Support for low-income mothers of preterm babies to help with NICU caregiving

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Many families with preterm babies face barriers like parking costs, childcare, transportation, and lost income, which can limit mothers' time in the NICU. The study will enroll 420 low-income mothers of infants born very preterm (25–33 weeks) across three level 3 NICUs and randomize them to receive financial transfers or standard care. The goal is to see if reducing financial stress improves mothers' ability to visit, participate in skin-to-skin care, breast milk provision, and training in post-discharge infant care. This builds on a prior feasibility study and aims to provide rigorous evidence on whether financial support can enhance early caregiving and infant outcomes. The research will involve careful monitoring of maternal wellbeing, caregiving participation, and infant health indicators during the birth hospitalization.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
  Worcester, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Parker, Margaret Graham Kemper — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
• Study coordinator: Parker, Margaret Graham Kemper

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth

  This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11617691

• Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay

  This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.

  NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11600939

• Brain injury risk in preterm babies with heart disease and how surgery choices affect their brains

  This project follows newborns with congenital heart disease born early to understand how their brains are affected and how different surgical approaches might influence outcomes.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11520488

• Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood

  A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.

  NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-11478593

• Screening and treatment for Chlamydia infection to help prevent preterm birth

  A study in pregnant people will test whether screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating it during pregnancy can reduce the risk of babies being born too early.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11474446

• PREEMIE PROGRESS: a family program to help parents of very preterm babies

  A family-centered program that teaches parents how to care for very preterm infants, offers psychosocial support, and connects families with resources to address social needs.

  NIH research University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11453285

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.