WeeCare was founded by mothers and grandmothers of premature babies. The concept of WeeCare, and the services we provide, evolved from our combined personal NICU experiences.
While we had lots of invaluable support from family and friends, many well-meaning people simply did not know enough about having a premature child in the NICU; this proved to be a challenge in itself.
(We laugh about how many people asked us, “So how much weight does she need to gain before she comes home?” There was no way they could know that gaining weight is usually a relatively small concern when a baby first starts their NICU journey. We’ve all been tempted to answer, “Well, as soon as she’s breathing on her own, can hold her own body temperature and digest food we’ll let you know how much she weighs.”)
The one big hole in our experiences was a knowledgeable support network that could relate to our status as frum Jews.
Sure, the hospital caseworkers and secular support groups were helpful. But there were many issues that cropped up which could only be understood by fellow Jews.
Questions arose about spending Shabbos both in the hospital and at home. There were questions about medical procedures and terminology. We worried about the welfare of our other children and how the school system would help them deal with this challenge.
We wondered about our tight-knit communities and what services were available. Yet every organization seemed to have a mission which did not include helping parents of preemies. We had our fair share of Rabbis, teachers and social workers who knew nothing about the NICU and what we were going through.
The most difficult challenges by far, were the ones which tested our faith. And though we found answers in the places we generally turned to for inspiration, we sought more about the unique challenges of a premature child.
Over the course of our children’s preemie experience, most of us managed to get in touch with one or two other families who were in a similar situation. We tried to share information and advice as best we could, but it simply was not enough.
And so, WeeCare was born.
WeeCare was founded to provide the assistance we so desperately needed during our children’s NICU stays. We’re here to provide support in a variety of ways.
WeeCare is a growing organization, always open to expanding our many current services.
We urge you to get in touch with us to find out if we can assist you in any way along your preemie journey.
Take your time in the NICU day by day, relish the small victories, take care of yourself and of course — cherish your child.
