NICU Now Audio Support Series: Recent Episodes
Hand to Hold
Having a baby is life-changing. Having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is life-altering. But as a parent, you do not have to do it alone. Whether your baby is premature, has special needs, or you are grieving a loss, Hand to Hold provides whole-family support to get you through this challenging time.
Hand to Hold’s NICU Now Audio Support Series is a support-based podcast aimed to eliminate the many physical and emotional barriers NICU parents face in accessing and receiving support, allowing them to listen as they commute to and from the hospital as well as at their baby’s bedside. NICU Now is unlike any other podcast because it tackles tough subjects with compassion and experience, including guilt, grief and information to help parents care for their premature babies.
Hand to Hold wants to ensure that every NICU and bereaved parent who needs support can simply plug in their earbuds and push play.
Episodes will eventually be available in Spanish.
July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief.
Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief.
In this episode, Lana shares the story of her daughter, Allie Reese, who was born with restrictive dermopathy and spent three precious weeks in the NICU before her death. She reflects on the profound impact of losing her daughter, the strain that grief placed on her marriage, and the eventual loss of that relationship as she and her husband grieved in different ways. Lana's honest and vulnerable conversation explores the complexities of mourning, healing after multiple losses, and finding support and connection through the bereavement community.
📺Socials 📺
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Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief.
Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief.
In this episode, Ben and Emilee Blackburn share the story of their daughter, Tatum, who was born prematurely and died shortly after birth. They reflect on the devastating grief that followed, the different ways they each processed their loss, and how their shared commitment to honoring Tatum's memory strengthened their family over time. Their conversation highlights the healing power of purpose and legacy as they offer hope to other bereaved parents navigating life after loss.
📺Socials 📺
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🔗Links
Book: Jantsen's Gift by Pam Cope
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief.
Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief.
In this episode, Jennifer McDonald shares the story of her son, Winston, from a complicated pregnancy and early labor to his time in the NICU and the devastating experience of losing him. She reflects on the first year of grief after Winston's death, the ways loss transformed her perspective, and the ongoing process of honoring his memory. Jennifer's heartfelt conversation offers insight into the early stages of bereavement and how she channeled her love for her son.
📺Socials 📺
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🔗Links
Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death (MEND)
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief.
Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief.
In this episode, Anissa Scholes shares the story of her daughter, Elisabeth, who was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 before birth and lived for a year surrounded by love and celebration. Anissa reflects on parenting a child with a life-limiting diagnosis, cherishing milestones that many thought impossible, and navigating the profound grief that followed Elisabeth's death. Her moving story explores the deeply personal nature of grief, the importance of supporting bereaved families without judgment, and the challenge of grieving while continuing to care for other children at home.
📺Socials 📺
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🔗Links
Texas Childrens Hospital
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
SOFT
TedX Talk: Beyond Closure
Book: On Loss and Living Onward by Melissa Dalton-Bradford
Book: Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff
Poem: Separation by W.S. Merwin
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief.
Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief.
In this episode, neonatologist Dr. Terri Major-Kincade shares the role of palliative care in the NICU and how families can navigate difficult or life-limiting diagnoses. She discusses the language healthcare providers use when communicating with parents, the importance of compassionate decision-making, and key questions families can ask their medical team when facing uncertain outcomes. This thoughtful conversation offers guidance, clarity, and support for parents seeking to make informed choices while honoring their baby's life and legacy.
📺Socials 📺
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🔗Links
Dr. Terri Major-Kincade's Website
Book: Early Arrival by Dr. Terri Major-Kincade
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief.
Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief.
In this episode, Claire and Charles George share the story of their son, Thomas, who was born with a congenital heart defect and passed away at the age of three. They candidly discuss the profound grief that followed his death, how they supported one another through loss, and the challenges of grieving as a couple. Their inspiring conversation highlights how they transformed their heartbreak into a legacy of service, channeling their grief into helping and supporting other families facing similar journeys.
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
🔗Links
Full Circle Grief Center
Claire's Website
Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief.
Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief.
In this episode, Keira Sorrells shares her journey through infertility, a high-risk multiple pregnancy, life in the NICU with her triplets, and the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Zoe, at 14 months old. She reflects on navigating grief while parenting Zoe's surviving sisters, the impact of loss on her marriage, and the ways grief evolves over time. Keira's story is a powerful testament to enduring love, resilience, and finding purpose through advocacy and her work supporting other bereaved families.
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
🔗Links
Preemie Parent Alliance
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief.
Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief.
In this episode, we visit with grief counselor Becca Van Tassel about the challenging work of navigating grief after the loss of a baby. We explore why grief can be so painful, how it differs from depression, and practical ways families can support one another through mourning, including coping with guilt, honoring a child's memory, and helping siblings process loss. Grounded in Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning, this conversation offers compassionate guidance and hope for bereaved NICU families seeking to understand and move through their grief.
📺Socials 📺
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🔗Links
Austin Center for Grief & Loss
Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning
Book: On Grief & Grieving by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler
Book: On Death & Dying by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Ira Byock
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Lynn Harris is a retired U.S. Army veteran and longtime volunteer at St. David's Medical Center in Austin. For more than a decade, he has served in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as a "baby cuddler," providing comfort and gentle care to premature and medically fragile newborns. In this episode, Lynn encourages others, especially men, to consider what he considers to be "the most fun job I've ever had."
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with St. David's Austin Medical Center
Facebook | X | YouTube | Website
📺Socials 📺
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🔗Links
People magazine
Texas Monthly magazine
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Avid Noble's introduction to Hand to Hold came first as a third-party vendor, helping a friend of a friend. A few years later, it was Avid reaching out to Hand to Hold for help when his first grandbaby was in the NICU. In this touching episode, Avid shares his greatest fears, how he stepped in to help, what he credits are the hallmarks of good boundaries and how the smallest moments made up his best days in the NICU with his grandson, "Big Man" Maverick.
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with Avid Noble
📺Socials 📺
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🔗Links
Hand to Hold podcast, Episode 113: How Can I Support My NICU Grandbaby (NICU Grandmothers)
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Everything was normal, until it wasn't. Lucas Manring's first baby was born via emergency c-section at 25 weeks and he found himself plunged into fatherhood faster than he imagined. Lucas shares how a strong community of men, physical fitness and honest communication with his wife enabled him to walk out of the NICU with confidence, purpose and deep gratitude.
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with Lucas Manring
📺Socials 📺
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Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Matt Bialkowski is a two-time NICU dad and bereaved father. His first stint in the NICU left him struggling and seeking purpose, but over the course of their four-month NICU stay, Matt found renewed purpose. After their second pregnancy ended in loss and then another baby placed them back in the NICU, he walked in, and out, a different man. Today, Matt's heart is with other men as he shares important conversations in his podcast, Dads of the NICU, helping NICU dads in Australia, and around the world, find healthy ways to cope with a premature birth.
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with Matt Bialkowski
Instagram | Facebook | Podcast
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
🔗Links
Podcast, Healthy Habits as a NICU Dad
Miracle Babies Foundation
Life's Little Treasures
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Dr. Sheehan Fisher's entire career has been focused on the mothers and fathers unique contributions to the family and child health, with a specialization in the emerging field of father mental health. As a clinical psychologist at Northwestern, he has a heart for helping dads understand the effects of psychosocial stress on their mood, parenting, and ultimately infant/child health outcomes. His expert advice and wisdom will be a gift to dads who listen.
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with Sheehan Fisher
X: https://x.com/SheehanDFisher
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheehandfisher
Website: https://www.sheehanfisher.com/
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
🔗Links
Postpartum Support International
Huffington Post: Why We Need to be Talking about PPD in Dads
Huffington Post: We Must Stop Treating Fathers as the Appendix of the Family's Health
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
With a military career that spans more than 20 years, Adam Wood thought his training would prepare him for a NICU stay. While there were some similarities, he discovered that learning and advocacy were in his new battle plans as he supported his wife and their miracle baby. That newfound role instilled a strong desire in Adam to author books for NICU families, as well as provide much-needed levity on social media.
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with Adam Wood
Instagram | Facebook | X | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
🔗Links
Books for families of NICU babies
Dr. Prem Fort, Neonatologist
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
When Aaron's (then) wife developed pre-eclampsia and was ushered to the hospital in an ambulance, he quickly found himself the dad of a 29-weeker. He was wholly unprepared for the sleeplessness, the worry and the cadence of the NICU. In this episode, he shares what he did to rediscover his mental health, how he's navigating co-parenting with his ex-wife, the hallmarks of his best NICU days and how fatherhood has reframed his career as a professional chef.
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with Aaron Vasquez
Nourish Texas | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Identical quadruplet girls + 2 other children, all under 6? If there's a dad that gets multiples and all that comes with it, it's engineer and dad of quads, Jonathan Sandhu. In this episode, Jonathan shares how he reconciled best-case and worst-case scenarios with his wife and the babies, the hilarious difference between mom and dad online support groups, how he integrated work, family and life and the phone call that changed his perspective. If you've ever wondered how a NICU dad of multiples leans into the chaos, this one's for you.
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with Jonathan Sandhu
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
🔗Links
Texas Monthly Magazine
The Today Show
People Magazine
Hand to Hold Podcast
Busby Family YouTube
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Dads of big families, welcome to the group chat. Fundraiser and father of 6, including two NICU babies, Scott Whitaker shares how he embraced his role as a NICU dad, his clutch advice for other NICU dads (big or small families) and his honest reaction when his wife said she wanted to have another baby after their 44-day NICU stay.
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with Scott Whitaker
Instagram | X
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
🔗Links
Hand to Hold podcast, Episode 100: Real or Filtered? Sharing Your NICU Story on Social Media
Hand to Hold podcast, Episode 72: Mental Health, Why We Said Yes to Marriage Counseling
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
There are so many resources for NICU moms, but what about the dads, the grandfathers, the uncles and the men of the NICU? This season is all about them - their perspectives, their experiences, how they supported their partners, wives, grandkids and friends. The NICU affects an entire family and it's time to introduce the guys to the group chat. Our guests include dads of quads, NICU cuddlers, rare disease dads, micropreemie dads, mental health advocates and more. Their stories are varied and we hope that something they've learned will resonate with you and the men in your life who have had a NICU experience. Let's hear it for the boys!
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker
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📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
In this episode, pediatrician and creator Dr. Mona Amin (@PedsDocTalk) shares her path into medicine, why patient connection is important to her and how she built a meaningful presence on social media. Dr. Amin opens up about her own emotional NICU journey, sharing what she wishes she had known as a new parent and how that experience transformed the way she supports families today. Together, we explore everything from NICU guilt, milestones, and medical overwhelm to what truly empowers parents as they advocate for their babies—both in the hospital and long after they go home.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Mona Amin
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | Website | Podcast | Newsletter
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Giving birth trauma a voice. Doula and advocate HeHe Stewart explores the emotional journey of NICU parents and the unseen wounds of traumatic birth experiences in this episode. From redefining advocacy to helping families find healing even in survival mode, HeHe shares powerful insights, personal stories, and practical support for those navigating life after the NICU. Whether you're a parent, partner, or professional, this conversation sheds light on the resilience, grief, and hope that shape the path to recovery.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with the guest, HeHe Stewart
Instagram | YouTube | Podcast
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Special needs mom, Kelly Mantoan, a mother of five and advocate for families raising children with disabilities, gives some solid advice to parents. Two of her children have spinal muscular atrophy and she candidly shares the challenges, surprises, and moments of grace from her early NICU and diagnosis days, offering wisdom on friendship, confidence, faith, and what she wishes she'd known at the start.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with the guest, Kelly Mantoan
Instagram | Facebook | Website | Ministry Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a medical bill, this episode is for you. Jules Nowak—NICU parent and founder of The Medical Bill Academy—talks about the often-overlooked financial side of a NICU stay. From surprise bills to navigating insurance denials, Jules shares her personal journey through a 73-day NICU experience and the lessons that inspired her to help other families protect their financial health.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with the guest, Jules Nowak
Instagram | Website
🔗 to resources
4 Simple Steps to Save on Medical Bills
Dollar For
Episode 97: What you Need to Know about Medical Billing & Insurance ft. Kelley Coleman
Episode 98: Should I Pay that Medical Bill? ft. Marshall Allen
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
In this deeply moving episode, Amber Smith, wife to Granger Smith, shares her journey through unimaginable loss after the passing of her son River and how she found light in the midst of profound grief. We talk about honoring River's memory, navigating marriage and parenting through sorrow, and what healing really looks like—beyond clichés and expectations. Amber's honesty offers comfort, perspective, and hope to anyone walking through grief or supporting someone who is.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with the guest, Amber Smith
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website | Book
🔗to resources
Book: "The Girl on the Bathroom Floor"
📺Socials 📺
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Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
NICU nurse and content creator Tori Meskin (aka Nurse Tori) sheds light on the unique role of NICU nurses and what families should really know during their baby's NICU journey. We talk about building trust in high-stress moments, common parent fears, and how nurses support both tiny patients and their loved ones through it all. Whether you're a current NICU parent or just want to understand more, this conversation offers honesty, insight, and hope.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with the guest, Nurse Tori
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | Podcast | Website
📺Socials 📺
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Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Twin and special needs mom Missy Haughery shares her journey of raising twins—one with Down syndrome—and the lessons she wishes she’d known from the start. She is as candid about the struggles, in parenthood and marriage, as she is about the lessons and the joy. It all helped shape the family she loves. If you’ve ever gotten a diagnosis that feels overwhelming, you’ll be empowered by Missy’s story of encouragement, perspective, and practical advice for parents navigating a similar path.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker
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💚 Connect with the guest, Missy Haughery
Instagram | Website
🔗Links to resources
Do Right movie
The Bell Center of Alabama
Down Syndrome Alabama
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
The NICU and the military share common feelings of isolation, mental health challenges like PTSD, and dependence upon friends and co-workers for support. In this week’s episode, NICU military mom Taneisha Stamps shares her experience of being in the NICU with her son while their family was on a military base, far from home and family. She tenderly shares her struggles, how they faced them and when she knew they needed to reach out for assistance and help. It’s a powerful episode and an especially poignant one for every NICU military family.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Professional photo organizer Miss Freddy addresses the emotional and logistical challenges of capturing and storing photos during a NICU stay. In this episode, we discuss what we wish we had known earlier—from organizing photos of hard days, how albums can minimize the trauma and magnify the good days so it feels manageable, not overwhelming. Miss Freddy shares how photos can be both a healing tool and a powerful way to honor a NICU journey.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Miss Freddy:
Instagram | Facebook | Website | Courses
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Season 10 is here! What I Wish I Knew dives deep into the wisdom and hard-won life lessons parents and experts learned and now want to pass along to you. Our guest lineup includes a diverse group including a NICU nurse, pediatrician, special needs mom, bereaved mom, billing expert, birth trauma expert, twin mom, military NICU mom, and a professional photo organizer. Each episode highlights practical tips, emotional wisdom, and critical support for navigating life during and after a NICU stay. From understanding hospital bills to processing grief and trauma, season 10 brings honesty, empowerment and hope to NICU families. The guidance you wish you had from the start, is here.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
As NICU parents, we’re all healing from a trauma. So when today’s guest, Savannah O’Malley, sought her own healing she found it in a beautiful place, her art. And that healing didn’t just benefit her own stories but the stories of thousands more NICU families. Listen in as Savannah shared how her gift is helping other families feel seen, and loved.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Savannah O’Malley:
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
In this episode, we sit down with Candace Blair Cronin, Ph.D.—a full-time working mom of four and a passionate advocate for children in the foster care system. From fostering and adopting to mentoring families and serving as a CASA, Candace shares her deeply personal journey and the many ways she’s working to support vulnerable children and the families who care for them.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Candace Cronin:
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Identical quadruplets. You read that right. The girls, born to Jonathan and Mercedes Sandhu, joined two other siblings, making six kids under the age of three. In this episode, they share about that first ultrasound appointment, how they prepared for the impossible, and what daily life looks like in a home where four babies are the same age—and somehow still have completely different personalities. This conversation is real, raw, and awe-inspiring. If you’ve ever wondered how anyone survives—let alone thrives—with six tiny kids, this one’s for you.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guests, Mercedes and Jonathan Sandhu:
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
🔗Links
Texas Monthly article
Today Show
People magazine
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
When parents get the call about a baby ready for adoption, they don’t often expect it to be accompanied with a NICU stay. Adoptive mom, Shannon Donnelly, shares how life changed for her and her husband, how they navigated an out-of-state adoption and NICU stay and how they found peace with her daughter’s birth parents.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Shannon Donnelly:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonwdonnelly0110
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
“Is this normal?” is something almost every NICU parent asks about their baby at some point. In this episode, popular social media ER doctor, Dr. Meghan Martin aka drbeachgem.10, shares her own NICU story, how to be a good advocate for your child and encourages parents to always listen to their parental instincts.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Meghan Martin:
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
🔗 Links to resources:
Newborns do weird stuff reel
Dr. Martin’s NICU story
My Mejo (online medical journal)
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
NICU parents worry about a lot, but we know that education is power. If your child is at risk for eye abnormalities like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), or has been diagnosed, pediatric ophthalmologist and popular podcaster, Dr. Rupa Wong allays some of the common fears and gives you tools to be a better advocate for your child’s eye health.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Rupa Wong:
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | Website | Threads
🔗Links to resources:
Podcast: It's Good To See You
Pinnacle Conference and Podcast
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Valerie Rodriguez wasn’t planning on a lot of things: another pregnancy, multiples, a NICU stay or even having to say goodbye to one of her boys. In this episode she shares how she found her new normal, navigating grief, special needs and her evolving role as a mom and wife.
Trigger warning: in this episode we talk about death and suicide. If you need to talk to someone, please call 988 or visit Lifeline
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Valerie Rodriguez:
Instagram | TikTok
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Her daughter was diagnosed with spina bifida during a tenuous spinal surgery and then she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As the mom of eight, Britt Fisk knows a thing or two about surrendering control. Her perspective was hard won and in this interview, Britt shares how laying down hard things helped her pick herself back up, and live again.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Britt Fisk:
Instagram | Facebook
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Everyday, 3,000 parents find out their child may have a NICU stay. They may start by logging on to the Hand to Hold website, but Founder and CEO of Hand to Hold, Kelli Kelley, and Executive Director, Katrina Moline, hope that NICU parents receive a plethora of support before, during and after their child’s hospital stay. Whether you listen to the podcast, ask for a peer mentor, receive free counseling, find loss and bereavement support, read our blog or find a support group, Hand to Hold offers it all.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guests, Katrina Moline & Kelli Kelley:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
How many times has someone asked you, “Are things back to normal yet?” following your NICU stay? We know how frustrating that question, and the answers, can be. In season 9, it’s all about finding your new normal. Our guests include parents of quads, adoptive NICU parents, a pediatric ER doctor, parents navigating life-altering medical diagnoses (for them and their babies) and a pediatric ophthalmologist. Their stories are varied and we hope that something they’ve learned will resonate with you and help you find, and own, your new life post-NICU.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
From there to here. When Kasie Marek’s son received a heart transplant after a long and difficult medical road of treating his hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), she had no idea what lay on the other side of treatment. Listen as Kasie shares their honest journey and what she’s learned in this season’s final episode.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Kasie Marek:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Should you have another child after a NICU stay? While it’s a common question, there is no easy answer. Special needs mom Stephanie Goley shares how her family weighed the decision of adding to their family, how they focused on joy instead of fear and how they found peace with the decision.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Stephanie Goley:
Instagram | Facebook | Website | Kai’s Blog
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
During a NICU stay, there’s often a population that gets overlooked: the siblings. Parenting expert and child development specialist Dr. Siggie Cohen helps parents get to the heart of conflict, develop positive sibling relationships and find confidence when you’re surrounded by chaos.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Siggie Cohen:
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | Website
🔗 Links to resources:
Free parenting resources
Use the coupon code SPECIAL15 at checkout to receive a 15% discount
Toddler Course
3-7 Course
Sibling Course
Join her weekly newsletter list
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
As a nurse educator with a NICU nursing background, Chelsea Samms shares her honest experience in caring for NICU babies. She encourages parents to trust their instinct when treating illnesses like RSV, how to advocate for their baby when working with specialists and how to minimize overwhelm when it all feels too hard.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Chelsea Samms:
Instagram | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Hope needs a face. We often wonder how parents and caregivers of very medically fragile children can find joy and hope, even in the midst of long days, hospital stays and unimaginable grief, but they do. Today’s guest, Mary Lenaburg, gives hope to parents who are having a hard time believing that it’s possible.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Mary Lenaburg:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website | Podcast
🔗 Links to resources:
Mary’s first book, Be Brave in the Scared
Mary’s second book, Be Bold in the Broken
Resilience Rising mentorship program
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
You’re worried your child may need special education services, but you don’t know where to start, what questions to ask or how to advocate for your child properly. Former special ed teacher and diagnostician and current special education consultant Suzanne Blume will empower parents with the right words, information and encouragement to be the best educational advocate for your child.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Suzanne Blume:
Instagram | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Did your grandchild just earn a first-class ticket to the NICU? Listen as grandparent (Jammie as she's called) and pediatrician, Dr. Judith Enders, share her best suggestions for loving your grandchild well and supporting your child without being overbearing.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Judith Enders:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Need some hope? Season 8 delivers. Whether you’re needing hope because your grandchild is in the NICU, you’ve suffered a loss, a difficult medical diagnosis, learning challenges or sibling discord - this season has something for you. Set fear aside and open wide the door to hope. We’re ending our year with a powerful set of inspirational voices. Hope lives here!
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Many caregivers and parents have a desire to invite others into their NICU story. But when does sharing become an invasion of a child’s privacy? How do parents share the suffering, but honor the child’s story? Licensed counselor and social media influencer, KC Davis shares healthy boundary touchpoints and examples of how to honor the story and the child.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, KC Davis:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | TikTok | Website | Podcast
🔗Links to resources:
KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
Struggle Care resources: https://www.strugglecare.com/resources
Ted Talk, How to do Laundry When You’re Depressed
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Necessity is the mother, or in this case, the father of invention. Former exec turned entrepreneur and NICU dad, Ryan Sheedy helped co-found My Mejo, an online medical journal designed to help parents alleviate the stress of keeping track of medications, procedures, allergies, specialists and more.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Ryan Sheedy:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
The NICU rollercoaster of emotions is real. NICU mom, pediatrician, hospitalist and postpartum expert Dr. Jess Daigle speaks from experience when she shares how to put in better boundaries, understand your baby and take care of yourself while helping both you, and your baby, thrive.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Jess Daigle:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Website
🔗Links to resources:
Early Intervention in your state
NICU Mom community on Facebook
Coaching Program
Establishing healthy boundaries
Neonatology on the Web
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Mom and author Laura Kelly Fanucci shares how her twin pregnancy was a surprise, as was their diagnosis of twin-to-twin transfusion. She shares how surgery was initially thought to aid in their development, but when it didn’t. Laura tenderly explains how her family walked through grief and found joy and purpose again, amidst deep suffering.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Laura Kelly Fanucci:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
🔗Links to resources:
This is the story I have to tell you
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Kids grieve a loss, too. In this conversation, child life specialist and thanatologist Dr. Korie Leigh discusses strategies for helping kids understand, process and move through grief.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Korie Leigh:
Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | Website
🔗Links to resources:
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)
Dougy Center (peer grief support for children)
Judi’s House (grieving children and families)
Refuge in Grief (social media account)
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Stillbirth isn’t often talked about, but it’s a reality for many families. Katie Talman tenderly shares her loss, how it affected her family and what grief feels like.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Katie Talman:
Instagram | Facebook
🔗Links to resources:
Anderson Cooper Podcast: The Greatest Loss
Turner Syndrome Foundation
Hope Box
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Sometimes, tending your home can feel overwhelming. Creator of the Naptime Kitchen and mom of four, Kate Strickler, shares tips and strategies for making it manageable (as well as a free resource for NICU moms!) Whether you’re trying to tackle the medicine cabinet or kid clothes or shifting your mindset, Kate’s ideas are something you can implement today.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Kate Strickler:
Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Website
🔗Links to resources:
Home Reset course
Take Them a Meal Manual
If you’re a current NICU mom, email Kate at homereset@naptimekitchen.com with the name of your NICU and the age of your baby to receive a free link to her Home Reset course
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
In season 7 - tending the heart, body and home - we tackle making your home work for you, digital medical journaling, loss and bereavement, helping kids understand grief, stillbirth, managing the NICU rollercoaster and finding good boundaries on social media.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Sex after a NICU stay. Is it an oxymoron? Whether you’re fearful or excited, sexologist Anisa Varasteh with Relate Sexology shares what the postpartum body feels like, how to talk to your partner, how to address fear, tips for developing better intimacy and when to reach out for professional help.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Anisa Varasteh:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Feeling overwhelmed and confused by caring for your body through nutrition and exercise? Certified personal trainer and nutrition coach Shalini Blubaugh will share common myths about both, overcoming obstacles and how to integrate realistic habits into your daily life to make your own health a priority so you can better care for your NICU baby.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Shalini Blubaugh:
Instagram | Facebook | Threads | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Have you ever been told that suffering from pelvic floor leakage, pain or fear is all just “part of parenthood?” Pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Rebecca Maidansky shares how to avoid doing the wrong thing by doing the right one. She will share how to manage your pelvic health with information, exercise and questions to ask your provider so you can take control of your body.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Rebecca Maidansky:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
You’re living your hardest days in the NICU, so you turn to social media for support, encouragement, solidarity and community. Can you share too much? When does your story become their story? Veteran NICU parents and active social media users Scott & Kathryn Whitaker share some tips for sharing your NICU baby’s journey on social media, setting healthy boundaries and inviting people into your suffering.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Scott Whitaker:
Instagram | Twitter
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
To every dad who has endured a NICU stay with his son or daughter, we see you. NICU dad Will Hay shares his hardest day, the thing that gave him hope and how he took his fear and turned it into a beautiful resource for other parents. Dads, this one’s for you.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Will Hay:
🔗Links to resources:
Book, The Littlest Penguin: A NICU Story
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Never pay the first bill, at least that’s what podcast guest and medical investigative journalist Marshall Allen advises. At some point, every NICU family has to deal with an insurance company, government agency, medical billing office or all three. Learn how to speak a language that billing offices understand, advocate for your rights and save yourself money, headaches and long hours on hold with medical stakeholders.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Marshall Allen:
Twitter | LinkedIn | Website | Substack
🔗Links to resources:
Book, Never Pay the First Bill
Dollar For (helps patients access charity care)
Billy (hospital pricing information)
Jason Health (walk-in blood tests)
Green Imaging (affordable medical imaging)
Cost Plus Drugs (affordable medications)
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Paying the medical bills and determining insurance coverage can almost be as stressful as caring for your NICU baby (and sometimes more so). Kelley Coleman - author, disability advocate and mom of a medically complex child - shares questions to ask, provides an overview of programs and shares advice from both her lived experience, as well as insurance and medical billing experts.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Kelley Coleman:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
🔗 Links to resources:
Book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child
Department of Developmental Services in (your state)
Department of Health and Human Services in (your state)
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Does your employer offer paid parental leave or are you struggling to find a game plan for how to care for your baby after NICU discharge while tending to your job responsibilities? Sherenne Simon, social impact expert, shares how she influenced major policy change in her workplace to accommodate NICU parents. Her book, Own Your Influence: An Unconventional Journey to Making an Impact at Work, hits shelves in November and can show you how to capitalize on your own power of influence to enact positive change.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Sherenne Simon:
Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Sometimes we are called to share our stories, in a big way. Emmy-award winning journalist Britt Moreno experienced postpartum complications following the birth of her second child. Instead of quietly working through them, she chose to use her platform as an NBC affiliate news anchor to amplify the crisis of postpartum depression and anxiety in the hopes of helping other women through her interviews and in-depth investigations.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Britt Moreno:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X
🔗 Links to resources:
Anchor opens up about postpartum complications
Mothers with high-risk pregnancies more likely to face mental health concerns
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or call 988
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Are you worried you might be suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety? Whether it’s been days, weeks or months since the birth of your baby, board-certified OB/Gyn Dr. Nicole Rankins shares what PPD and PPA are, common symptoms, treatment options and where to seek help.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins:
Instagram | Facebook | Website | Podcast
🔗 Links to resources:
Postpartum Support International
Reprotox
LactMed
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
You’ve been admitted to the NICU or you’re in the thick of raising a NICU baby and you look around and might wonder how this is your life and what’s next - for your baby, your family and your life. THIS is the season that will serve you during your NICU admission and long after your discharge. In season 6 - life after a NICU admission - we tackle postpartum depression and anxiety, paid parental leave, medical billing/insurance, a dad's perspective, pelvic floor physical therapy, sex and intimacy, exercise/nutrition and sharing your story on social media.
💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynwhitakertx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynwhitakertx
Website: https://kathrynwhitaker.net
📺Socials 📺
⚡Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold
⚡Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
⚡Twitter: https://twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
⚡Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/handtohold/
Music:
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
2023 was filled with a plethora of amazing guests and topics. So many exciting things are in store for the podcast in 2024!
In this episode, I share:
- Highlight some of our guests and topics.
- How listeners can share their feedback on next year’s seasons, by sending us a DM on social media or emailing us at podcast@handtohold.org
- Take a quick 30-seconds and review, rate and subscribe to our podcasts. It’s how more people find us.
Kathryn Whitaker is the author of Live Big, Love Bigger, an award-winning book about living an intentional life and how her NICU baby helped her get there. She's a sixth-generation Texan who loves queso, cowboy boots and southern hospitality. On social media and her blog, Kathryn shares her honest take on family life and living in the chaos, all while drinking Dr Pepper and cheering on the Texas A&M Aggies. She has appeared in USA Today, radio and TV stations around the country and is a frequent guest/sometimes host on SiriusXM Radio. Kathryn and her husband, Scott, live with their six children in Austin, Texas.
Connect with Kathryn:
Instagram: @kathrynwhitakertx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynwhitakertx/
Websites: https://kathrynwhitaker.net/
Buy her book:
Live Big, Love Bigger
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Technology and gadgets, when used with purpose and discernment, can be a true aid to a NICU family’s life. In this episode Emmy-winning tech expert, Katie Linendoll, shares her go-to products for moms and NICU families, all at varying price points.
In this episode, we chat about:
- How did you get interested in the field of technology and coding as a woman?
- What do you hope people take away by utilizing new gadgets or participating in new technology?
- Let's chat about your best ideas for tech with newborns, babies and toddlers.
- What's your best advice to a parent who wants to use technology to aid in their child's development rather than interfering with it?
Katie Linendoll is an Emmy Award-winning TV personality, consumer technology expert, and one of the leading women in the field of technology. Katie has hosted numerous TV and digital series and special events. She has contributed hundreds of print and online written pieces for top outlets, and can regularly be seen on TV and digital segments and series such as the TODAY Show, The Rachael Ray Show, The Weather Channel and CBS Sports Radio, just to name a few. Katie has been named a Silicon Valley Visionary and leads a faith-filled, active lifestyle while also devoting a large percentage of her time to select philanthropic causes in healthcare, retired K9s, and US veterans. Katie is also passionate about music and her songs and music videos in the country music genre have hit the charts.
Shop Katie's recommendations:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katielinendoll
Connect with Katie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katielinendoll/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katielinendollmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katie.linendoll
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/katielinendoll
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw-APg2HrgO8LkJ-gBpx6ww
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katielinendoll
Website: https://katielinendoll.com/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
We all have preconceived ideas about what a hospital chaplain is, or isn’t. So, in this conversation with author and chaplain J.S. Park, we discuss how families might utilize their services, receive an advocate and find someone to hold space in a difficult moment.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What led you to pursue a career as a hospital chaplain?
- When we hear the word "chaplain" that may conjure up many things for many people. What's your primary role as a hospital chaplain?
- Do chaplains go through training and if so, what does that look like?
- When are some reasons a chaplain may come into your hospital room?
- What can patients ask of a hospital chaplain?
- Can you explain how the role of chaplain differs from, say, someone's pastor or leader figure at their place of worship?
- How do you recover from the hard days as a hospital chaplain so you can be present to the next family in their time of need?
- I think chaplains are often an underutilized resource for patients in a hospital setting. What's your best advice to a family struggling through a hard day and how can a chaplain help?
J.S. Park is a hospital chaplain, published author, and viral blogger. For eight years he has been an interfaith chaplain at a 1000+ bed hospital that is designated a Level 1 Trauma Center. His role includes grief counseling, attending every death, every trauma and Code Blue, staff care, and supporting end-of-life care. He also served for three years as a chaplain at one of the largest nonprofit charities for the homeless on the east coast. J.S. has a MDiv completed in 2010 and a BA in Psychology. He also has a sixth-degree black belt. He is the author of The Voices We Carry: Finding Your One True Voice in a World of Clamor and Noise (published by Northfield). His next book, on grief, released May 2024. J.S. currently lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife, a nurse practitioner, and his three year old daughter and adopted dog.
Read the CNN article:
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/09/18/health/hospital-chaplain-lessons-wellness-cec/index.html
Connect with J.S.:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jspark3000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsparkblog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jsparkblog
Website: https://jsparkblog.com/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Food and the holidays go hand-in-hand, but when there is an allergy or restriction they can often be stressful and full of anxiety. Cottage bakery owner and food allergy mama, Vanessa Gonzalez Kraft, walks you through what an allergy might look like, ways to be a hospitable host and tips for adjusting to an allergy-free kitchen.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Tell me a little bit about your NICU stay with your twins.
- When did you first notice food allergies in your children?
- How did you go about introducing new foods to them?
- When did you seek the advice or intervention from a specialist?
- What was the toll on that experience like for your family?
- How did you respond?
- What surprised you the most about your new-found love for baking?
- As families enter into the holidays, the dinner table can often be a source of stress if your child has food allergies. What are some tips you have to make it less stressful and more manageable?
- What's your best advice to a NICU mom who just learned her child has a food allergy and she's feeling overwhelmed?
Vanessa Kraft is a mom of six daughters. One daughter has multiple food allergies and Vanessa’s twins were preemies that spent time in the NICU. Because of her daughter's food allergies she started Que Bueno Bakery, one that is safe for people with food allergies and dietary restrictions, but also delicious because everyone should get to be in on the fun of celebrations!
Connect with Vanessa:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quebuenobakery/
Website: https://quebuenobakery.com/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
As we continue to share stories In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, mom of 5 (including a son with DS) Allison Sullivan shares how she uses TikTok to normalize family life. And, with more than 1.2M followers, we say she might be onto something.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Tell us a little about your family.
- When and why did you decide to launch a TikTok account?
- What’s your primary content on your account?
- One of your children has Down Syndrome. Did you ever worry that sharing about him on your social media accounts might elicit negative reactions?
- Best part about having a child with DS? Most challenging?
- During Down Syndrome Awareness Month, what do you want another DS mom to know?
Allison Sullivan is married to Seth and a mom of five. She believes in playing her part in the renewal and transformation of communities through walking humbly, acting justly and loving mercy. She is a writer and podcaster, loves good hospitality and meaningful service and is active in social justice causes to cultivate love and hope. Allison is a trauma-informed yoga instructor. For fun, she enjoys creating wholesome content through a family lens for over 1.2 million TikTok fans, long road trips with her family, girls’ nights out with her friends, thrifting, reading, and spending time at the beach. To relax, Allison watches Modern Family on the couch with her dogs.
Connect with Allison:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sullivanfamilytiktok
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonmsully
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/allisonsullivan
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sinner-saint-sister/id1234435619
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we shed some light on life with a DS child with PICU mom, Stephanie Weinert. She shares how she received the diagnosis and how Beckett’s entrance into the world changed her life. In this episode we briefly discuss death, dying and grief.
In this episode, we chat about:
- The day she learned her son was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
- What were some of the things you had to re-learn as a mom after Beckett's diagnosis?
- What were some of Beckett's challenges and how did those affect your family?
- What are some of the greatest things Beckett brought to your family?
- Often, we fear what we do not know. What's something you feared that either never came to fruition or was less stressful than you imagined it might be?
- What are some ways you honor Beckett's life and how are you managing your grief particularly during anniversaries or the holidays?
- What's something you want people to know about Down Syndrome?
- What would you tell old Stephanie, knowing what you know now, about having a child with DS?
Stephanie Weinert is a wife, mother, writer and media personality. She served as a radio host before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Stephanie has spoken nationally and internationally on topics related to faith, family life, homeschooling, motherhood, and the suffering path to salvation. She and her husband Peter share openly about their youngest son, Beckett, who was born in 2019 with a surprise diagnosis of Down Syndrome and a serious heart defect. Beckett’s short life of 18 months changed the Weinert family forever. Caring for a special needs child and walking through grief and child loss helped Stephanie see motherhood through a new lens..
Connect with Stephanie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieweinert
Website: https://www.motherandhome.co/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
The NICU often leaves caregivers, and babies, with anxiety and overwhelm and sometimes something more complex, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Tiffany Gladdis shares the difference between anxiety and PTSD and what parents can do to address their triggers and receive treatment.
In this episode, we chat about:
- How did you get interested in clinical psychology, specifically focusing on the NICU?
- What's the difference between anxiety and PTSD?
- What are some symptoms/markers of PTSD and how does a parent receive that diagnosis?
- What are the treatment options?
- A new term and diagnosis people are starting to hear is C-PTSD (complex PTSD). What's the difference between the two and might a NICU parent experience one or the other?
- Can a baby experience PTSD? If so, symptoms? Treatment?
- What's your best advice to a parent who's feeling overwhelmed, triggered or otherwise feeling like they need professional help to manage everything?
Dr. Tiffany Gladdis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Neonatology and the Medical Director of the Office of Equity and Diversity at Children’s Mercy Hospital, as well as an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Dr. Gladdis provides therapy and support to families in the Fetal Health Center, NICU, and NICU follow-up clinic and her clinical interests include attachment and bonding, trauma, infant and perinatal mental health, and BIPOC populations. Dr. Gladdis also serves on the board of Hand To Hold.
Connect with Dr. Gladdis:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tiffany-gladdis-willis-214ba1107
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope.love.heal/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Did your baby just get admitted to the NICU? Feeling overwhelmed? Scared? Frustrated? Tired? Kathryn Whitaker, mom of six (including her own NICU baby), shares the things she wishes someone had told her upon admission. If you want to be seen in your NICU experience, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Kathryn shares:
- A letter to NICU moms
- How to advocate for your baby
- Finding resources for your mental health
- How to accept help and what to ask for
Kathryn Whitaker is the author of Live Big, Love Bigger, an award-winning book about living an intentional life and how her NICU baby helped her get there. She's a sixth-generation Texan who loves queso, cowboy boots and southern hospitality. On social media and her blog, Kathryn shares her honest take on family life and living in the chaos, all while drinking Dr Pepper and cheering on the Texas A&M Aggies. She has appeared in USA Today, radio and TV stations around the country and is a frequent guest/sometimes host on SiriusXM Radio. Kathryn and her husband, Scott, live with their six children in Austin, Texas.
Connect with Kathryn:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynwhitakertx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynwhitakertx/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathrynwhitakertx
Websites: https://kathrynwhitaker.net/
Read her letter, Dear NICU Momma:
https://kathrynwhitaker.net/2013/11/dear-nicu-momma/
Buy her book:
Live Big, Love Bigger
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
The person that spends the most time with your child is likely a NICU nurse. NICU parent, former NICU nurse and current director of NICU nursing, Dr. Lisa Davenport, and I have an honest conversation about the highs and lows of nursing, what things have changed and how parents can have the best relationship possible with their baby’s NICU nurse.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Of all the professions, why nursing and why NICU nursing?
- What differentiates a NICU nurse from a pediatric or ICU nurse?
- What are some of the first things a family can expect from their NICU nurse?
- Can you explain a "primary nurse" and what that means to a family?
- Share a bit about the family's access to their NICU nurses.
- If a family has a difficult relationship with their NICU nurse, what should they do?
- What are some of the key things NICU nurses do to be more effective in the NICU environment?
- What's something that we're doing now in NICUs that we weren't when you first started? How has it changed the outcomes?
- Let's talk about this "golden hour" you championed.
- What's the best part about your job? Most challenging?
Dr. Lisa Davenport is a former NICU parent and the Director of Nursing for Texas Children’s NICU in Houston, Tex. Lisa’s experience as a NICU bedside nurse for 9 years fueled her passion for becoming a quality driven and people centric nursing leader. Additionally, Lisa serves as faculty for Texas Tech Health Science Center School of Nursing.
Connect with Dr. Davenport:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-davenport-dnp-rn-rnc-nic-5363b075
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Your child’s pediatrician is likely one of their most important; it’s where all things begin. Author of the “411” series and revered pediatrician, Dr. Ari Brown, gives great insight on traits you should look for in your own pediatrician, vaccine schedules and resources to help you be the best advocate for your NICU baby.
In this episode, we chat about:
- After receiving your degree in child development, what made you pursue a career in pediatrics?
- What are things your pediatrician should be looking at and considering if your child is a NICU graduate? What traits should you consider in your pediatrician to best serve your child?
- When should a parent consult a pediatrician and when should they seek counsel from an additional specialist for their child?
- What should the relationship look like between a child’s pediatrician and their other specialists?
- In an age of digital medicine, i.e. Dr. Google, how do you counsel your parents on when to seek medical care and when to treat things at home?
- Describe the ideal pediatrician-patient relationship.
- Let’s talk about delayed vaccination schedules for medically fragile children.
- Tell us about your books: Baby, Expecting and Toddler 411. What can reader’s expect?
- For a NICU parent who feels hyper-sensitive to every symptom their child presents, what’s your best advice?
Ari Brown, MD is a practicing pediatrician in Austin, Texas, for over 25 years after completing her pediatric residency and fellowship in developmental/behavioral pediatrics at Harvard Medical School/Children's Hospital Boston. Her passion to advocate for children and educate families extends beyond the office setting. She is the author of the bestselling "411" parent education book series including Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year with the new 20th anniversary/10th edition out this year, Toddler 411, and Expecting 411 available where books are sold and on Amazon. She also hosts online courses on newborn care and sleeping through the night. She has appeared on numerous national news and talk shows including NBC's Today Show, Dr. Phil, and CNN. She is a trusted voice for children's health, serving as a spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Dr. Brown has received the American Academy of Pediatrics Lifetime Achievement Award for child health advocacy.
Connect with Dr. Brown:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/baby411
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expecting411
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aribrownmd
Website: https://baby411.com/
Buy Dr. Brown’s books:
https://amzn.to/3drAzH3
Learn about Dr. Brown’s online newborn care and sleeping courses:
https://store.draribrown.com/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Women often hear that breastfeeding is natural, but many encounter challenges or hurdles. Neonatologist and breastfeeding advocate, Dr. Leah Jordan, shares tips on establishing a good milk supply, finding good lactation support and advice on managing stress when nursing your NICU baby doesn’t go as planned.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What led you to pursue a career in neonatology?
- Why are you so passionate about breastfeeding and health equity?
- What should a new mom know about breastfeeding if she's expecting a NICU stay?
- Establishing milk supply, particularly for a NICU mom, can often be highly stressful. Tips and suggestions? What's safe and what isn't?
- How can a mom advocate for getting good lactation support?
- Once she leaves the NICU with her baby how can she get support if she runs into challenges or subsequent hospital stays?
- If your baby is NPO (Latin nil per os) "nothing by mouth", what support can the hospital provide for storing your pumped milk?
- What's your best advice to a NICU mom who is stressed about nursing her new baby?
Dr. Leah Jordan is a board certified pediatrician from Minnesota who loves supporting NICU moms in reaching their breastfeeding goals. She recently completed her fellowship and joined Children’s Minnesota as a neonatologist. Her research centers on the use of quality improvement methodology to promote breastfeeding in the NICU and beyond.
Learn more about breastfeeding:
https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
When formula or breastfeeding isn’t a viable option for your NICU baby, donor milk may be the next best alternative. Former Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin Board Member and NICU mom, Veronica Cogwin, shares about her daughter’s personal experience as a donor milk recipient.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Tell us about Victoria’s birth.
- What did your breastfeeding journey look like with your micropreemie?
- When did donor milk become a viable possibility for your daughter?
- What were some of the risks Victoria faced without donor milk?
- How long did she receive donor milk?
- How is your daughter doing now, nearly eight years later? What role did donor milk play in her early development?
- Explain your role advocating for donor milk.
- How can a mom donate her milk to a local milk bank?
- What is the screening process like?
- What's your best advice to a parent considering utilizing donor milk for her NICU baby?
Veronica Cogwin is the mom of five children, including a micropreemie, Victoria, born at 24 weeks. Veronica is a strong advocate of donor milk after it played a major role in helping her daughter grow and thrive in the NICU. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin.
Connect with Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin:
https://milkbank.org/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
IEPs! 504s! Sometimes those services provided by the school can feel overwhelming, even when know they can benefit our child. School Board Trustee and NICU mom, Amber Feller, breaks it all down into practical steps, with action items to help you focus so you can assist your child in receiving the services he or she needs.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What led you to pursue a fulfilling, but sometimes contentious, spot on the local school board?
- You have both school board and parent experience with services provided by the public school system. Biggest take home lesson from both experiences?
- Some parents may be familiar with early intervention (looks different in every state), but what is an IEP and how does it differ from a 504?
- When a child graduates from high school, how do they get help in college?
- How does a parent begin the process of asking for help for their child from PK-12?
- What questions should they ask and how do they know their rights?
- Does the school district make a diagnosis based on testing they do or is that up to the parent and an outside medical professional?
- What do you think parents should know about IEPs?
- Sometimes there's a negative stigma with receiving help through special services. How can a parent (and a child) overcome that stigma?
- What's your best advice to a parent seeking an IEP for his/her child?
Amber Feller has been actively involved in Round Rock ISD schools since 2008 serving in various volunteer roles and she currently serves as a Trustee on the School Board. Amber has also been very active in the community while serving through Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, her church and her children’s extracurricular activities. Amber earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology, with a Minor in Math, from Texas A&M University and her Master’s of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Nationally Board Certified Counselor.
Connect with Amber:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmberFellerForRRISDSchoolBoard/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Just when you find your rhythm, something like school bullying enters the picture and it can often feel overwhelming and frustrating. Sr. Josephine Garrett, a licensed mental health school counselor talks strategies, perspective and encouragement in dealing with bullying.
In this episode, we chat about:
- How and why did you pursue counseling?
- You serve both a school and have a private practice. What are the similarities and differences in serving those two populations?
- Some NICU babies have challenges that are easily detected once they leave the hospital, but sometimes parents find themselves encountering hard things as their babies become older and enter school. How do you, as a counselor and mental health professional, advocate for students differently than other school staff?
- What's an ideal student to counselor ratio?
- Often, a NICU baby becomes a target, if you will, for school bullies. Maybe they have a device, a physical challenge or their size makes them vulnerable. How can the family work with the school counselor to address that?
- What are some things you do with your students to help them process trauma, work through hard emotions or feel comfortable in who they are?
- When should a parent be concerned?
- What's your best advice to a parent who has a child struggling in school, academically, socially or emotionally?
Sr. Josephine is a native Texan born and raised in Houston. She completed a BA in Politics with a Business concentration at the University of Dallas. Following graduation she began a 10-year career in banking, serving as Vice President in the Home Loans division of Bank of America. In 2011, she shifted her focus and began formation to be a Religious Sister with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor for her local school and she also serves children in private practice.
Connect with Sr. Josephine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine
Website: https://nazarethretreats.org/people/sister-josephine-garrett
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Today, you get the trifecta! Doula, birth photographer and breastfeeding advocate Leilani Rogers shares about her breastfeeding awareness passion project, which was an outgrowth of her work as a birth photographer. Those two passions then led her to obtain her doula certification. Her knowledge and experience in all three is certainly a gift!
In this episode, we chat about:
- How did you find your calling in birth photography?
- Your birth photography accolades are many! You even hosted the public breastfeeding awareness project for five years. What was the purpose of that project and why were you inspired to create it?
- How did birth photography lead you to pursue certification as a doula?
- What does a doula do, particularly in the case of a high-risk pregnancy?
- What is a "doulatog" as you share on your website?
- Women and their partners might be apprehensive about hiring a birth photographer, a doula or both, what would you say to alleviate some of those fears?
- When you're considering hiring a photographer or a doula, what are some questions you should ask to ensure it's a good fit?
- Do all doctors/hospitals allow for a photographer or a doula? What questions should a new mom ask?
- How can a NICU mom benefit from services like birth photography or a doula?
- What's your best advice to a parent who wants to hire a photographer or a doula?
Leilani Rogers became interested in birth as a young mom with preterm labor with all four of her children. She became more empowered and informed with each pregnancy, and when she documented her first birth in 2011 her life as an artist intersected with her love for and knowledge of birth perfectly. She is also a trained doula and a mentor to budding young photographers worldwide.
Connect with Leilani:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbylei
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PhotosbyleilaniRogers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leilani.rogers.photographer
Website: https://PhotosByLei.com
Learn more about the Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project:
https://www.photosbylei.com/2014/07/29/public-breastfeeding-awareness-project/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Trigger warning: In this episode we talk about death and dying.
Not every baby leaves the NICU but it has been Dr. Elvira Parravicini’s passion to serve those families with infants who have life-limited or life-threatening illnesses. The Neonatal Comfort Care Program seeks to address those needs and support those families from diagnosis, to delivery and beyond.
In this episode, we chat about:
- How were you led from your specialty of perinatology and neonatology to your work in palliative care?
- Can you define what palliative care means?
- What is the Neonatal Comfort Care Program and how does it assist parents?
- If a parent has a baby who has a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, what can they expect in a neonatal program and how does that differ from adult palliative care?
- End of life issues are complicated and very personal, how do you accompany a family through an extraordinarily difficult experience while respecting their wishes?
- If a hospital does not have a service similar to yours, what are some things a parent can do, or people they can reach out, to assist them in giving honor to their baby's life?
- What's one myth you'd like to confront when it comes to palliative care?
- What's your best advice to a parent who has a child who won't be leaving the NICU?
Dr. Elvira Parravicini is an attending neonatologist at NewYork Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, the Director of the Neonatal Comfort Care Program and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center. She obtained a certification in palliative medicine from Harvard University. She was born, raised and went to school in Milan, Italy, and moved to the United States in 1994. Her passion for helping the most fragile patients in the neonatal population inspired Dr. Parravicini to create a unique and innovative program for infants affected by life-limiting or Life-threatening conditions. The Neonatal Comfort Care Program addresses the complex medical and non-medical needs of infants and their families. The interdisciplinary Neonatal Comfort Care team supports expectant mothers of babies diagnosed with a life-limiting condition during the perinatal journey, from diagnosis to delivery and beyond.
Palliative Care Training Course:
https://www.neonatalcomfortcare.com/events-2/2023/9/20/2023-next-level-perinatal-palliative-care-training-course
Connect with Dr. Parravicini:
Website: www.neonatalcomfortcare.com
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Trigger warning: In this episode we talk about death and dying.
Sometimes, families leave the hospital without their NICU baby. Misti Staley shares about the beautiful life of her son and how the challenges they encountered during his care inspired her to honor his memory after his passing. That outgrowth of generosity is now blessing NICUs and their families around the world.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Freeman’s birth.
- What devices/assistance came home with him and how did you adapt to those changes?
- What is the Freearm and how did the idea of it come about?
- What were some of the challenges (design or otherwise) you encountered when designing and marketing it?
- How do you think this device can honor Freeman's memory?
- What's your best advice to a NICU mom who is stressed about the devices or assistance her baby is discharged with?
Misti Staley's son Freeman was born in 2015 after a healthy pregnancy, but after birth, Misti learned of his many medical complexities. Freeman spent 3.5 months in the NICU, was home for 5 weeks and then spent 5 long months in the PICU, before sadly losing his battle with pulmonary hypertension at 10 months old. After Freeman's passing, Misti built Freeman Playground in Helena, Arkansas; an ADA playground with ramps and a poured in place rubber surface. Through all that Misti learned through Freeman's tube feeding journey, Misti also created the FreeArm- a tube feeding device that holds gravity syringe feeds, pump feeds and infusions at the hospital home and on-the-go. Freeman's legacy of love continues through Freeman Playground and the FreeArm.
Connect with Misti:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/freemanplayground/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FreeArm
Instagram: www.instagram.com/freearm.tube.feeding.assistant/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/staley-house-llc-creator-of-the-freearm/
LinkedIn: /www.linkedin.com/in/mististaley/
Learn more about FreeArm:
https://freearmcare.com/
Find additional “fun” products to help your medically fragile child:
https://freearmcare.com/friends
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
NICU baby skin is sensitive and often requires proper wound care, either from a lack of development or other treatments required by the NICU staff. Media Esser, a board-certified wound nurse shares common causes of skin damage, suggestions on making wound care easier and tried and true rules of thumb when caring for damaged neonate skin.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What is a wound care specialist?
- What is it that makes NICU/micropreemie babies’ skin so sensitive?
- What are some common causes of skin damage in the NICU?
- What are some questions parents or caregivers should ask to ensure they understand wound care treatment and techniques?
- How do you know when what you’re doing is hurting, or helping, your baby’s skin?
- What are some rules of thumb you use as a wound care specialist when working with NICU skin?
- What is your best advice to a parent who is feeling overwhelmed by their baby’s wound care treatment or care?
Media Esser is a nurse scientist, neonatal nurse practitioner and board-certified wound nurse, currently in a Level II NICU in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dr. Esser also holds the position of Assistant Professor and Neonatal NP Program Chair at Alverno College in Milwaukee. She is a consultant for evidence-based practice, a NICU review course content, quality improvement, skincare research, and she presents on all those topics on a local and national level. Dr. Esser is passionate about neonatal skincare, specifically diaper dermatitis in the NICU, and has published many manuscripts and chapters on the topic.
Links to Media’s research:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Media-Esser
Connect with Media:
National Association of Neonatal Nurses: https://my.nann.org/myprofile/profile?UserKey=a5ab1838-c37d-4dfe-8ed1-7de4d8c12dca
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
So, your baby is having surgery. Whether it’s acute, routine or planned, pediatric surgeon Dr. Tory Meyer, shares what parents can expect, what questions to ask and how to approach the procedure with the best possible information.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What led you to pursue a career in pediatric surgery?
- What are the most common surgeries you perform?
- For planned surgeries, parents have time to prepare their child for the procedure. What can a parent expect at the appointments leading up to the surgery?
- What kinds of questions should a parent be asking of the surgeon and the surgical team?
- In your opinion, what makes for a successful surgical experience for both the child and the parent?
- For emergency surgeries it can often feel overwhelming and chaotic for both the child and the parent. How can a parent make the best decision with limited time? What questions should they be asking?
- Sometimes there is a clear answer for a family when making a surgical decision and other times, it's not as easy. How do you help families decide the right course for their situation?
- What's the best part about being a pediatric surgeon? Most challenging?
- What's your best advice to a parent who has an upcoming surgery and feels scared and overwhelmed?
Tory Meyer is a Pediatric Surgeon at Austin Pediatric Surgery. He is the past Chief of Staff and past Chairman of the Pediatric Leadership Board at Dell Children’s Medical Center and is Clinical Affiliate Faculty at the Dell Medical School. Dr. Meyer is co-founding member of Operation KidDocs, a surgical mission group, and the present Vice Chairman of Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center.
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Our NICU adolescents and teens sometimes find themselves trying to cope with a difficult medical diagnosis or a major life change. Dina O’Brien, a pediatric psychologist and NICU mom speaks from experience, on both sides, on how a parent can help their child.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Why did you pursue a career in pediatric psychology?
- What is the primary purpose of a pediatric psychologist?
- How did your background as a pediatric psychologist help or hinder your experience as a NICU mom with your fourth child?
- For parents, how do you know when your child may benefit from psychology and what are the things they might look for, or assess?
- How do you find a good pediatric psychologist?
- Some children don't exhibit effects of a NICU stay until they are well into their early adolescent years? How do you differentiate their challenges from NICU vs regular development?
- How would you define a successful outcome of a child who has undergone pediatric psychology?
- What's your best advice to a parent seeking psychological help for his/her child?
Dr. O'Brien is a licensed pediatric clinical psychologist currently working with Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Harbor Pediatrics in Gig Harbor WA. She has over 25 years of experience working with the mental health needs of children and teens. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 boys, and spotting orcas across the PNW!
Connect with Dr. O’Brien:
Website: www.drdinaobrien.com
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
A NICU stay, and subsequent surgeries, can put extreme strain on a relationship. Scott and Kathryn Whitaker share why they sought out help from a licensed marriage counselor, their barriers to get there and how it changed their relationship.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What led them to the counseling door?
- What were some of their reservations about going to counseling?
- Strategies learned in counseling that benefited their marriage?
- How did they overcome the stigma of needing help?
- What's your best advice for a couple that’s reluctant to go to therapy?
Scott and Kathryn Whitaker, both Texas natives, are the parents of six children, college to elementary, and have been married 27 years. Kathryn is the author of Live Big, Love Bigger, an award-winning book. Scott is the director of stewardship and development for the Catholic Diocese of Austin. On social media, they each share their honest take on family life and marriage, all while eating BBQ, cheering on the Texas Aggies and hiking national parks.
Connect with Scott and Kathryn:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottwhitaker95
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/scottwhitaker95
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynwhitakertx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynwhitakertx
Website: www.kathrynwhitaker.net
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Our NICU babies grow up and sometimes find themselves struggling to manage stress, anxiety, depression or navigating a disorder. Dr. Mitnaul, a child psychiatrist, shares how a child or adolescent may benefit from some extra assistance navigating those challenges.
In this episode, we chat about:
- How did you get from a biology degree to a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist?
- What is a child psychiatrist?
- How is that different from a child psychologist?
- Often, parents of NICU babies don't uncover other challenges in their children until they enter a school environment, or go through puberty. What are some things they should look for that might need to be addressed by a child or adolescent psychiatrist?
- How can parents find a psychiatrist and what questions should they ask to ensure it's a good fit for their child?
- Sometimes there's a stigma when a child is seeing a psychiatrist. What myths do you want to bust on that?
- What types of encouragement and information can people find on your TikTok account or other social media, as well as your PBS Show, Cause for Hope?
- What's your best advice to a parent seeking psychiatry for their child?
Dr. Mitnaul has quickly become a trusted voice in both the parenting and mental health space. When he’s not at the clinic, he’s engaging with his community on socials or on his PBS Show, “Cause for Hope” by helping families navigate parenting in the digital age.
Connect with Dr. Mitnaul:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctormitnaul
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/doctormitnaul
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/doctormitnaul
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctormitnaul/
Website: www.bewellacademy.org/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Parents of NICU babies often find themselves struggling in relationships or facing difficult feelings. Licensed therapist Regina Boyd shares how to determine if, and when, therapy can help.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What does a therapist do / not do?
- What's the difference between a therapist and a licensed therapist?
- What are some signs you might benefit from seeing a therapist?
- How do you find a good therapist?
- The NICU often leaves parents with PTSD, anxiety, depression and unresolved grief, how can a therapist help?
- Should you do individual or couples therapy?
- If your spouse doesn't want to go, or is reluctant, how do you work through that?
- How often should you go?
- How do you know if therapy is hurting or helping your healing?
- How does someone deal with the stigma from friends or family that sometimes surrounds therapy?
- What's your best advice for someone considering therapy?
Regina Boyd is the Founder of Boyd Counseling Services, a mental health & coaching practice that provides in-person and virtual services for couples and individuals. She works with clients who are experiencing stress, life changes, desire healthy emotional connection, and seek to develop problem solving strategies within their relationships. Regina is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is also a featured contributor to the Hallow app, and lives in Orlando, Florida with her husband and their beautiful daughter.
Connect with Regina:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boydcounselingservices
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginaboydLHMC/
Website: www.reginaboyd.com
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Traveling with a medically-complex child can be stressful, overwhelming and daunting. Christy Wilkens, a mom of six, including a special needs child, shares how her family has conquered plane trips overseas and domestically, as well as road trips with their children in tow.
In this episode, we chat about:
- When did you feel safe and secure enough to embark on travel with a special needs child?
- What things did you do, or specialists did you consult to make you feel that way?
- How do you balance safety for your child with the well-being of your family to travel?
- Airplane or car tips you use to make travel easier?
- For flying, what are things you communicate to the gate agent and flight attendants to ensure a smooth flight?
- What helped make your overseas trip with a special needs child a positive, less stressful experience?
- What are your must-have travel items?
- For those traveling this summer who see a family with a special needs child, is there anything they can do to encourage that family, or something that might be of assistance?
- What’s your best advice to a parent wanting to travel with their medically complex child?
Christy Wilkens is a mom to medically complex kids and a NICU nurse in training. She is the author of Awakening at Lourdes: How an Unanswered Prayer Healed Our Family and Restored Our Faith and writes and speaks about disability, faith, and the power of community. She lives near Austin, Texas with her husband Todd and their six children.
Helpful products:
- Safe Place Travel Bed. Inflatable bed for kids who have outgrown portable cribs. Can use it on top of a bed, but we use it on the floor with a foam mattress topper, or an inflatable mattress pad for airplane trips. Super affordable (by special needs equipment standards). Ours is four years old and going strong.
- Special Tomato EIO Pushchair or Jogger. Foldable stroller with extra positioning support (for kids up to 90 pounds/50 inches).
- CARES Child Aviation Restraint System. Provides additional chest harness to be used in-flight, in addition to the lap belt. Designed for kids 22-44 pounds but can be approved for larger children, with prior FAA notice. (This link includes info about how to get approval, and example letter templates to file your request.)
- Ride Safer Travel Vest. For kids who need mild to moderate support, this wearable child restraint system can take the place of a car seat. Harness connects directly to the car's seat belt and provides additional security.
- Seat Belt Medical Alert. Has a pocket inside to tuck a one-page document offering EMS (or anyone else!) a quick reference about identifying info, diagnoses, medical needs, and providers.
- Medication Organizer. Keeps pills in their original containers which can help smooth things over through TSA security.
Connect with Christy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csawilkens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithfulnotsuccessful
Website: https://www.christywilkens.com
Buy her book:
Awakening at Lourdes
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Your diagnosis doesn’t have to determine your outcome. As we conclude our four-part series on pre-eclampsia, Parijat Deshpande, a somatic trauma professional, shares how to heal from trauma.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What is a somatic trauma professional and what led you to that profession?
- How does your book, Pregnancy Brain, empower parents, especially those who are high-risk or find themselves in the NICU?
- If a woman finds herself in a high-risk pregnancy, is there anything she can do to minimize the trauma she may endure either during delivery, or post-birth?
- Why are you so passionate about serving the BIPOC community?
- You've said you want pregnant women to know they aren't at the mercy of statistics. Those statistics can often feel overwhelming and limiting to a NICU mom, particularly one who has been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. How can a mom process those emotions, address them and move forward in her pregnancy?
- If a woman suspects she has pre-eclampsia or is diagnosed with it, what should she be asking her doctor?
- Many women fear a pregnancy post- pre-eclampsia. Two part question: 1) if she chooses not to have another baby, how can she heal from the trauma her first pregnancy may have triggered? and 2) if she chooses to move forward with another pregnancy how does she do it without being debilitated by fear and anxiety?
- What's your best advice to a woman diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, like pre-eclampsia?
Parijat Deshpande is an author, speaker and the CEO of a global, boutique company dedicated to reducing pregnancy complications and ending preterm birth. On a mission to end the high-risk pregnancy crisis, she has served and supported hundreds of women through her programs, one-on-one work and bestselling book, Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy.
Buy Parijat’s book:
https://parijatdeshpande.lpages.co/pregnancybrain/
Connect with Parijat:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthy.highriskpregnancy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParijatDesh/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/parijatdesh
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCS-y3p6DfELaZd3Fp7nYtA
Website: https://www.parijatdeshpande.com/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
As we continue our four-part series on pre-eclampsia, this couple’s story about infertility, guilt, grief and healing will touch you, particularly NICU dads who often feel unseen in their loss.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Was your pregnancy considered high-risk from the beginning?
- When were you given a preeclampsia diagnosis?
- What do you want people to know about your experience with preeclampsia?
- How do you honor the life of your baby?
- As a couple, what did you learn about your marriage through this experience?
- Steve, what message do you have for NICU dads who might find themselves in a similar situation?
- What's your best advice to a couple who has received a preeclampsia diagnosis or suffered infant loss?
Steve and Kelly Gurvis have been married for 24 years and have three sons: two living and one beautiful angel baby, Liam Anthony. They run their own businesses and stay active honoring Liam in every way possible. Steve and Kelly reside just outside of Chicago.
Resources mentioned:
https://www.mollybears.org
https://faithslodge.org
Connect with Steve and Kelly:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liamslovedesigns
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.gurvis
Website: https://etsy.me/3pALhvZ
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
As we continue our four-part series on pre-eclampsia, this mom’s story of fear, survival and resilience will both empower and encourage you.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Was your pregnancy considered high-risk from the beginning?
- When were you given a pre-eclampsia diagnosis?
- What was your relationship like with your OB/GYN and maternal fetal medicine doctor?
- What do you want people to know about your experience with pre-eclampsia?
- What were some of the challenges you experienced as a mom in the NICU? What about your baby, both in the NICU and beyond?
- What's your best advice to a woman diagnosed with pre-eclampsia?
Dana Adams is currently a Benefits Analyst for the University of California. After the birth of her daughter Kyra, she started a non-profit, 11Eleven45FortyFive. Its mission is to help NICU moms and dads handle any of their disability paperwork which includes but is not limited to calling the doctor’s offices while the parents are tending to the essentials.
Connect with Dana:
Email: 11eleven45fortyfive@gmail.com
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Pre-eclampsia affects more than 200,000 pregnancies every year, just in the US alone. Dr. David Berry, a maternal fetal medicine doctor, helps us kick off the first of a four-part series where we dive into the intricacies of this disease by sharing symptoms, signs and treatment options.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What is pre-eclampsia and how is it diagnosed?
- As a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor, what percentage of your patients are affected by pre-eclampsia? How does that compare nationally?
- Why do we see more women of color, particularly black women, affected at a higher rate than others?
- In 2022 The New Yorker published a story about the rise of pre-eclampsia cases during and post-COVID. How much of that is due to better testing/diagnostics and how much is it really rising? And what does that mean for moms-to-be?
- What is HELLP syndrome? How difficult is it to accurately diagnose? What should women and their doctors be on the lookout for in the third trimester and after birth?
- What are the treatment options for pre-eclampsia?
- If a woman suspects she has pre-eclampsia or is diagnosed with it, what should she be asking her doctor?
- What's your best advice to a woman diagnosed with pre-eclampsia?
Dr. Berry is a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, a branch of obstetrics that manages and treats complicated and high-risk pregnancies. He is a native Texan and moved to Austin in 1978. He graduated from the University of Texas followed by his medical training in Galveston, Ft. Worth and Houston. He was the founder of Austin Perinatal Associates in 1997 and has served the women of central Texas with complex pregnancies since that time. He is an expert in pre-eclampsia, critical care obstetrics, cancer in pregnancy and cervical cerclage, and currently is employed under Texas Children’s Hospital as they expand their footprint into central Texas.
New Yorker article:
https://www.newyorker.com/science/annals-of-medicine/why-a-life-threatening-pregnancy-complication-is-on-the-rise
Connect with Dr. Berry:
Website: https://women.texaschildrens.org/program/maternal-fetal-medicine/locations
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
It might look like child’s play, but child life specialists work with parents in hospitals and other settings to help children cope with the challenges of illness, hospitalization and disability.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What led her to pursue a career as a child life specialist?
- How do child life specialists serve babies and children in the hospital or in a specialized doctor's office?
- How do you gain confidence and speak up in rounds and with the care team?
- How can you support preemies during painful procedures?
- How can you integrate siblings into long hospitalizations?
- What are some of the activities or strategies a child life specialist might employ with a child and his/her family in the hospital?
- What inspired you to start Child Life on Call and what are some of the features and how can it help NICU parents?
- What's your best advice to a parent who has a child that's struggling with a procedure or pending surgery?
Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 12 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the creator and host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which focuses on the essential role of child life services to empower caregivers at and beyond the bedside.
Resources:
https://childlifeoncall.com/comfort-positioning-guide/
https://childlifeoncall.com/parents/
Connect with Katie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childlifeoncall
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childlifeoncall
Website: https://childlifeoncall.com/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
The truth is, home and career balance look different for every NICU family. Kelly Ferguson, NICU mom and business owner, shares her honest struggle about finding the right balance for her family in her particular season.
In this episode, we chat about:
- How and why did you start Kelly Wynne handbags?
- After you gave birth to your first daughter, how did you adjust to being a mom and running your own business?
- How did your second birth differ from your first?
- When you found yourself in the NICU, what priorities changed for you?
- What changed for you, professionally, after Faith's NICU stay and subsequent therapies?
- How did you decide what to keep and what to give up with your business and your personal life?
- What things, or people, helped you make that decision?
- What's your best advice to a parent who is trying to discern the best work/life balance for his/her family?
Kelly Wynne Ferguson is a mom, entrepreneur and founder of Kelly Wynne, a lifestyle handbag brand that's been energizing women's wardrobes for the past decade. Following the birth of her second daughter and a subsequent 42-day NICU stay, Kelly made an announcement that she is winding the business down in order to give her family her best self in this season of her life.
Connect with Kelly:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellywynneferguson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopkellywynne
Website: https://kellywynne.com/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Black Maternal Health Week is recognized each year, April 11-17, to bring attention and action in improving Black maternal health. Justina Kopp, mom to quadruplets and a NICU baby herself, shares how her experience led her to advocacy.
In this episode, we chat about:
- The moment she found out she was pregnant with quadruplets.
- Justina’s relationship with her OB/GYN.
- Her difficult relationship with her MFM doctor and how that made her feel.
- Her care in the NICU.
- How this experience changed how she approaches healthcare, particularly for herself.
- Her best advice to a woman of color who finds herself pregnant, with one baby or more.
Justina Kopp lives in the Twin Cities, Minn., with her husband, Matthew and their quadruplets. She is a 2013 graduate of the University of St. Thomas where she studied Catholic Studies and Biology. Currently, Justina is pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Justina’s essay:
https://motheringspirit.com/2023/01/fighting-for-our-lives/
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html
https://blackmamasmatter.org/2023-black-maternal-health-week/
Connect with Justina:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinakopp
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Feeding your NICU baby can often be a challenge. April is Occupational Therapy month and pediatric OT Laurie Layne and I focus on how feeding therapy can be utilized and some of the challenges NICU parents may face.
In this episode, we chat about:
- For pediatrics, what exactly does an occupational therapist do and how does it differ from other pediatric therapies?
- When should a parent seek out occupational/feeding therapy?
- What are some things parents should look for in an occupational/feeding therapist?
- If you have a sensory seeker who has heavy oral input (puts everything in their mouth), what can you do?
- What's the most common feeding challenge with NICU babies/premature infants?
- How does a g-tube affect feeding therapy?
- Food texture and food aversion sometimes feels overwhelming, how can a parent combat the fear of feeling like it's never getting better?
Laurie Layne, OTR, received her B.S. in community health from Texas A&M University and her master of occupational therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University-Houston. She has 25 years of experience in working with pediatric populations in early intervention, school-based services, and private outpatient clinics. Laurie treats a varied caseload, including children with feeding aversions, sensory processing disorder, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders, neuromuscular dysfunction, and genetic disorders. She is trained in various feeding methodologies and is Handwriting Without Tears Level 1 certified. Laurie is the proud mom of three college kids and she enjoys traveling, reading, and playing pickleball.
Links to products:
https://chewytubes.com/products/ps-and-qs/
https://talktools.com/collections/chews-chewy-tubes
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Birth can be many things: incredible, traumatic, beautiful, scary, empowering or all of them. Birth and postpartum nurse Lo Mansfield will talk about bringing intuition, grace and evidence into the birth experience.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Why nursing, specifically why labor and delivery?
- On your social media channels you talk about balancing intuition, grace + evidence. What do you mean by that?
- You sometimes mention the loss of your own mom while you were pregnant. Many of our NICU parents listening are experiencing grief as they mourn the loss of a "normal" delivery or baby. How did/do you work through that grief?
- What's the best way to communicate to your doctor and L&D nurses your desires for your baby's birth?
- If you are designated as high-risk prior to delivery, what are things that may change your delivery?
- Some moms may feel distant from their NICU baby due to separation at birth, is that normal? If so, what are your suggestions for working through that?
- What's the best thing a laboring mom can do to ensure the best possible birth outcome for her baby?
- What's your best advice to a laboring mom?
Lo Mansfield MSN, RNC-OB, is a specialty-certified registered nurse in obstetrics, postpartum, and fetal monitoring who is passionate about families understanding their integral role in their own stories. She is tired of you being told what to do or what is “best” - and instead believes you should get all the information and then be supported and cheered for as you make up your own mind. She is the owner of The Labor Mama and the creator of the Your Body, Your Birth courses. She is also a mama of three (6, 4, and 2), a wife to Kelvin, a freelance writer, and a mashed potato enthusiast.
Connect with Lo:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelabormama/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelabormama
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelabormama
Website: https://thelabormama.com/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handtohold/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Your baby knows your voice from the beginning! Dr. Jenny Koo, neonatologist and children’s author, shares why reading is important and her latest project, aimed at NICU siblings.
In this episode, we chat about:
- This is Dr. Koo's fourth children's book, but her first about the NICU. What prompted her to write the book?
- Where did she find the time to write a book as a doctor and new mom?
- What are some of the analogies she uses in the book to explain the complicated world of the NICU to younger children?
- Of all the medical specialities she could've chosen, why neonatology?
- How has motherhood changed her outlook on parenting and interacting with parents of NICU babies?
- We know that reading to young children is important, how can a parent utilize books in the NICU with his/her baby?
- What are some of your favorite children's authors and books for your own family?
Dr. Jenny Koo is a board-certified neonatologist affiliated with Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns in San Diego, CA. Dr. Koo’s interest lies in cardiovascular health of newborns, and she is a part of the Sharp Mary Birch Neonatal Research Institute. Dr. Koo is passionate about family centered care and ensuring that the entire family unit – not solely the neonate – is cared for and supported throughout their NICU journey. As a hobby, Dr. Koo enjoys drawing and has authored four children's books.
Connect with Dr. Koo:
Instagram | Twitter
Buy Dr. Koo’s other children’s books:
Hamilton & Eleanor’s Adventures
The Little Giraffe Foundation:
The foundation that funded Dr. Koo’s book aimed at NICU siblings for patients of Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Diet and nutrition are top priorities in helping your baby grow and thrive in the NICU. Registered dietitian Keli Hawthorne shares how you can play a pivotal role in your baby's daily nutrition.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Why did you choose to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics, specifically neonatal/pediatric?
- What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
- Where can parents go for assistance and help?
- What are some questions a parent should ask their child's nutritionist/dietitian?
- What are the pros/cons of milk fortification in micropreemies or babies smaller than 1600kg?
- You led the effort in getting FDA approval for intravenous omega-3 fatty acid lipid emulsions, but what does that mean for the average NICU baby?
Keli Hawthorne, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian and the Director for Clinical Research for the Department of Pediatrics at the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to UT, Keli worked as a NICU dietitian and researcher for over 15 years. Her research background focuses on neonatal and pediatric nutrition including mineral absorption, intestinal failure, and human milk fortification for premature infants. Keli was a leader in the national efforts to obtain FDA approval for intravenous omega-3 fatty acid lipid emulsions for infants and children in the US with severe liver damage. She was honored with the Texas Distinguished Scientist Award from the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a past recipient of the Emerging Dietetic Leader award and Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year. When Keli is not in Austin, she can be found at her nearby cattle ranch.
Connect with Keli:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
It’s one thing to receive a diagnosis and a whole other to live it. NICU mom Katrina Moline shares how cerebral palsy has, and has not, affected their daily life.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)?
- For children/babies who have CP what are some of the symptoms, developmental challenges?
- When you learned of the diagnosis, what did you do?
- How has CP affected your daily family life? What has been the hardest adjustment?
- How have you grown in the last 13 years since Bryce was diagnosed?
- What's your favorite service that Hand to Hold offers parents and caregivers?
- What’s your best advice to a mom, dad or caregiver whose child has just received a CP diagnosis?
Katrina Moline is the Hand to Hold Operations Director. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Texas State University. Katrina has been a part of the Hand to Hold family since 2009, receiving peer-to-peer mentoring after the birth of her son at 24 weeks and later serving as a peer mentor herself. She is grateful for the opportunity to focus her time and talents on a mission so near and dear to her heart. Katrina, her husband Caleb and their two sons live in Austin, Texas.
Connect with Katrina:
Instagram | Facebook
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
No high risk pregnancy is the same. Dr. Summers joins me for a conversation about mitigating the risks, working with your OB/GYN and questions to ask.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What defines a high-risk pregnancy and what places a woman in that category?
- If you have some of those risks, what should you look for in an OB/GYN to give you proper care and attention?
- What are some things women can do to mitigate the risks of a high-risk pregnancy?
- When should a women consider meds, therapy (or both) during or after a high-risk pregnancy?
- What are the delivery options for pregnancies that are considered high-risk?
- How can a woman improve the communication between her regular OB and her maternal fetal medicine (MFM) doctor?
- What’s the best advice for a high-risk mama?
Dr. Jenny Summers is a Texan born and raised, who loves working with women throughout every stage in life in women’s health. She is a longhorn and a former child life specialist, who completed her medical school at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio and her residency training at UT Southwestern, serving as chief resident during her fourth year. She has completed a gynecologic advanced pelvic and robotic fellowship. She currently serves as a clinical assistant professor at The University of Texas Dell Medical School and has been awarded a Rising Star as one of Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors for the past 4 years.
Connect with Dr. Summers:
Instagram: @womenpartnersinhealth
Website: https://austinobgyn.womenshealthtx.com/
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
As we celebrate American Heart Month, heart mama and two-time cancer survivor, Kasie Marek, speaks openly and honestly about what it’s like to have a son with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrom (HLHS). We have a beautiful discussion about the realities of caring for a child with a serious and rare heart condition.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What is Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)?
- How does HLHS affect a family: emotionally, logistically and financially?
- What are the treatment options available for HLHS?
- What are the effects of a heart transplant on a family?
- What’s the best advice for a fellow heart mama?
Kasie Marek is a medical mom trying to figure it all out, one day at a time. A two-time childhood cancer survivor who entered the “nurse" mom world after her first-born, Noah, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Now, she’s trying to navigate the everyday life of medical to-do lists, while still being a MOM, WIFE, and prioritizing self-care.
Connect with Kasie:
Instagram: @laughingafterlemons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kasiehelpzkidz/
Websites: www.laughingafterlemons.com and www.khkidz.org
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/handtohold
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: @HandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
It’s a new era in the podcast and new host Kathryn Whitaker shares what listeners (and YouTube fans!) can expect this year.
In this episode, Kathryn chats about:
- Her background and why this podcast means so much to her heart.
- Why the new format (audio and video)?
- What are some topics and guests listeners can expect this year?
- Why don’t more NICUs have Dr Pepper on tap? (ha!)
Kathryn Whitaker is the author of Live Big, Love Bigger, an award-winning book about living an intentional life and how her NICU baby helped her get there. She's a sixth-generation Texan who loves queso, cowboy boots and southern hospitality. On social media and her blog, Kathryn shares her honest take on family life and living the Gospel, all while drinking Dr Pepper and cheering on the Texas A&M Aggies. She has appeared in USA Today, EWTN, radio and TV stations around the country and is a frequent guest/sometimes host on The Catholic Channel on SiriusXM. Kathryn and her husband, Scott, live with their six children in Austin, Texas.
Connect with Kathryn:
- Instagram: @kathrynwhitakertx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynwhitakertx/
- Website: https://kathrynwhitaker.net/
Buy her book:
Live Big, Love Bigger
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.
Connect with Hand to Hold:
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold on social media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handtohold
- Instagram: @handtohold
- Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Guest: Lauren Aboulafia
Lauren is a writer, actor, director, and animator. Lauren most recently animated and directed an animated comedy-drama called “Super Scar”, based on her own traumatic birth experience and NICU story.
Hear more about Lauren's story, and what motivated her to create Super Scar, an animated comedy-drama about a new moms' support group where Lauren, an aspiring superstar, describes her experience of giving birth 3 months early, and her struggle to stay sane amidst the madness of the NICU.
Guest: Anissa Scholes
In this episode: * Anissa discusses her pregnancy with Elisabeth and finding out she has Trisomy 18 * What is Trisomy 18, and what are the typical symptoms? * What was it like at home for a baby with Trisomy 18? * How grief is a singular experience * Why it’s important to believe the griever * Grieving a child when you have other children at home
Content Warning: This episode may cover sensitive topics that may bring up emotions or take you back to some difficult memories. If at any time it becomes too much, please make sure to step away, take some deep breaths, go outside, or have some quiet time alone.
***-*** ***The NICU is hard.*** ***We’re here to help.*** Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Catherine Tate, bereaved parent and Hand to Hold Peer Mentor In this episode: * Catherine discusses the experience of losing her first child and having a high-risk pregnancy with her second. * She discusses her NICU experience and how that affected her emotionally. * What are PPD symptoms? * How can you seek help if you realize you’re having these symptoms? * How does a NICU stay make moms more susceptible to PPD?
- The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Rhiannon Giles In this episode: * Rhiannon discusses her preeclampsia and how that led to the premature birth of her son * She describes her NICU experience and how that led to her postpartum depression diagnosis * How is someone diagnosed with postpartum depression? * Rhiannon gives advice to NICU medical professionals how to speak to women who exhibit symptoms of postpartum depression
- The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
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Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Kathryn Whitaker, author and NICU mom In this episode: * Kathryn discusses her son Luke’s premature birth and diagnosis with NEC * How Kathryn found her way to Hand to Hold * Luke’s feeding journey and feeding therapy * How to handle your preemie’s medical journey, when much of it is out of your control * How Kathryn used her NICU journey to write her book, Live Big, Love Bigger
- The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
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Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Keira Sorrells
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- Keira talks about her infertility issues and experience getting pregnant with quintuplets, then reducing the pregnancy to triplets
- Keira talks about the birth of her daughters, Avery, Lily and Zoe, and her experience in the NICU
- Keira discusses the journey grief after losing Zoe and still having Avery and Lily at home
- How the loss of a child affects marriages differently
- What led Keira to found the Zoe Rose Foundation
- How grief changes over time and how to process that change
- What is the difference between shame and guilt?
Content Warning: This episode may cover sensitive topics that may bring up emotions or take you back to some difficult memories. If at any time it becomes too much, please make sure to step away, take some deep breaths, go outside, or have some quiet time alone.
- The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
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Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Lee Cordon of Do Say Give * Lee discusses her diagnosis of PPROM and the premature birth of two of her daughters. * How she handled bringing home NICU babies with other children at home * Intentional motherhood * The importance of reading, especially to preemies * How to set a routine that works for your family * A note on breastfeeding
***-*** ***The NICU is hard.*** ***We’re here to help.*** Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
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Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Shifra Mehl * Shifra describes her own experience with postpartum depression * She discusses how this experience led her to begin Eim Leah * What Eim Leah does to support new moms * The importance of self-care for new moms * Self-care techniques
***-*** ***The NICU is hard.*** ***We’re here to help.*** Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
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Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Becca Van Tassel, LCSW * Why Becca decided to specialize in grief and loss in her career as a counselor * Why is processing the pain of grief so difficult? * The difference between depression and grief * What can couples do in order to move through the grief process together? * How can parents help their children process grief? * How can we memorialize those we have lost? * How to deal with the guilt associated with grief
*Content Warning: *This episode may cover sensitive topics that may bring up emotions or take you back to some difficult memories.* *If at any time it becomes too much, please make sure to step away, take some deep breaths, go outside, or have some quiet time alone.**
***-*** ***The NICU is hard.*** ***We’re here to help.*** Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Becca Van Tassel, LCSW * Why Becca decided to specialize in grief and loss in her career as a counselor * Why is processing the pain of grief so difficult? * The difference between depression and grief * What can couples do in order to move through the grief process together? * How can parents help their children process grief? * How can we memorialize those we have lost? * How to deal with the guilt associated with grief
*Content Warning: *This episode may cover sensitive topics that may bring up emotions or take you back to some difficult memories.* *If at any time it becomes too much, please make sure to step away, take some deep breaths, go outside, or have some quiet time alone.**
***-*** ***The NICU is hard.*** ***We’re here to help.*** Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
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Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Mia Durairaj, MSc, NICU mom and founder of Mindful Return * Mia discusses her own NICU experience * The emotions surrounding going back to work * How to be transparent at work and in the NICU * Importance of practicing self-care * How the NICU trains you to be an advocate and leader
*After we recorded this interview, we received news that Mia’s daughter lost her battle with congestive heart failure and passed away at just two years, seven months. Mia’s family has set up an endowment fund in their daughter’s name to support research at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California. Click here to visit the endowment fund.*
***-*** ***The NICU is hard.*** ***We’re here to help.*** Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Guest: Mia Durairaj, MSc, NICU mom and founder of Mindful Return * Mia discusses her own NICU experience * The emotions surrounding going back to work * How to be transparent at work and in the NICU * Importance of practicing self-care * How the NICU trains you to be an advocate and leader
*After we recorded this interview, we received news that Mia’s daughter lost her battle with congestive heart failure and passed away at just two years, seven months. Mia’s family has set up an endowment fund in their daughter’s name to support research at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California. Click here to visit the endowment fund.*
***-*** ***The NICU is hard.*** ***We’re here to help.*** Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
In this episode: Guest: Dawn Yu Renwick, NICU Nurse, Author/ Illustrator of "Dog Coats
- What are the benefits of reading aloud in the NICU for your baby?
- How does reading aloud to your baby in the NICU benefit you as a parent?
- As a NICU parent, how do I overcome the intimidation of reading aloud in the NICU?
- Purchase your copy of Dog Coats on Amazon here.
- More information about read-aloud in NICUs at babieswithbooks.org
- The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
In this episode: Guest: Dawn Yu Renwick, NICU Nurse, Author/ Illustrator of "Dog Coats
- What are the benefits of reading aloud in the NICU for your baby?
- How does reading aloud to your baby in the NICU benefit you as a parent?
- As a NICU parent, how do I overcome the intimidation of reading aloud in the NICU?
- Purchase your copy of Dog Coats on Amazon here.
- More information about read-aloud in NICUs at babieswithbooks.org
- The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Hand to Hold’s Occupational Therapy Intern, Eliana Cutler, sits down with Kelli to discuss what an occupational therapist (OT) does, and what the role of an occupational therapist is in the NICU. Eliana also shares tips on how to integrate therapy into play with your baby.
Eliana is an occupational therapy student and doctoral candidate at Midwestern University’s College of Health Sciences
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The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Hand to Hold’s Occupational Therapy Intern, Eliana Cutler, sits down with Kelli to discuss what an occupational therapist (OT) does, and what the role of an occupational therapist is in the NICU. Eliana also shares tips on how to integrate therapy into play with your baby.
Eliana is an occupational therapy student and doctoral candidate at Midwestern University’s College of Health Sciences
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The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Our guest, Amber, sits down with Kelli to share her experience of being diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Amber discusses how she advocated for herself and her unborn twin girls throughout the treatment of TTTS. Amber also shares more about her family's experience in the NICU, and how her girls are doing today.
Introduction of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome by Dr. Moise. Dr. Moise is a Fetal Medicine Specialist and is also the Co-Director at the Comprehensive Fetal Care Center at Dell Children’s in Austin, Texas.
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The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Our guest, Dr. Kenneth Moise, sits down with Kelli to discuss what a fetal medicine specialist does, what conditions they treat, and what parents can expect while in the care of a fetal medicine specialist.
Dr. Moise is a Fetal Medicine Specialist and is also the Co-Director at the Comprehensive Fetal Care Center at Dell Children’s in Austin, Texas.
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The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Kelli welcomes guest, Lexi Losch, MA, LPC, NCC, discuss why maternal mental health matters, and the difference between “baby blues” and PPD. Lexi shares the symptoms of PPD, who is most likely to experience PPD, and the importance of addressing your physical needs as a new mom. In addition, Kelli and Lexi share resources for anyone who may be struggling.
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The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Kelli welcomes guest, Lexi Losch, MA, LPC, NCC, discuss why maternal mental health matters, and the difference between “baby blues” and PPD. Lexi shares the symptoms of PPD, who is most likely to experience PPD, and the importance of addressing your physical needs as a new mom. In addition, Kelli and Lexi share resources for anyone who may be struggling.
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The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Katrina discusses her preterm birth with her son, Bryce, and how the NICU can precipitate anxiety. Katrina also shares how her experience of bringing home a medically fragile baby impacted her anxiety, and which resources she found most helpful throughout her journey.
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The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
Nakeenya Wilson, of Black Mamas ATX, discusses her own traumatic birth experience and how that led to PTSD and PPD. She talks about how she got involved with Black Mamas ATX and the services the nonprofit offers. She also discusses the statistics surrounding black mothers and PPD.
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The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.
Learn more or get support at handtohold.org
Follow Hand to Hold:
facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
The majority of self-care content out there seems to rely on having extra time and energy in your life
(bubble baths and pedicures anyone?) The reality is those most in need of self-care typically have neither time nor energy to spare. How do we shift the self-care paradigm away from the idea of "treating yourself" and into the reality of learning to survive (and even thrive) in a season where everything seems to be
falling apart? KC Davis is a licensed professional therapist, author, speaker, and the person behind the mental health
platform Struggle Care. KC’s compassionate and practical approach to self and home care for those dealing with mental health, physical illness, and hard seasons of life has drawn over a million followers on social media in less than a year. Her book, “How to Keep House While Drowning'' has sold over 27,000
copies and is currently an Amazon bestseller. This episode was recorded live at our 2021 NICU Community Conference.
Visit handtohold.org/conference to learn more or register for Hand to Hold’s NICU Community Conference, the only conference for NICU Parents and NICU professionals.
Every baby’s NICU journey is unique. As a parent, even if you have experienced the NICU with one baby, a NICU journey with another baby is far from predictable. In this episode, we welcome Myra, a mother of three. Myra and her husband Allan adopted three babies, two of which had NICU stays. To further add to the complexity, both of the NICUs were out of state. Myra’s total NICU journey for both babies was 46 days.
Sue Ludwig OTR/L, CNT shares more about her book Tiny Humans, Big Lessons: How the NICU Taught Me to Live With Energy, Intention, and Purpose. Through real patient stories, reflection, and practical tools, Ludwig reveals how, by following the lead of those in her care, she found her way to a more vibrant, purposeful, and impactful life than she ever imagined possible―and how you can, too.
Having a baby in the NICU can be overwhelming and complicated. Imagine for a minute the added complexities of adopting a NICU baby. Kristy and her husband David adopted their baby, Kevin, and met him for the first time when he was in his isolette in the NICU. During Kevin’s 8 week NICU journey, Kristy saw the importance of reaching out for help and interacting with other NICU moms who had similar experiences. Hear more about Kevin's story on our latest episode of NICU Now.
Britney Dehnert describes her NICU experience with the birth of her daughter, how journaling and poetry helped her through her NICU journey, and how different art forms can allow us to participate in self care.
Nashville-based singer and songwriter JJ Heller joins Kelli to discuss her popular lullaby Hand to Hold and how it is soon launching as a beautifully illustrated children's book.
Kelli and Dr. Gonzalez discuss what RSV is and how to recognize its symptoms. They also talk about when to seek medical attention.
Kelli and Media discuss what diaper dermatitis is and how it affects premature babies. They talk about the best practices to prevent it, including feeding and diaper changes.
Sarah speaks about her NICU journey with her daughter and how that led her to write Early. Kelli and Sarah talk about a NICU parent’s response to COVID-19.
Kelli and Lexi discuss the emotions most commonly experienced in the NICU and wow to process them in a healthy way. They also talk about PPD and its symptoms, and how the COVID-19 crisis can bring many of these emotions back to the forefront.
Kelli and Melinda discuss the term "fetal development interrupted" and why nutrition so important for preemies. They talk about how milk can be medicine for newborn babies and how it can aid in a baby's developing gut.
Mia discusses her own NICU experience and her emotions when she eventually went back to work. She talks about how to be transparent at work and in the NICU and the importance of self-care. She also discusses how the NICU trains you to be an advocate and leader.
What is RSV? What are its symptoms and when should you take your child to the hospital? Can RSV be prevented?
Along with Sue Ludwig and Dr. Raylene Phillips, Kelli discusses the differences between early term and late pre-term babies. They talk about reasons these babies typically have to stay in the NICU, issues surrounding thermoregulation, sepsis, and jaundice. They also discuss the emotional impact of even a short NICU stay.
Brandon and Jessica discuss having their daughter in the NICU and learning about the different nutritional options available. They advocated for a human milk fortifier for their daughter, using their network and own research.
Deb Discenza speaks about her NICU experience with her daughter and finding out her daughter was receiving a bovine-based fortifier in the NICU. She discusses how her NICU experience led her to start Preemie Magazine and Preemie World.
Kelli speaks with the CEO of Prolacta Bioscience, Scott Elster, about the process used by Prolacta and who the company serves. Scott speaks about the nutritional needs of NICU babies and explains where Prolacta obtains the milk it uses and how women can donate their milk.
Dr. Mitch Goldstein explains what NEC is, who it typically affects, its symptoms, and treatment. He also discusses what parents should ask about their baby's nutrition in the NICU. Kelli then speaks to Stephanie Vaughan whose son contracted NEC while in the NICU. Stephanie speaks about his journey back to health and how she eventually started The Morgan Leary Vaughan Fund to educate other parents about NEC.
Kelli and Jennifer discuss Jennifer’s high-risk fourth pregnancy with her daughter, Joy. Jennifer speaks about her experience on bed rest at home and at the hospital and how that led her to writing both of her books. She talks about the depression that can accompany bed rest and the challenges that arise when on bed rest with other kids at home.
Kelli and Crystal discuss Crystal’s experience of giving birth to twins after being on bed rest. Crystal talks about how journaling and working with a musical therapist was helpful during her bed rest journey.
Kelli and Darline discuss Darline’s experience with bedrest during her first pregnancy and how that led her to founding Mamas on Bedrest & Beyond. Darline talks about common challenges women face on bed rest, helpful nutritional tips, and how doctors and nurses can better support women on bed rest.
While on strict bedrest in 2010, Melissa Hinnant needed something to do to keep her mind and her hands occupied. She decided to crochet her daughter a blanket. Tragically Melissa lost the baby, but she continued to crochet. More than six years later, Melissa is now the mother of three children and is the founder of the multimillion-dollar women’s apparel company, Grace and Lace.
Joining us is licensed family therapist Kara Whalin. Kara is uniquely qualified to address this issue because she knows the sorrow of the loss of a baby, the toll of a lengthy NICU stay and the joy of helping others who now walk in her shoes.
In this episode, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Kara Wahlin, mother of twin boys born at 26 weeks gestation, joins Hand to Hold for an intimate discussion about our worst fears, the loss of a child and how we find a way to cope and eventually heal.
Leaving the hospital after a NICU stay can feel like jumping off a cliff without a parachute. Parents no longer have the stability of doctors and nurses to rely on to meet our baby’s medical needs and answer questions about developmental milestones.
Joining us for a honest discussion about the emotional and physical challenges of caring for a medically fragile child at home is Kara Whalin. As a licensed therapist, as well as a parent who has experienced preterm birth and loss, Kara understands the challenges of a NICU stay on a personal and professional level.
JJ Heller is a singer/songwriter from Nashville, TN. She writes songs for just about every season of life. Over the course of her nearly 14-year career, she has had two songs chart at number 13 on the billboard charts, Your Hands from her 2008 album Painted Red and What Love Really Means from her album When I'm with You. Her husband Dave co-writes, plays guitar, shoots and edits her videos, and manages her career. Together they are raising two beautiful little girls who often appear on her Instagram and Facebook feeds.
In 2014, JJ recorded I Dream of You, an album of lullabies and songs about motherhood. In 2016, JJ committed to donate one copy of the album for every album purchased. To date, JJ has donated almost 10,000 CDs and over 17,000 digital copies of I Dream of You to charity – including to Hand to Hold for NICU families.
Parenting in the NICU can be quite overwhelming. One of the first tasks parents face is to understand the role of the many different medical professionals treating our baby. To help us better understand the role of neonatal therapists in the NICU is Sue Ludwig. Sue is a licensed occupational therapist who has been practicing in the NICU at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for over 20 years. She is passionate about improving quality of life for NICU babies.
During pregnancy, mothers have intimate, physical bonds with their baby. They are typically a little more excited about the purchase of maternity clothes, finding the softest baby blankets, and picking the best diaper bag. And they usually have sharper images and stronger expectations of the dream of a perfect birth. But fathers have dreams too, and their shattered expectations and inability to keep their wife and child safe during a traumatic birth may be very overwhelming.
They may witness their child struggling for life at birth. They may find themselves faced with making critical medical decisions for their child while their wife is still in recovery. They often struggle to support their wives emotionally and find themselves exhausted as they try to balance life in the NICU, work and often other children at home.
In this episode, host Kelli Kelley discusses the benefits and experience of reading to your baby in the NICU with Tom French, NICU dad and c-author of Juniper, The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon.
Across the country, NICUs are now encouraging parents to read to their babies as it serves as an important first step in bonding -- especially when parents are unable to hold their baby in the first days and weeks of life. In this episode, we discuss the research behind reading to our medically fragile children and its tremendous benefits not only for the baby, but the parent.
While it is easy to focus all of our attention on our fragile baby, we will be unable to care for them if we do not first take care of ourselves. Guests include Renee Trudeau, author of The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal and Kelli Foulkrod, psychotherapist and yoga teacher in Austin, TX, specializing in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders.
In this episode, we talk with licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and NICU parent, Kara Whalin, about risk factors and warning signs of postpartum depression, anxiety and PTSD during and after a NICU stay.
Joining us to talk about finding your footing as parents in the Zero Zone is Kelley Benham French. Kelley is a professor of practice in journalism at Indiana University. A former reporter and editor for the Tampa Bay Times, she was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for “Never Let Go,” a series about her Daughter Juniper’s early birth at 23 weeks and six days. She is the co-author along with her husband of the book, Juniper, The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon, that chronicles their challenges with infertility, and the fear, sadness, exhaustion and joy of their daughter’s 196 day NICU journey.
In this episode:
- Kelli discusses the difference between bonding with a newborn just after delivery and bonding with a medically fragile infant in the NICU.
- How bonding benefits both the baby and the parent.
- How parents who may be suffering from PPD may find it more difficult to bond with their baby, and how parents can process their emotions so they can start the bonding process.
- The benefits of parents being integrated into their baby’s care in the NICU
This episode is sponsored by Huggies.
In this episode:
- How parents can avoid letting stress and anxiety take over and find their footing in the NICU.
- Advice for empowering yourself as a parent and becoming your baby’s advocate.
- How to embrace your feelings of guilt and inadequacy, for they are normal, but to let go of the expectations you one had for your pregnancy/baby.
- Guilt about fears of caring for a disabled child.
This episode is sponsored by Prolacta Bioscience.
In This Episode:
- Kelli’s overwhelming emotions upon meeting her micropreemie son Jackson for the first time.
- What is anticipatory grief and what does it mean for NICU parents?
- What emotions can parents expect when faced with a NICU experience/meeting their baby for the first time?
- The different ways in which grief and shame manifest themselves in NICU parents.
- How moms and dads process guilt/grief differently.
This episode is sponsored by Prolacta Bioscience.
The NICU Now Audio Support Series is Hand to Hold's podcast for parents who are currently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The Prologue introduces listeners to what they can expect with the series.