World Prematurity Day stands as an annual spotlight on the challenges faced by premature babies and their families. It's a day to honor their strength, acknowledge their journey, and appreciate the tireless efforts of NICU staff. Yet, the reality is that the journey doesn't end with this designated day; it extends far beyond, every single day, for these families. In the United States, the statistics surrounding prematurity are more than just numbers. Every year, approximately 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely. This staggering figure illustrates the widespread impact of early arrivals, each ..read more

The FUNDRAISER is LIVE! Sponsor one or two or twenty bundles today! Today I'd like to share the story of another heartwarming fundraiser that I'm proud to be a part of.  As the owner of Every Tiny Thing, it's both an honor and a privilege to be partnering with Courage in Time Inc. Our shared mission to support NICU families and provide comfort during their challenging journeys is something close to my heart. The story of Lorenzo Francisco Martinez, the inspiration behind Courage in Time, deeply moved us, and we're thrilled to contribute to their fundraiser and the larger cause o ..read more

As a NICU nurse and the proud owner of Every Tiny Thing, I've had the privilege of witnessing an incredible phenomenon that warms my heart and reaffirms my faith in humanity. I know that may sound corny, but really it's so true.  There is a beautiful cycle of compassion that unfolds within the NICU community - the genuine desire of NICU families to give back and support others who are embarking on the same journey they once faced. Having spent countless hours working closely with NICU families, I have had the honor of witnessing their remarkable strength, resilience, and unwavering love ..read more

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey is a path filled with a range of emotions – from hope and joy to worry and exhaustion. For mothers with babies in the NICU, this journey can be particularly challenging as they balance their own well-being with the care and concern for their little fighters. In times of uncertainty and stress, I find mantras to be incredibly useful for calming my mind and redirecting my thoughts in a useful direction. So I've put together a collection of powerful mantras that can offer solace and inspiration to moms navigating the NICU journey: "I ..read more

World Kangaroo Care Day is coming up soon - May 15, 2023! If you're a parent with a baby in the NICU, you may have heard the term "kangaroo care" thrown around by your healthcare team. But what exactly is kangaroo care, and why do so many NICU parents swear by it? Let's take a closer look. Kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin contact, involves placing your baby, wearing only a diaper, directly onto your bare chest. You then cover your baby with a warm blanket or clothing to maintain their body temperature, and cuddle, hold and interact with them in this position for an extended period of ..read more

As a NICU nurse, I know how important it is for parents to feel informed and prepared when their newborn baby requires neonatal transport. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, but I want to reassure you that your baby will be in good hands and that there are things you can do to make the process go smoothly. What is neonatal transport? Neonatal transport is the process of moving a newborn baby from one hospital to another for specialized medical care. This is usually necessary when a baby is born premature, has a medical condition that requires specialized care, or when the hospital where t ..read more

Congratulations on your new little one! While this may not be the start to parenthood you had imagined, know that you're not alone. As a NICU nurse, I know that the idea of your baby spending time in the NICU can be overwhelming and scary. But I want to reassure you that you and your baby are in good hands, and there's a lot you can do to make the experience a little easier. First things first: what can you expect during your baby's NICU stay? Well, every baby and every NICU experience is different, but here are some things that are common: Your baby will be monitored very closely. This migh ..read more

  Hey there, parents of preemies and NICU babies! Let's talk about the power of support networks in the NICU. I know that this experience can be tough, but with the right people in your corner, you can get through it. First things first, I want to emphasize just how important it is to have a support network while you're in the NICU. This could be family, friends, coworkers, your partner, or even a support group. Having people to lean on and talk to can make all the difference in your mental and emotional well-being. But how do you build that support network? Here are some suggestions: S ..read more

I'm a huge advocate for NICU parents using journals for many reasons. But don't just take my word for it - let's take a look at what the research shows.  Because evidence-based practice is the way to go, and so much research has been done on ways that journals can improve the NICU experience.  NICU journals can help parents cope with the trauma of premature birth and the NICU experience, promoting resilience and psychological well-being. In a qualitative study of parental experiences of the NICU journey, parents reported that journaling helped them process their emotions ..read more

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the NICU Leadership Forum hosted by Synova in Tucson, Arizona. This was my first time attending, and I had such a fantastic time I thought I'd share with you what it was all about! I was proud to exhibit as a vendor, showing our journals and milestone cards to NICU leaders from across the country as great ways for hospitals to improve their families’ experience and provide meaningful, effective tools to educate and empower parents.  Attending the forum was both inspiring and humbling. It was incredible to be in a room filled with so many ..read more