NICU Now Audio Support Series

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.  

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.  

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.  

“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.  

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.   

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  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.   

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.  

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.  

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!  

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.

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.   

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.   

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.  

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