Pregnancy Complications
Infant- and Family-Centered Developmental Care
Respiratory Infections
Neonatal Eye Health
Hygiene
Rare Diseases
Parents of preterm and sick newborns often face emotional, physical, and psychological challenges during their baby’s stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Professional medical care is essential, but so is emotional support from people who have lived through the same experience. Peer-to-peer support programs offer parents comfort, understanding, and hope during a difficult time. In Switzerland, “Frühchen & Neokinder Schweiz” is leading the way by training former NICU parents to stand alongside families and provide this vital support.
Over the past three years, “Frühchen & Neokinder Schweiz” has built a strong foundation for peer-to-peer support in neonatal care. In this time, 81 volunteer peer parents have been carefully trained. Each of them has personally experienced life in a neonatal intensive care unit with their own child. Today, they share this experience with families who are currently going through similar challenges.
These peer parents regularly visit mothers and fathers at their newborn’s bedside in nine hospitals across Switzerland. Their presence offers both emotional support and practical encouragement. By openly sharing their own stories, they help parents feel less alone and remind them that recovery and hope are possible.
On September 13, 2025, the very first national peer event took place. The goal was to bring peer parents together in one place, creating an opportunity to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen their skills. In addition to peer-to-peer exchange, the program also included expert contributions from professionals in neonatal care and psychology.
Professor Cornelia Hagmann, neonatologist, underlined how vital peer support can be for families in the NICU. She emphasized that when integrated into neonatal care, peer work helps meet emotional needs that go beyond medical treatment. Parents often feel overwhelmed, isolated, or uncertain, and hearing from someone who has been through the same journey can make a meaningful difference.
The event also included a panel discussion with Sabine Ihle, specialist psychologist for psychotherapy. She provided valuable professional input and responded to open questions about peer work, emotional well-being, and the challenges peer parents may face. This exchange offered clarity and guidance, helping volunteers to feel more confident and prepared for their important role.
The first peer event proved to be both emotional and deeply moving. Participants left with new knowledge, stronger connections, and renewed motivation to continue supporting parents in the NICU. The success of this initial gathering showed how essential it is to invest in peer parents themselves, ensuring they are supported, trained, and recognized for the important role they play.
From left to right: A father's voice; engaging discussions; a big thank you to founder Dina Hediger. All pictures © Frühchen & Neokinder Schweiz.
Looking ahead, “Frühchen & Neokinder Schweiz” plans to organize this peer event annually. By doing so, they will continue to strengthen the peer parent community in Switzerland and ensure that more families benefit from this unique and compassionate form of support.
Note: A list of hospitals and regions where peer support is already available can be found here.
GFCNI is the first global organization and network to unite patients, families, healthcare professionals,
medical staff, and scientists from different disciplines, fields,
and countries – all with the joint goal of advancing the health and quality of care for newborns and their families across the globe.
GFCNI is a non-profit organization established under German public law. Tax Reference Number: 143/235/22619
© 2025 GFCNI. All Rights Reserved.
