by Hand to Hold Staff | Aug 22, 2019 | NICU Life, Nutrition
by Marguerite Kelly, IBCLC, RLC, in collaboration with Texas WIC Pediatricians and lactation consultants agree human milk is the best nutrition for babies. For the NICU baby, it can be a life-saving medicine. The anti-inflammatory properties of breast milk play a big...
by Hand to Hold Staff | Jul 22, 2019 | Life after the NICU, Mental Health
All of us have to say goodbye to our old selves, our lives before (medically fragile) child. It hit me when I broke my favorite blue and white patterned plates. The visions I had of dinner parties, book clubs, a fun and relaxing home full of guests…just...
by Hand to Hold Staff | Jul 1, 2019 | Life after the NICU, Mental Health, NICU Life
I remember the text. The terrifying message my friend on the other side of the country sent about a helicopter ride to a Level III NICU with her just-born, in-critical-condition micro preemie. I knew I wanted to be a support who “got it” and could provide tangible...
by Hand to Hold Staff | Jun 27, 2019 | Family Stories, NICU Life, Siblings
by Alexandra Lofton Photo courtesy Alexandra Lofton Being a sibling of a NICU baby is a very unique experience. For me it was a time of learning and excitement; however, it was also a very challenging and frightening period. Being an 8-year-old, I was filled with...
by Hand to Hold Staff | Jun 24, 2019 | Family Stories, Mental Health
Meet Lisa, mom to Ava, a micro preemie who was just 1 pound, 12 ounces at birth. Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor who, despite treating others suffering from depression, anxiety and PTSD, still struggled with postpartum psychosis and PTSD. Here is her story....