Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox announced on Mar. 31 the launch of its Milestone Bead Program for families with newborns in the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The program gives parents necklaces and beads to mark their babies’ progress during their stay in the NICU.
The initiative aims to help parents remember important moments from their child’s early days, which can often become a blur due to stress and uncertainty. By providing a tangible way to celebrate each achievement, hospital staff hope families feel more connected throughout their NICU journey.
Peggy Farrell, DNP, RN, Director of NICU and Lactation Services at Silver Cross Hospital, compared the keepsake to a charm bracelet. “It’s like a charm bracelet you can keep adding to,” Farrell said. “The most prized bead, of course, is for when the baby is discharged and goes home. Then the parents have this forever.”
Farrell said that after learning about similar programs elsewhere, NICU Case Manager Jen Wirth submitted a grant request that was approved by the Little Giraffe Foundation. She described how parents react positively when presented with the kit: “It has been so great for the families. When we come in with the kit and explain what it’s all about, they are amazed. They just don’t expect it. And they love it.
“They get the first one, and they’re already looking forward to the next one. The parents wear them every day.”
Although only recently introduced at Silver Cross Hospital, staff have already distributed beads to families whose babies were in care before its launch—including those who spent over 100 days in intensive care before discharge.
Farrell said that while simple in concept, “this program is so meaningful for the families.” She added: “It offers another connection with their babies’ progress and with the staff… Parents seem more confident with that connection. And it makes time going through the NICU a little less isolating and meaningful. And that’s what we always want to do for the parents.”
For more information about Silver Cross Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit services or support programs for new parents, visit silvercross.org.
