Center for Early Relationship Support^®

Fragile Beginnings: Support for Parents of Preemies

Fragile Beginnings is a network of initiatives committed to improving the lives of parents of premature infants through direct support services, educational materials, and connections to community resources and to each other. We are guided by the principle that the families of preemies strongly benefit from parenting support beginning in the hospital, during their transition home, and throughout their preemie’s developmental years.

In Massachusetts one out of nine babies is born prematurely. Mothers, fathers, and their infants often leave the hospital and make the transition home without the necessary supports and safety nets in place. These parents often long for connections and guidance.

The free support provided through Fragile Beginnings includes: 

• Hospital and home visits - Fragile Beginnings Family Liaisons provide vital support to the parents of vulnerable infants, ideally beginning in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and continuing in the home. The Family Liaison offers emotional support, parental guidance in understanding their unique babies, and connects families to other JF&CS and community resources. This free service is available to any family in Greater Boston whose baby was born prematurely or has spent time in the NICU.
• Fragile Beginnings Support Group - A free monthly gathering for parents whose infants and children were born prematurely or have spent time in the NICU, with a special focus on navigating challenges and celebrating successes.
• Fragile Beginnings Preemie Parent Alliance (FBPPA) - Anyone who cares about preemies and their families is invited to join the Preemie Parent Alliance, a parent/professional partnership dedicated to improving the lives of parents and their premature infants in New England through support, education, and advocacy. Through the FBPPA, families and providers can access resources in their communities, stay updated on preemie policy issues, as well as exchange their stories and perspectives.

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