Providing peer support by telephone, instead of in-person, may offer several advantages to stressed NICU parents who may not have time or the ability to meet with their peers and friends.27 Connections between mentors and parents can occur more spontaneously and with greater flexibility.16, 32 Mentors' around-the-clock availability, when parents need them, gives parents a feeling of dependability.18 In addition, telephone support is private and non-stigmatizing.32 It can be effective for low-income mothers with diverse ethnic backgrounds,16 and is easily accessible to all regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.33 Another important benefit is that parents do not need child care in order to make use of telephone support.16