Congratulations, you're a new aunt! The arrival of your sibling's baby is an exciting event for everyone! But what if your new niece or nephew is a special needs child who heads right into NICU? The baby's parents will need extra support, but not necessarily the same kind of support you would normally need for a typical delivery. Here are four great ways you can help welcome this special bundle into the world.

1. Help keep things going in the parents' home

Your brother or sister will likely spend a lot of time with the baby in NICU. While the number of parents allowed at one time is often limited, most units allow visiting hours 24 hours a day. If their spend all hours at the hospital with their newborn, naturally it will be harder than ever for them to manage their everyday tasks.

With their approval, there is a great, non-intrusive way to help! Arrange for housekeeping (or do the cleaning yourself!), pick up laundry from the cleaners, return videos, watch older brothers and sisters (or find sitters), collect and sort mail, add a lasagna or two to the freezer, feed the pets, and shovel or sweep the walks. Everyone hates asking for help, and it's hard to accept that you need help, so be gentle and sensitive with your services.

2. Set up a system for keeping track of medications and specialists

Your sibling is going to spend a lot of time finding out who needs to see their baby and why, what medications they need, what treatments they require, and how often. You can help them out by setting up an online medical records management system like my WELLalarm Medical Alert System. This life-protecting system enbles parents to prepare for emergencies and store medical information and documents.

3. Make sure the parents take time out for themselves

It's easy for parents to lose themselves in this process. Encourage your sibling to take a break from time to time, have a meal with a friend (even if it's in the hospital cafeteria), or read a book. Sometimes all they need is a reminder, or assurance that it's all right for them to think about themselves for a moment. Remind them that they will be a better parent if they remember to nurture themselves.

4. Find support networks

As empathetic as you are, no one will understand your sibling's situation like other parents of special needs children. The NICU social worker may be able to recommend local support groups. You can also find support groups through online communities like Wellsphere.

When a special needs baby is born, there are many factors that reside out of anyone's control. But there are a few things you can do to help reduce stress and encourage your siblings!