Fragile Beginnings: Support for Parents of Premature Infants

What is Fragile Beginnings?
Fragile Beginnings is a support network for parents whose babies are born prematurely. Based on the successful Visiting Moms program, volunteers who were themselves mothers of preemies will offer support to new mothers of premature infants. Our Early Connections Clinicians, Feeding Support and Sleep Support staff are also available to offer support specific to the needs and issues of premature infants.

Why is this needed?
In Massachusetts 1 out of 9 babies is born prematurely. Mothers, fathers and their infants are leaving the hospital and making the transition to home without the necessary support and safety nets in place. These parents are often longing for the connections and sense of normalcy in their lives that they had expected. At this fragile time in their relationship the existing healthcare system and larger community services are leaving families to cope on their own.

What do we offer?
At the present time Fragile Beginnings includes:

• Visiting Moms: weekly home or hospital visits by mothers of older premature children to mothers of newborn premature infants to provide support, nurturance and guidance
• Early Connections: home-based therapy to help mothers who are struggling with the postpartum adjustment
• Feeding Support: home-based consultation around the special feeding needs of babies born prematurely
• Informal connections to other mothers of premature infants

Who can participate?
Our Fragile Beginning services are available to any family with a premature infant in the greater Boston area and surrounding communities.

How do I get involved?
One call is all it takes. From the parent, the health care provider, social worker or family member. Our Fragile Beginnings staff will come visit you in the hospital or in the home to help understand your specific needs and put services and resources into place.

For more information, call 781-647-JFCS (5327) or email your questions via our contact us page.