This special report is based on an online survey of over 200 parents who belong to the Inspire Preemie Community. Author Deb Discenza is an internationally known patient advocate, and the mother of a daughter, now 13, who was born premature.

With the stress associated with a preterm birth, parents of premature babies are at a significant risk for postpartum depression and PTSD. There needs to be a better mechanism in place in every NICU to support the parents because their mental health directly affects that baby’s ability to survive and thrive. This report sheds important insights on parents’ perspectives about their families’ experiences in the NICU.