For Parents
We understand like no one else how important both informational and emotional support are during the care of premature babies, as well as the positive experiences shared by other families.
That's why we've created a range of services and resources designed to support parents of "early birds."
Parent Support Program
About the program: The Early Birds Parent Support Program was created tto support families of preterm babies. Within this program, every family with a child born preterm (at 36 weeks and 6 days of gestation or earlier) is eligible to receive discounts on goods and services provided by the Association’s partners, including medical institutions, rehabilitation centers, and children's retailers, among others. At present, this is the only nationwide program in Ukraine dedicated to supporting families of prematurely born children, implemented in partnership with socially responsible businesses. We are continuously working to expand our network of partners.Helpful Resources
Our resources on caring for preterm babies can help parents understand how to support their baby’s development and promote healthy weight gain.Questions & Answers
New parents of preterm babies often find themselves facing unfamiliar medical terms and diagnoses on their own. The project "Support for the Community of Parents of Preterm Babies During the War" has compiled key terms and clear explanations to help parents understand what is happening with their baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.Care Packages
Preterm birth is a challenge for which parents are often unprepared. Beyond the emotional stress, it brings significant financial costs for the baby's treatment and care. We created our Care Packages to support families during this difficult time.The "Miracle Octopus" Project
"Early birds" spend the first days of their lives in incubators, connected to sensors and tubes that support their vital functions. In early 2013, a mother from Denmark made a remarkable discovery: she crocheted a small octopus for her premature baby and placed it in the incubator. The effect was incredible.The baby stopped pulling at the tubes and sensors and became much calmer. Over time, this practice gained popularity in many medical facilities across Denmark and Sweden, and later in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Doctors believe that holding the octopus’s tentacles, which closely resemble the umbilical cord, helps babies feel calmer and more secure by recreating the sensation of being in the womb. Each octopus is a symbol of support for families caring for a prematurely born baby.
For premature babies in Ukraine, these octopuses are lovingly handmade by our volunteers. You can learn more about the project in the Facebook community "Miracle Octopuses."
You can order a free octopus from our partner, TM "Ranenko".
World Prematurity Day
Every year on November 15 (previously November 17), people around the world celebrate World Prematurity Day. For several years, Ukraine has joined the 'Light It Up Purple' campaign, with landmark buildings in dozens of regional centers illuminated in purple to raise public awareness about this special day for all 'early birds.'
In many cities across Ukraine, premature babies, their parents, friends, and the doctors who helped care for them come together on November 17 for Baby Celebration Day. It is a day to share achievements and experiences, connect, and enjoy time together. Most importantly, the event highlights solutions to the challenges of preterm birth, improvements in neonatal care, and essential support for families of prematurely born children.
Helpful Articles
For new parents of early birds, we have prepared comprehensive information on preterm babies to guide those facing preterm birth for the first time.
➤ Preterm Birth
➤ Preterm Babies
We also provide information about an evidence-based and highly effective method for caring for preterm infants — the Kangaroo Care method. It allows every mother to provide her baby with maximum attention, care, and maternal warmth.
➤ Kangaroo Care Method
More informative articles from our blog:
➤ Helpful Articles
Early Bird Stories
Mothers of preterm babies share their motivating journeys of care and recovery. We invite you to read and find inspiration, especially if you are caring for your own "early bird" right now. We wish you and your little one all the best!
If you would like to share your "early bird’s" story, please send it to us at go@ranniptashky.org, and we will post it alongside the others. Don’t forget about the photos! Everyone loves to see the beautiful, strong children our little 'early birds' grow up to be.
