About us
We are here to help parents and children by supporting your NICU journey
We all need support through the most important period of our children: the early years
Belle Stevenson, a neonatal nurse at Altnagelvin Hospital, established One Day at a Time after witnessing firsthand the emotional struggles of parents with babies in neonatal intensive care. Her work earned her the Royal College of Nursing Gabrielle Durkan Award, inspiring her to develop specialised mental health resources for NICU parents, including an innovative book written from the babies’ perspectives.
What started as a local support initiative has expanded internationally, now reaching NICUs throughout Northern Ireland, Ireland, the United States, New Zealand, and additional countries. The organisation collaborates with healthcare professionals and perinatal mental health services to challenge stigmas around parental mental health while offering practical support that addresses both the medical needs of the infants and the emotional well-being of their families.
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure no family faces the NICU journey alone. We provide compassionate resources, peer support networks, and educational materials designed specifically for the unique challenges of having a premature or critically ill newborn. By connecting families with others who have walked similar paths, we create communities of understanding and resilience that extend well beyond the hospital stay.
Impact Through Connection
The impact of One Day at a Time is measured not just in resources distributed, but in the countless families who have found strength during their most vulnerable moments. Our parent-to-parent mentorship program, specialised workshops, and ongoing support groups create lasting connections that help transform overwhelming experiences into journeys of hope. Through these initiatives, we continue Belle’s vision of holistic family-centred care that acknowledges both the medical realities and emotional complexities of the NICU experience.
We don't stop at the NICU
Our commitment extends far beyond the hospital walls. We understand that the NICU journey is just the beginning of a family’s transformation, and our support continues as you navigate the complex emotional and developmental landscape after discharge. Through ongoing resources, community connections, and tailored guidance, we help families build resilience, strengthen bonds, and promote mental wellness for both parents and children, ensuring that the care and compassion you received in the NICU continue to support your family’s growth and healing.
We help families build resilience, strengthen bonds, and promote mental wellness for both parents and children,
Parental Wellbeing
Your mental health matters. Research consistently shows that parental wellbeing directly impacts infant development. We provide resources, community support, and professional guidance to help you care for yourself while your baby receives the medical care they need.
Family Connection
NICU&U helps you maintain and strengthen your connection with your baby despite the challenges of the NICU environment. Our book "One Day at a Time," written from your baby's perspective, offers reassurance and comfort during this difficult period.
On Going Resources
The journey doesn't end when you leave the hospital. NICU&U provides continued guidance and resources for families transitioning home and navigating the unique challenges that may follow a NICU stay.
Community Support
Connect with other NICU parents who understand your experience. Our community provides a safe space to share concerns, celebrate milestones, and find encouragement from others who have walked this path before you.
Vision
Mission
More than just a childrens book
Get your Digital copy or order your resource pack here