NICU Babies Parent Support

Episode 52: Stitched With Your Color - Love & Loss in the NICU

November 21, 2022 21:47 - 1 hour - 69 MB

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...

Episode 51: The Risk of PPD After a NICU Stay

November 18, 2022 18:04 - 46 minutes - 64.1 MB

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 na...

Episode 50: Experiencing Preeclampsia & Postpartum Depression

November 17, 2022 15:47 - 41 minutes - 57 MB

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...

Episode 49: Live Big, Love Bigger

October 26, 2022 15:36 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MB

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 providi...

Episode 48: Immeasurable Love - Loss in the NICU

October 21, 2022 20:08 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

Guest: Keira Sorrells 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 p...

Episode 47: Intentional Motherhood - Bringing Home Your NICU Baby With Other Children at Home

October 18, 2022 20:16 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MB

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) parent...

Episode 46: Self Care and Postpartum Depression

October 07, 2022 20:01 - 37 minutes - 19 MB

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, durin...

Episode 45: Grief's Tasks

September 27, 2022 16:42 - 1 hour - 27.9 MB

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 m...

Episode 44: Returning to Work After a NICU Stay

September 20, 2022 16:18 - 41 minutes - 57 MB

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 ...

Episode 43: The Benefits of Reading Aloud in the NICU

September 15, 2022 22:17 - 24 minutes - 19.8 MB

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®...

Episode 42: Occupational Therapy in the NICU & At Home

September 08, 2022 19:06 - 42 minutes - 34.9 MB

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 - The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to pr...

Episode 41: Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome - Amber's NICU Story

August 22, 2022 18:53 - 50 minutes - 40 MB

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 Fet...

Episode 40: What is a Fetal Medicine Specialist?

August 16, 2022 15:32 - 25 minutes - 17.1 MB

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. - The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NIC...

Episode 39: The Importance of Maternal Mental Health

August 12, 2022 00:33 - 49 minutes - 25.3 MB

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. - The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (...

Episode 38: Anxiety After the NICU

August 05, 2022 17:40 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MB

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. - 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 b...

Episode 37: The Risk of Postpartum Depression (PPD) for Black Mothers

July 29, 2022 17:07 - 51 minutes - 26.5 MB

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. - 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 an...

Episode 36: KC Davis - How to Practice Self-Care (when you feel like you're drowning)

May 20, 2022 19:55 - 52 minutes - 44.1 MB

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, speak...

Episode 36: KC Davis - How to Practice Self-Care

May 20, 2022 19:55 - 52 minutes - 44.1 MB

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, spea...

Episode 35: Adoption in the NICU - Ava & Mina's Story

May 12, 2022 18:04 - 23 minutes - 17.4 MB

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.

Episode 34: Tiny Humans, Big Lessons by Sue Ludwig

January 28, 2022 00:15 - 1 hour - 62.6 MB

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.

Episode 33: Adoption in the NICU - Kevin's Story

September 03, 2021 14:40 - 25 minutes - 20.7 MB

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.

Episode 33: Adoption in the NICU - Kevin's Story

September 03, 2021 14:40 - 25 minutes - 20.7 MB

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.

Episode 32: Poetry for the NICU Parent's Soul

August 18, 2021 20:21 - 29 minutes - 16.8 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 31: JJ Heller's Lullaby for NICU Families

July 15, 2021 15:12 - 25 minutes - 24.1 MB

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.

Beyond the NICU Episode 14: The Risk of PPD for Black Mothers

February 12, 2021 01:49 - 52 minutes - 96.2 MB

Nakeenya 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.

Beyond the NICU Episode 13: The Risk of PPD After a NICU Stay

October 14, 2020 04:35 - 46 minutes - 85.3 MB

Catherine discusses the experience of losing her first child and having a high-risk pregnancy with her second. She talks about her NICU experience and how that affected her emotionally. She also discusses the PPD symptoms she experienced and how she sought help.

Beyond the NICU Episode 12: All About RSV

October 06, 2020 22:10 - 33 minutes - 61 MB

Kelli and Dr. Gonzalez discuss what RSV is and how to recognize its symptoms. They also talk about when to seek medical attention.

NICU Now Episode 30: All About RSV

September 29, 2020 18:35 - 33 minutes - 61 MB

Kelli and Dr. Gonzalez discuss what RSV is and how to recognize its symptoms. They also talk about when to seek medical attention.

NICU Now Episode 29: Preemies and Diaper Dermatitis

June 09, 2020 00:36 - 31 minutes - 58.4 MB

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.

Beyond the NICU Episode 11: Self-Care and Postpartum Depression

May 20, 2020 19:28 - 37 minutes - 68.2 MB

Shifra describes her own experience with postpartum depression. She discusses how this experience led her to begin Eim Leah and talks about what the organization offers to new moms.

Beyond the NICU Episode 10: Experiencing Postpartum Depression

May 20, 2020 18:34 - 35 minutes - 65.5 MB

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.

Beyond the NICU Episode 9: The Importance of Mental Health

May 20, 2020 18:28 - 49 minutes - 91.1 MB

Kelli and Lexi discuss why maternal mental health is an issue we need to pay attention to and how becoming a mother is a transition that deserves care and consideration. What are the symptoms of PPD and where do you go if you need help with those symptoms?

Beyond the NICU Episode 8: NICU PTSD in the Time of Coronavirus

April 18, 2020 01:23 - 31 minutes - 58.7 MB

Jessica discusses spending two weeks in the NICU after her newborn's TMI. She speaks about her eventual diagnosis of PTSD and what she did to seek help. She also speaks about her emotional response to COVID-19 and the recurrence of anxiety.

Beyond the NICU Episode 7: A Conversation with Sarah DiGregorio, Author of Early

April 16, 2020 21:51 - 52 minutes - 97 MB

Sarah speaks about her NICU journey with her daughter and how it led her to write Early. She also discussed her response to COVID-19 as a NICU parent.

Beyond the NICU Episode 6: Processing Emotions During COVID-19

April 16, 2020 20:14 - 43 minutes - 79.4 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 28: A Conversation with Sarah DiGregorio, Author of Early

April 16, 2020 20:00 - 52 minutes - 96.5 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 27: Processing Emotions During COVID-19

April 16, 2020 19:18 - 42 minutes - 79 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 26: Milk is Medicine

February 10, 2020 16:30 - 40 minutes - 74.9 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 25: Back to Work

February 10, 2020 16:27 - 40 minutes - 75.3 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 24: The Risk of RSV

November 07, 2019 03:29 - 1 hour - 122 MB

What is RSV? What are its symptoms and when should you take your child to the hospital? Can RSV be prevented?

Beyond the NICU Episode 5: Back to Work

October 29, 2019 05:03 - 41 minutes - 75.8 MB

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.

Beyond the NICU Episode 4: Live Big, Love Bigger

September 28, 2019 22:54 - 33 minutes - 61.6 MB

Kathryn discusses her son’s premature birth and diagnosis with NEC. She talks about her son's feeding journey after leaving the NICU and how she turned her story into a book, Live Big, Love Bigger.

Beyond the NICU Episode 3: The Risk of RSV

September 28, 2019 22:39 - 1 hour - 122 MB

What is RSV? What are its symptoms and when should you take your child to the hospital? Can RSV be prevented

Beyond the NICU Episode 2: Intentional Motherhood

September 28, 2019 22:33 - 35 minutes - 64.4 MB

Lee discusses her diagnosis of PPROM and the premature birth of two of her daughters. She discusses how she handled bringing home her premature babies while having other children at home. She describes what she's coined as intentional motherhood and the importance of reading to NICU grads.

Beyond the NICU Episode 1: Anxiety after the NICU

September 28, 2019 22:21 - 31 minutes - 59.4 MB

Katrina talks to Kelli about her preterm birth with her son, Bryce. They discuss how the NICU can precipitate anxiety and how bringing home a medically fragile child can induce anxiety.

NICU Now Episode 23: Having a Late Pre-Term or Near-Term Baby

July 22, 2019 16:43 - 55 minutes - 103 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 22: Finding Your Voice as a NICU Parent

October 17, 2018 04:50 - 56 minutes - 104 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 21: Advocating for NICU Babies and Families

October 17, 2018 04:43 - 29 minutes - 53.9 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 20: Advancing Fortification for the Tiniest Babies

October 17, 2018 04:33 - 49 minutes - 91.6 MB

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.

NICU Now Episode 19: Understanding Necrotizing Entercolitis (NEC)

October 17, 2018 04:26 - 1 hour - 167 MB

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.

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