There is now a growing body of evidence of the benefits that peer support provides to parents of NICU infants and special needs children. Parents who receive peer support have been found to have increased confidence18, 21, 22 and well-being,18 problem-solving capacity18, 22 and adaptive coping,10 perception of social support,16 self-esteem23 and acceptance of their situation.22 Further, parents feel more empowered18 and interact with, nurture and care for their infants to a greater degree23, 24 during more frequent visits to the hospital,25 leading to a shorter length of stay for their infants.26 Parental stress and anxiety, as well as depression, are all reduced.16, 21, 23, 27, 28 Peer support therefore offers a ‘legitimate'23 and ‘unique form of assistance that is not typically met by the formal service system'22 and one that cannot come from any other source.19 The support provided by volunteer mentors from externally developed peer support organizations should never duplicate or replace formal/professional support provided to parents by NICU staff;22, 29, 30 it can, however, supplement and complement internal professional services offered by the hospital.20 Pediatricians and other health-care professionals should facilitate and encourage peer support,18, 22, 29, 30 as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2012.2 As a core principle of family-centered neonatal care, it should be an integral component of every NICU family support program.