding the circle of openness, compassion, understanding, and support for NICU families everywhere. 🩵

🎧Beyond the Beeps is available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

🔗If you prefer to watch on youtube, here's a link:

https://youtu.be/XFViuTOw2xo?si=mX_KZhodQNsJ9w77

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYpuFdgoRg7/?igsh=MWI4cDl3NDF5aGVocA==

05/20/2026

Today we celebrate the incredible volunteers who help make the mission of ICU baby possible.🩵✨

Their compassion, generosity, and dedication bring comfort, hope, and support to NICU families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Whether they're helping with events, supporting families behind the scenes, or simply showing up with a caring heart, every act of kindness makes a difference.

Because of our volunteers, families feel less alone, and tiny miracles are surrounded by love.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of the ICU baby family and for helping us bring hope to the NICU community every single day.🩵

05/19/2026

Every story, every milestone, and every tiny victory inspires us!🩵 As we celebrate 11 years of serving NICU families, ICU baby is proud to share our feedback and testimonials.🦕

ICU baby’s mission is to unite NICU families and provide emotional, financial, and informational support so that babies and families can thrive together.

05/15/2026

Today is Kangaroo Care Day!🩵🦘

For NICU babies, time spent in skin-to-skin on a parent’s chest regulates breathing, reduces pain and stress, improves weight gain, supports brain development, and strengthens the bond with their parent.

For parents, it’s a reminder that even in the NICU, their touch matters deeply.

In Episode 11 of *Beyond the Beeps,* we explore the powerful impact of Kangaroo Care and why these quiet moments can make such a big difference for both babies and families.

Host Leah Jayanetti welcomes Occupational Therapists Emily Hills and Lindsay Hardy for a conversation about the vital role parents touch, scent and voice play in their baby's development.

Whether you’re a NICU parent, healthcare professional, or someone supporting a NICU family, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Beyond the Beeps Episode 11 can be found wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

If you'd like SEE the full conversation, here is the link for youtube:
https://youtu.be/SBDAGk_Q7jg?si=_D71MrUH1LXzf4Zw

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYXTg43g5is/?igsh=end4dXdreWUzbXJq

05/14/2026

In the past week, we celebrated by hosting Mother's Day Baby Showers for the NICU Moms at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital, Jackson Health System Holtz Children's Hospital and Nicklaus Children's Hospital. 🩵✨️

Frequently, Mothers in the NICU have to cancel, postpone, or miss having their baby shower altogether due to their baby's NICU admission.

ICU baby believes that NICU Moms should be celebrated, so 3 years ago, we created the NICU Moms Baby Shower. It takes place in the hospital during the week of Mothers Day, and Moms, Dads, siblings, and grandparents are all invited to be together for a warm meal, gifts, games and the opportunity to connect with one another.

ICU baby recognizes that Mother's Day can be very difficult for many people for a variety of reasons, but seeing these mothers leave with smiles, lighter hearts and the knowledge they are not alone means everything to us.

Thank you to the NICU families who allow ICU baby into your lives.🩵

Thank you to Miami Diaper Bank, Little Cottage and Sergio's for donating gifts and food to help make the Baby Showers extra special.🩵

Thank you to our amazing Youth Ambassadors for hosting an awesome drive to make the gift bags at South Miami & Holtz and for donating your time and talents in the planning and implementation of these events. 🩵💕🩵🤸🏽‍♀️

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!🩵 To every NICU mom, whether you’re holding your baby in your arms or carrying them in your heart, we honor you today and every day.

Your strength, love, and unwavering devotion inspire us beyond words. Wishing you moments of peace, comfort, and love this Mother’s Day.✨️

05/08/2026

As Nurse Week comes to a close, we want to give one more heartfelt thank you to the extraordinary nurses who care for our babies.🩵✨

If you were at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital or Nicklaus Children's Hospital, your nurse is in this carousel, so swipe thru!😊

NICU nurses are so much more than healthcare providers. They are steady hands during emergencies, calming voices during long nights, and sources of strength and reassurance for families navigating the unimaginable.

They celebrate every ounce gained, every milestone reached, and stand beside parents through every setback and victory along the way.

To the nurses who pour their hearts into caring for NICU babies and their families every single day, Thank You! Your compassion, skill, and love leave a lasting impact far beyond the NICU walls.

Because of you, families feel supported, babies feel comforted, and hope is always present.🩵

HealthcareHeroes CompassionInAction

05/07/2026

ICU baby Co-founders Elizabeth Simonton and Nichole Aldrich were deeply honored to attend the Coral Reef Community Foundation Grant Awards Reception this morning.🩵

For the past several years, Ocean Reef Community Foundation (ORCF) has helped NICU families from Homestead, Florida City, and the Keys. Their ongoing support means the world to us!✨️

Many of these families travel over 30 miles every day just to visit their baby in the NICU. That’s a lot of time and travel expense, during an already overwhelming time.

Today, we’re so happy to share that ICU baby has received the 2026–2027 grant from ORCF!🌊 This gift helps us continue giving families the care and support they need while their baby is in the hospital.

We’re proud to be part of this important work together!

05/06/2026

Today is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day.🩵 If you or someone you love could benefit from a podcast centered on maternal mental health today, we humbly offer the following:

Beyond the Beeps Podcast Episode 08: Nothing’s wrong with you. What you’re feeling makes perfect sense.

Link: https://youtu.be/Osew4lSowGc?si=oFTcHPhA_oeLTZ2x

In this conversation, NICU Wellbeing Specialist Leah Jayanetti and Professor Parijat Deshpande explore the profound impact of high-risk pregnancies and NICU experiences on parents. Parijat shares her personal journey, experiences and insights on navigating the emotional landscape of being a parent in the NICU.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting feelings of anxiety and fear as normal reactions to abnormal situations. The discussion highlights the need for empowerment through knowledge, the significance of addressing basic needs during trauma recovery, and the healing potential of trauma informed somatic therapy.

Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of finding hope amidst uncertainty and the shared journey of NICU families.

Beyond the Beeps Episode 8 can be found wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. If you prefer, you can also access this episode on youtube.

🔗Link in bio.

Address

Key Biscayne, FL
33149

Telephone

305-491-3335

Website

https://linktr.ee/icu_baby

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ICUbaby.org posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to ICUbaby.org:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Key Biscayne?