NICU Family Advisory Council (FAC)

The Family Advisory Council is a partnership between NICU parents and staff who are passionate and committed to supporting NICU babies and their families.

We engage in a broad range of work including:

• Providing input into policies and programs
• Offering feedback on clinical practices
• Contributing to education for staff and parents
• Providing parent to parent support

We want to make the NICU a comfortable and welcoming environment for babies and their families.

Who We Are

We are Moms and Dads of Alta Bates Summit NICU babies. Our babies have left the NICU, but our hearts and voices have not. Returning from a place of gratitude, we serve as liaisons between families and hospital staff offering our unique perspective to the doctors, nurses and the people you see everyday. We are here to talk and to listen. We are here because we remember.

Ashea

As a single working mom who is very community and family oriented, I am honored to be able to stand for parents and work with staff on this council! My daughter, Zion, was born just shy of 4 pounds at 34 weeks. In the 2.5 weeks we spent in the NICU, Zion’s dad and I crossed paths with parents of varying ages, backgrounds and issues -- some could barely make it there. I’m here because I remember.

Cusanda

In April 2010 my son Zion was born at 24 weeks. He is a twin but due to unforeseen circumstances Zoe died 2 weeks before I went into labor. He was born 1lb 4oz. His lungs were very weak and he needed oxygen for 7 months. After PDA surgery, eye surgery and a 5 month stay, Zion was able to come home! The nurses and doctors took good care of my son and my family. I am a FAC member because they fought for Zion to be here when he was at his weakest. I want to do the same for another family.

Melissa

I am a mom to a 24-weeker named Sam. After a 6 day stay in Labor and Delivery, I gave birth to my little 1 lb. 12 ouncer in September of 2010. We spent 95 long days in the NICU, where Sam had both heart surgery and eye surgery. My time at Alta Bates Summit was life changing in many ways. I am happy to have this opportunity to give back to the people that saved my son's life.

Watch Melissa's Video: Melissa & "Super Sam"

Rob

I am a father of twin 25-weekers, Milo and Madeline. My my wife went into sudden, pre-term labor in June 2008. Less than nine hours later we were new parents of preemies. Our kids were very sick, and stayed over four months in the NICU. Despite many weeks on intubation, PDA ligations, a grade 3 IVH for my son, retinopathy, BPD, and other challenges, Milo and Maddy are doing great thanks to the remarkable, caring staff at Alta Bates. I'm very glad to give back as a FAC member.

Read Rob's Story: Bedside Surgery for Twin Preemies

Saba

I was admitted to Alta Bates when I was 25 weeks pregnant and spent more than two months on bedrest in the hospital's antepartum unit. I'm now the proud mother of twin girls, born when they were 35 weeks old. One of my daughters spent a week in the NICU, while the other was discharged with me. My family received terrific care during this difficult period and I joined the FAC to help ensure that other parents and families feel equally supported.