Diana and her husband in the NICU with their first NICU baby, now a teenager. When I share my story with new NICU parents, they are often astonished that all three of my children were in the NICU and that I made it through those challenging times. They may think I’m stronger than I am. Honestly, each time I got pregnant, I didn’t believe my baby would end up in the NICU. Each time, I was surprised. I’ve always believed there is a silver lining, but when it came to the health of my babies, it was hard to see one. My oldest daughter is now a teenager, but I still remember the day she was born ..read more

Guest: Dr. Korie Leigh, Child Life Specialist & Thanatologist 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. In this episode, we chat about: How Leigh helps families navigate through grief – whether that’s the loss of a child, miscarriage, stillbirth or termination for medical reasons What lifelines parents can hold onto as they move through grief Addressing grief and its real presence with our children who are experiencing loss Normal reactions to ..read more

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. CLAIM CEU About Dr. Elvira Parravicini Dr. Elvira Parravicini is an attending neonatologist at NewYork Presbyterian Morgan Stanl ..read more

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a complicated and multifactorial disease that progresses rapidly in preterm and full term infants. The causes of NEC continue to be studied and researched by scientists and medical professionals.  Hand to Hold supports the NEC Society and their mission to accelerate science and prevent this devastating disease. It is imperative to remember that feeding decisions in the NICU are medical decisions and should be made by specialized medical professionals in collaboration with NICU families. These decisions should be made at bedsides in the NICU, not by lawy ..read more

Guest: Katie Talman, Bereaved Mom 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. In this episode, we chat about: Turner syndrome and how it affected how Talman approached her pregnancy Talman’s last day of being pregnant with her daughter, Everly, and how the hospital palliative care program cared for her, her husband and Everly Grief after Everly’s death and honoring her life Finding the courage to get pregnant again Resources mentioned All There Is with Anderson Co ..read more

Guest: Kate Strickler, Founder of Naptime Kitchen & The Home Reset 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 this episode, we chat about: Myths people have allowed themselves to believe about managing and running a busy household What sets the Home Reset apart from all th ..read more

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. CLAIM CEU About Dr. Tiffany Gladdis 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 Univ ..read more

Season 7 of the NICU Babies, Parent Support podcast is all about tending to the heart, body, and home. This season’s guests will share their expertise on the home, on grief, postpartum health, and more. Listen & Subscribe Apple Podcasts Spotify Connect with us! Connect with host Kathryn Whitaker Instagram: @kathrynwhitakertx Facebook: facebook.com/kathrynwhitakertx Website: kathrynwhitaker.net Connect with Hand to Hold Instagram: @handtohold Facebook: facebook.com/HandtoHold LinkedIn Copyright © 2018 This feed is for personal, non-commercial use only. The use of this feed on oth ..read more

Guest: Anisa Varasteh, Sexologist 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. In this episode, we chat about: How a postpartum body changes after birth, whether it’s a vaginal or C-section. What’s normal and what’s not? Many NICU moms (or any mom for that matter) sometimes fear getting pregnant again after a traumatic birth experience. Ho ..read more

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. CLAIM CEU About Dr. Kristine Tolentino-Plata: Kristine Tolentino-Plata, PhD, is a Senior Child Development Specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center – Children’s ..read more