NICU Heroes Podcast

Guest: Mia Malcolm Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) Facilitator  NICU Mom   CEU objectives for this episode: List two statistics regarding the care of black and brown babies in the NICU Explain one hallmark of good communication Name two things NICU professionals can do to help patients' families feel seen and heard This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: Dr. Jess Daigle Physician & Postpartum Expert Founder/CEO of Mom & Me MD NICU Mom   CEU objectives for this episode: Describe at least one specific technique that NICU professionals can use to manage their emotions and maintain a supportive demeanor when working with families of NICU babies List four practical strategies NICU professionals can implement to support families during medical procedures or to alleviate stressful situations Explain two or more methods for assessing the unique needs of NICU families as they navigate the NICU stay and prepare for discharge This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guests: Jackie Thomas, LCSW, PMH-C and Barbara Williams, LMSW Social Workers Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital Memphis   CEU objectives for this episode: Identify three key psychosocial risk factors that NICU social workers screen NICU parents for during their baby's admission Describe one common misconception that NICU families may have about the role of social workers List three specific ways a NICU social worker provides support to families navigating the challenges of having an infant in intensive care This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: Dr. Bob White Neonatologist Director of the Regional Newborn Program, Beacon Health System Adjunct Professor, University of Notre Dame   CEU objectives for this episode: Name two design elements that were the norm for NICUs 30 years ago. List two ways in which redesigned NICUs are helping improve outcomes of neonates. Explain how NICU design standards are developed. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: Dr. Michael Bohl Neurosurgeon Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates   In this episode:  Explain two key differences between an orthopedic spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon List three physical signs that may indicate a patient has a tethered spinal cord in the neonatal period Outline four steps to improve access to specialty care to disadvantaged populations This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: Kandi Pickard President and CEO, National Down Syndrome Society   In this episode: List two examples of preferred language clinicians can use when talking about children with Down Syndrome. Explain three ways a nurse may assist a family after they receive an unexpected diagnosis for their child. Discuss two common myths about Down Syndrome and one fact that dispels common myths about Down Syndrome. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: Dr. Lisa Davenport Director of Nursing, Texas Children's NICU   In this episode: List two changes that have occurred in the last decade related to NICU nurse training and mental health support Explain three ways a nurse can support a NICU family experiencing loss and grief Discuss two strategies to support staff caring for babies and families experiencing loss to reduce trauma Describe two future innovations that may improve family-centered care in the NICU This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.

Guest: Anna Swisher, IBCLC Board-Certified Lactation Consultant   In this episode: Explain how skin-to-skin play can help establish breastfeeding in the NICU List three tools or products that may help a NICU baby breastfeed, or to increase a lactating parent's milk production Share two ways a nurse can encourage a mom who is having trouble breastfeeding This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: Dr. Elvira Parravicini Neonatologist, Neonatal Comfort Care Program Director, Columbia University   In this episode: Explain how neonatal palliative care differs from adult or pediatric palliative care. List three things to refrain from saying to a family with a child that has a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. Name three things a palliative care program might do to honor the life of a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.

Guest: Dr. Tiffany Gladdis Licensed Clinical Psychologist   In this episode: Explain what trauma-informed care is. List three signs or symptoms of anxiety/PTSD that might warrant a consultation with a mental health professional. Share how NICU professionals can identify triggers in their patient's family members and how they can acknowledge them. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: Dr. Kristine Tolentino-Plata Senior Child Development Specialist    In this episode: Describe the purpose of the Bayley developmental assessment and at what age(s) it is typically performed after discharge from the NICU. List three ways a NICU follow-up clinic can reduce barriers to care and social needs for families after a NICU stay. Share one area of research that is promising for child development neurodevelopment. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: JS Park Chaplain & Author   In this episode: Explain how a hospital chaplain's role differs from a pastor or worship leader. List three ways a patient may react to grief or difficult news from a medical professional. Name three things a NICU professional can do to make a family feel seen on a difficult day. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: Dr. Stephanie Waggel Perinatal Psychiatrist   In this episode: List two things that make a patient susceptible to PMADS (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders). Describe two treatment options for PMADS. Explain what makes the drug, Zuranolone, so effective for treating postpartum depression. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Guest: Dr. Daniel Penny Chief, Pediatric Cardiology Professor and Chief of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine Co-Director, Texas Children's Heart Center Professor and Chief of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine   In this episode: List at least one reason why neonates are more susceptible to congenital heart defects. Name two advancements in pediatric cardiac care in the last decade. Explain the most common symptoms of two of the three heart conditions: PDA, VSD or HLHS. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

Dr. David Berry Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician   In this episode: Name three signs of preeclampsia Explain what "new sire" syndrome means in relation to preeclampsia List two common clinical signs/symptoms of a baby in the NICU if his/her mom had preeclampsia This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire.   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  

Dr. Susan Landers Neonatologist and Author Disclosure: The speaker in this interview is the author of a book. This affiliation does not influence the presentation's educational content value or impact its CEU eligibility.   In this episode: List three characteristics of burned out NICU nurses. Describe two solutions to combating burnout.   This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire.   Article on medical professional burnout: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/26/surgeons-suicide-doctors-physicians-mental-health?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1    Dr. Sander's book: https://susanlandersmd.com/book/    Connect with Dr. Sanders: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsusanlanders  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLandersMD  Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanlandersmd  Website: https://susanlandersmd.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  

Parijat Deshpande Somatic Trauma Therapist   Disclaimer: The speaker in this interview discusses various therapy options to treat and heal trauma. These views and recommendations are the speaker's own and should not be considered professional medical advice or endorsement.    In this episode: List two things a woman can do to minimize the trauma she might experience during pregnancy, delivery or birth. Describe the somatic trauma therapy cycle   This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire.   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  

Dr. Olachi Mezu-Ndubuisi, MD, OD, Neonatologist & Licensed Optometrist McPherson Eye Research Institute's Retina Research Foundation Edwin and Dorothy Gamewell Professor; Associate Professor, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics; Flaum Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Disclaimer: The speaker in this interview discusses off-label medications and investigational treatments. These views and recommendations are the speaker's own and should not be considered professional medical advice or endorsement. You should follow your local policies and procedures.   In this episode: Explain the prevalence of ROP in North America compared to globally Describe the two most common treatment options for ROP and their pros and cons List two long-term challenges infants with ROP face in childhood and/or as adults This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire.   Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olachi-mezu-ndubuisi-449307119  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/obiolarose  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millieolasoul  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/OlachiMezu-Ndubuisi-bs2qz  Website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/pediatrics/mezu-ndubuisi-lab.aspx    ROP retinal images of stages/zones: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161642021004164?via%3Dihub https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1208129   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  

Katie Taylor, Co-founder and CEO, Child Life On Call Disclosure: The speaker in this interview is the owner and CEO of a company providing services to NICUs and families. This affiliation does not influence the presentation's educational content value or impact its CEU eligibility.   In this episode: Explain at least three ways that the role of a child life specialist differs from a nurse, and when to refer a parent for these services List two activities/strategies a child life specialist might employ with siblings of an infant in the NICU to help them better understand what is happening Describe one tool or strategy that a NICU professional might use to help diffuse a situation if child life is unavailable This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire.   Resources: https://childlifeoncall.com/comfort-positioning-guide/ https://childlifeoncall.com/parents/ 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  

Dr. Anup Katheria, Neonatologist, Sharp Community Medical Group and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns Director, Neonatal Research Institute and the Nemeth NICU Follow-Up Clinic Principal Investigator, several clinical trials   In this episode, we: Share several clinical trials being conducted by Dr. Katheria. Describe how Dr. Katheria's research is promoting placental transfusion. Share how some countries are conducting promising research that can improve the long-term outcomes of NICU babies. Explain the difference in research styles between a university-based hospital and a community-based hospital. Discuss benefits to kangaroo care. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire.   Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharphealthcare/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharpmarybirch  Website: https://www.sharp.com/hospitals/mary-birch/neonatal-research-institute/   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  

Guests: This is a panel from Hand to Hold's recent NICU conference with three dads.   In this episode: Three dads share how the NICU impacted their own mental health They offer resources and suggestions on how to care for your partner and yourself during a NICU stay This episode is NOT eligible for CEUs.   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     

Guest: Sue Hall MD, MSW, Retired Neonatologist, My NICU Network-My Perinatal Network Wakako Eklund, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, FAANP, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatrix Medical Group of TN In this episode: Integrate parents as an essential part of their baby's care team Operate NICUs in a way that attends to parents as patients, in addition to baby Evaluate how communication with parents impacts their mental health and NICU experience. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire.  -  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

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. This episode is not eligible for CEUs.  -  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

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 This episode is not eligible for CEUs.  -  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 This episode is not eligible for CEUs.  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

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.  This episode is not eligible for CEUs.  - 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.  This episode is not eligible for CEUs.  - 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, Kelli and guests discuss the gut microbiome and why it's important. They also talk about pathogenic bacteria and how probiotics can aid the gut, as well as how all of this relates to premature infants.     

Terry Johnson discusses how the access to information has changed through the years and how that affects a NICU medical professional. She also speaks about the transition NICU nurses have had to make in using more technology at the bedside.

Lori and Kelli discuss the many ways COVID-19 can impact NICU professionals and the importance of listening to each other as a means of support. They also talk about how to cope with the stress and trauma of working in the NICU during COVID-19.

Kelli and Barb Himes discuss what First Candle is and its services. They also talk about the difference between SIDS and SUID, and the risks involved for premature babies with each syndrome. Barb discusses the AAP recommendations for safe sleep and the importance and benefit of breastfeeding your preemie. 

Kelli and Cheryl discuss what secondary trauma is and how it can affect NICU professionals. They also talk about the importance of nutrition and hydration for NICU professionals and how to recognize burnout and combat it.

Kelli discusses with Sue Ludwig, Elizabeth Drake, and Joanne Kuller what developmental diapering is and why it's important. They talk about the five areas of focus when changing a preemie's diaper and how each of these areas can help a baby's development.

NICU nurses, Rhonda Reed and Jennifer Miller, discuss their own experiences with burnout while working in the NICU. They talk about the signs and symptoms of burnout to look out for, as well as how nurses can combat it. Kelli also asks them for tips on how to cope with loss in the NICU and how nurses can implement good nutrition and exercise in their daily routines.

Adam Busby recounts his experience of finding out he and his wife, Danielle, were going to have quintuplets. He discusses that journey and his experience in the NICU. Kelli and he also talk about his Adam's struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD after the birth of his daughters, and Adam offers advice to other dads in the NICU.

Kelli and Natalie discuss the opioid epidemic and how it has affected NICU moms. Natalie talks about the importance of showing these moms compassion and how NICU nurses can model motherhood while working. 

Dr. Loraine Dickey speaks about starting the Narrative Initiative and how it enables people to connect through their stories. She and Kelli discuss family centered care and how it can be used in the NICU. Dr. Dickey talks about how NICU professionals can best communicate with families and how it's important to focus on the process, not the outcome. 

Kelli, Jasmine, and Kara talk about Family Nurture Intervention and the importance of bonding with babies in the NICU. They discuss how families can become emotionally connected to their baby in the NICU.

Darlene talks about being a Family Consultant at CHOP. She also discusses CHOP's Family Partner Program and the importance of the NICU professional looking at their cases through a family lens. Darlene explains the importance of Language of Caring and how that can be used in the NICU. Kelli talks to Keira about her experience of having triplets and how that led her to founding the Preemie Parent Alliance.

Kelli and Dr. Sue Hall discuss the Interdisciplinary Recommendations for Psychosocial Support of NICU Parents and how those guidelines came into existence. They talk about how the mental health of NICU families is just as important as the physical aspect. Dr. Hall what NICU professionals can do to help alleviate and/or prevent anxiety, depression, and PTSD in NICU families.

Kelli speaks about her own experience in the NICU and how that led her to founding Hand to Hold. She talks about her journey with anxiety, depression, and PTSD and how that inspired her to help other NICU families. She discusses the resources that are available to NICU families and how those resources can help NICU families in need.