Teacup Preemie Program
Since 2008, the TEACUP Preemie Program ® has been helping parents navigate the journey of prematurity. TEACUP is a comprehensive support program. Services are provided in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and in the home and include hospital NICU support groups, individual support, breast pump lending, education, resources to reduce parental stress and support preemie health and development.
As a parent transitions home, they may feel overwhelmed and unprepared. Our Baby Bungalow provides needed supplies a family may need to support their first weeks at home. Items such as cribs, diapers, clothing, and blankets are available to families at no cost to ensure they feel supported in their transition.
The annual cost of serving one preemie child in the TEACUP Preemie Program for one year is $1950.00. This investment allows the TEACUP Preemie Program support services both in the NICU and when the baby transitions home ensuring families do not have to travel the journey of prematurity alone.
Nearly 10% of babies born in the United States are born premature — which results in not only adverse health outcomes for mom and baby, but also significant healthcare costs. According to the March of Dimes, a premature baby spends an average of 25.4 days in a specialty care nursery at an average cost of $144,692. The cost associated with premature birth adds $26.2 billion to U.S healthcare costs each year.
A premature birth dramatically increases stress within the family and triples he risk for abuse with the presence of heightened risk factors including emotional and financial strain and prolonged medical and cognitive complications common to preemies.
The TEACUP Preemie Program provides services at no cost to families, supporting them through their journey.