World Prematurity Day – Stories from Beyond the NICU

Although follow-up care looks very different around the world, these feelings of fear, uncertainty, and helplessness after NICU discharge are familiar to many mothers, fathers, and caregivers across countries and communities. 

How can this uncertainty be reduced? How can knowledge gaps be addressed so that babies are safe and supported in their first days and weeks at home?

We spoke with Isabelle Furaha, Founder and CEO of Mama Tulia Ministries in Uganda, to learn more about what follow-up care looks like in her community and how her organization supports families during the transition from hospital to home.

Mama Tulia Ministries has made it its mission to support and educate families beyond the NICU and to help address the challenges families face throughout their prematurity journey. Much of the organization’s work focuses on what happens after babies leave the hospital. This includes follow-up visits at home, support for a safe transition into the home environment, and access to specialized services such as ROP screening (short for Retinopathy of Prematurity).

The organization’s efforts were recognized at the GFCNI Parent and Patient Organizations’ Summit in March 2026, where Mama Tulia received the Innovation and Collaboration Award. Their impact shows the outstanding efforts of the team: Over the years, the organization has reached more than 50,000 mothers and babies, conducted over 729 home visits, and facilitated more than 500 hospital engagements (as of July 2026). Read more about their award and achievements on Mama Tulia’s website.

What is the biggest gap families face after leaving the hospital?

Isabelle Furaha:

At home after being discharged from the NICU, parents are still managing fragile babies’ feeding, monitoring growth, and watching for warning signs while also dealing with fear and uncertainty. Mama Tulia exists to bridge this gap through post-discharge education, follow-up care, and support programs like home visits. We also created Tulia Tender Nest Home, a transitional home that has already supported 20 mothers and 24 babies as they safely move from hospital to home (as of July 2026).

In the Tulia Tender Nest Home, mothers receive breastfeeding support, Kangaroo Care guidance, nutritious meals, emotional and spiritual care, health education, and the confidence to care for their little ones.

An additional challenge that many mothers in Uganda face is the loss of support from their husbands or partners after the preterm birth of a baby, increasing financial pressure and the emotional toll. For this reason, equipping mothers with knowledge, confidence, and practical support can be one of the most important ways to help babies and families safely transition from hospital to home.

Isabelle’s commitment to this work is deeply personal. She experienced the loss of her preterm baby, who passed away just one day after birth. When her second pregnancy also ended in preterm birth, she once again faced anxiety and helplessness. This time, her beautiful daughter survived, and Isabelle could take her home after the NICU. 

What is one message you would like to share with parents taking their preterm babies home after discharge?

Isabelle Furaha:

You know your baby and you are not alone. It’s okay to feel unsure, but trust what you’ve learned and ask for help when needed. Progress may be slow, but every small step matters. Give yourself grace, stay connected to support, and remember your love and care are powerful.

Read more about Mama Tulia Ministries’ mission and the life-saving programs they lead in Uganda: Our Programs | Mama Tulia Ministries