Advancing Support for Queer Families in the NICU

Research contributors: Aubrey Jones, PhD, MSW; Rachel Farr, PhD; Olivia Yinger, PhD, MT-BC; Keisa Fallin-Bennett, MD, MPH

Addressing gaps in the LGBTQ+
childbirth experience

Although research on LGBTQ+ parenting has expanded, there remains a significant gap in understanding the specific needs of LGBTQ+ parents. This lack of knowledge can result in hospital policies that are not fully inclusive. For instance, mandatory staff training often centers around the experiences of cisgender parents, focusing on childbirth, infant feeding practices, and infant care. This approach can unintentionally overlook the unique experiences of parents with diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE), making their transition to parenthood more challenging and stressful.

Parenting a newborn in the NICU is inherently stressful and poses health risks for all parents. However, LGBTQ+ parents face additional challenges due to discrimination, which we believe increases their risk of negative health outcomes when their infant is admitted to a NICU. To address these health disparities, it is crucial to first understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ parents.

Our study aims to explore the experiences of LGBTQ+ parents in the NICU, identify their specific needs, and propose potential support services and interventions that could assist them during their infant’s stay in the NICU, all with the overarching goal of promoting health equity for LGBTQ+ families.

“Every family deserves the highest standard of care, and our work is a step towards achieving that goal."

15-17 identify as LGBTQ+ in the US
0 %
of the 11 million LGBTQ+ adults in the US are rearing children
0 %
Their research, published in Children (MDPI), focuses on understanding the challenges of stigma and discrimination, identifying sources of strength and resilience, and improving the provision of family-centered care.

Interested in the Study?

We would love to share our findings and collaborate! Please reach out via the form below.

Interested in being a participant?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Identify as LGBTQ+ and have had a child in the NICU
  • Are a health provider in the NICU

Click the button below for a prescreening survery