Most parents do not expect to begin life with their new baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They often feel lost and powerless amidst this new world of medical vocabulary, technology, and numerous health care providers. Understanding the NICU will guide parents through the NICU journey, help them communicate with members of the NICU team, and learn about their baby's condition so that they can ask questions and participate as a valuable partner in their baby's care. It will also provide them important information about how to care for theirr baby after they leave the hospital and head home with their little one.