Bridging the Developmental Gap for Preemies and their Parents
June 12, 2025
The Beyond the NICU program is an extension of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital and supports the most vulnerable newborns by focusing on brain development and healthier outcomes in the critical first 18 months of life. Now in its sixth year, this program is offered free to families of babies born at 32 weeks or less, with a particular emphasis on supporting young and socio-economically disadvantaged mothers. Beyond the NICU has cared for 500 babies since launch, with an average caseload of 25 babies per year.
“Our nurses serve as an invaluable in-home resource to assist patients and families with both medical concerns and navigating the complex challenges of medical appointments, obtaining feeding or oxygen supplies, and health insurance issues,” said Dr. Beau Batton Chief Neonatologist Co-creator, Beyond the NICU.
Skilled NICU nurses connect with families while the baby is still in the NICU. After discharge, the nurse conducts a home visit to assess the family’s needs, such as access to food, water and electricity.
Visits continue until the baby reaches 18 months and are crucial, as premature babies often have weaker immune systems. The nurse provides well checks and developmental monitoring to minimize exposure to illness and educates the family on important developmental topics.
The program aims to bridge the developmental gap for premature infants, helping them grow into healthier toddlers.
“I love her (nurse Katie) to the moon and back. She’s amazing. She’s been my biggest supporter. She’s been there when nobody else has. She supports me in every way possible and I couldn’t thank her enough,” said Lakisha Foster, Beyond the NICU mom.
Currently available to St. John’s Children’s Hospital patients in Sangamon and Macon counties in Illinois, Beyond the NICU is set to expand to other counties in Illinois and Wisconsin, extending support to more families in need.
“Our nurses serve as an invaluable in-home resource to assist patients and families with both medical concerns and navigating the complex challenges of medical appointments, obtaining feeding or oxygen supplies, and health insurance issues,” said Dr. Beau Batton Chief Neonatologist Co-creator, Beyond the NICU.
Skilled NICU nurses connect with families while the baby is still in the NICU. After discharge, the nurse conducts a home visit to assess the family’s needs, such as access to food, water and electricity.
Visits continue until the baby reaches 18 months and are crucial, as premature babies often have weaker immune systems. The nurse provides well checks and developmental monitoring to minimize exposure to illness and educates the family on important developmental topics.
The program aims to bridge the developmental gap for premature infants, helping them grow into healthier toddlers.
“I love her (nurse Katie) to the moon and back. She’s amazing. She’s been my biggest supporter. She’s been there when nobody else has. She supports me in every way possible and I couldn’t thank her enough,” said Lakisha Foster, Beyond the NICU mom.
Currently available to St. John’s Children’s Hospital patients in Sangamon and Macon counties in Illinois, Beyond the NICU is set to expand to other counties in Illinois and Wisconsin, extending support to more families in need.
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Mary Massingale
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