Peers

VVOC aims to support parents and to collect and share information about preterm birth. Parents of a premature baby can always turn to the association for a supportive conversation, as the contact persons are themselves parents of a premature child. In addition, VVOC represents the interests of preterm infants and their parents in policy discussions and scientific research, both at the Flemish and European levels. Each year, the association organizes a study day or family day to highlight topics relevant to preterm infants, their parents, and their families.

Noah’s Ark Belgium supports research on preterm birth and helps parents cope with having a premature child. The organization also advocates for equal rights for preterm infants and their families. It launched Prematel, a listening, support, assistance, and information platform for parents of newborns requiring intensive care.

PrémaNamur is a Walloon patient association in Namur that aims to support parents of premature babies and healthcare professionals. For parents with a baby in the neonatal unit, adequate support is essential. PrémaNamur strives to contribute to this.

GFCNI is an international organization representing the interests of parents of preterm and newborn infants. It aims to continuously improve care for all babies and their families, ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life.
GFCNI developed 'Neopedia' an information platform designed to help families understand and navigate their baby’s care. The platform also provides access to a network of national and local support organizations.

Cokoen is a patient organization that provides a space for former neonatal intensive care graduates, where (young) adults can share their stories. Cokoen offers guidance in coping with challenges and helps connect individuals with peers who have had similar experiences.

Vzw Dappere B-engeltjes is connected to Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent). The non-profit organization funds projects that fall outside standard hospital financing. Examples include organizing follow‑up gatherings for parents of deceased children, purchasing specialized premature clothing for use in the unit, and providing (play) materials for siblings of patients, such as “siblings kits.”

Vzw Alice Fonds is affiliated with GZA, ZNA, and UZA hospitals in Antwerp. The fund supports parents of preterm infants by providing items such as cooler bags and blankets, and by lending equipment free of charge, such as breast pumps.

Vzw Nicolasfonds is connected to UZ Leuven. The fund supports infants requiring additional care. It aims to assist families whose children have spent an extended period in the neonatal intensive care unit and who continue to require extra support after discharge.

The MiraLouise Fund is affiliated with AZ Sint-Jan Hospital in Bruges. It provides financial support for projects related to children with cerebral palsy (CP) caused by complications during or shortly after birth. The fund focuses primarily on prevention and neonatal care, and additionally supports projects concerning rehabilitation, physical therapy, home guidance, and special education.

De Schiepse Heldjes is associated with the Hospital East-Limburg (ZOL) and supports parents of premature and ill infants admitted to the neonatal unit. The organization helps fund additional training on developmental care for nurses, supports the purchase of equipment, and organizes family meet-ups. It also provides “siblings kits” for brothers and sisters of admitted babies.

The Vereniging voor Kleine Superhelden provides diaries in which nurses and parents can write about their little “superhero.” The diaries include space for photos, hand‑ and footprints, and growth curves for weight and length. These diary packages can be requested free of charge through the association’s website.

This organization offers free starter packages and photo sessions. Each starter package contains a onesie with matching hat, incubator blanket, scent cloth, milestone cards, and a mini bunting banner. The aim is to give parents a moment of light during an emotionally overwhelming period and create a sense of home within the hospital environment. The photo sessions capture everyday NICU moments such as care routines, baths, and kangaroo care. All items and sessions can be requested via the organization’s website.

Vzw Kleine Ella offers free photo sessions for premature babies in Flanders. The goal is to bring a moment of brightness and to give families a meaningful keepsake for the future. Sessions can be requested through the organization’s website.

Vzw CoCopus creates small crochet octopuses that are placed in incubators with premature babies. A large group of volunteers is involved in crocheting and knitting these octopuses.

This organization also creates small octopuses for preterm infants in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Ronald McDonald Kinderfonds aims to improve the health and well‑being of children and families with a child facing long‑term illness. It develops, supports, and operates facilities that provide meaningful support to these children and their families.