Deborah began her career as NIDCAP Founder Dr. Heidelise Als' first research assistant and became her collaborator in the development of NIDCAP. Deborah has a doctorate in developmental psychology and is dedicated to the practice and training of NIDCAP and its global community. Annie is an illustrator and graphic artist. She has taught drawing and book design for over 30 years. Annie's award-winning work is in collections in the United States, Hungary, Poland, Japan, and Turkey.
BEING WITH YOU IS EVERYTHING is a tender and uplifting story that brings comfort, hope, and warmth to families facing the unimaginable challenge of having their infant require hospital care. With strong messages of individuality, and opportunities to acknowledge the uniqueness of each infant, this book offers a source of strength, love, and connection for families and infants. A must-read for all families navigating the hospital journey, reminding them of the power of enhancing developing relationships.-Dorothy Vittner, PhD, RN, FAAN, Senior NIDCAP Trainer Preterm birth flips the paradigm of parenthood on its axis. BEING WITH YOU IS EVERYTHING is a beautiful and thoughtful resource for families whose infants are receiving care in a neonatal unit, as it gently guides families on their parenting journey.-Mandy Daly, mother of Amelia born at 25 weeks 6 days Among wires and monitors, invisible bonds are formed-and each day, I have the privilege of witnessing the strength of these encounters: babies discovering their world, and parents discovering their babies. BEING WITH YOU IS EVERYTHING is a testament to each of these unique, evolving relationships.-Fátima Clemente, MD, NIDCAP Trainer BEING WITH YOU IS EVERYTHING is a wonderful aid and resource for those impacted by premature birth. Just reading it feels therapeutic and validating in terms of what a parent instinctively knows is good for their baby.-Paul Ryan, father of Sophia born at 25 weeks 4 days This little book, BEING WITH YOU IS EVERYTHING, provides a subtle, dynamic, and positive message for family members who have a newborn requiring intensive care. Through the newborn's voice, family members appreciate the powerful nurturing they can provide.-gretchen Lawhon, PhD, RN, FAAN, Senior NIDCAP Master Trainer, a partner in the development of NIDCAP BEING WITH YOU IS EVERYTHING is a beautifully illustrated, guiding resource to the NICU journey that I wish my parents had access to many years ago to support them. The journaling space is a thoughtful touch that allows each family to capture their own thoughts and unique experiences.-Lauren Ingledow, adult born prematurely at 26 weeks