Hand to Hold launches NEW Virtual Support Groups for NICU dads, Spanish-speaking parents, high-risk pregnancy and more!
The NICU is hard. We’re here to help. When babies need the specialized attention of a NICU, it can be emotionally traumatic to the parent and disruptive to traditional baby-parent bonding, no matter the duration. We’ve been there, we understand the heartache, and we believe all NICU journeys are unique and deserve compassion.
Hand to Hold invites parents to attend free virtual NICU parent support groups for NICU parents, no matter where they are in their journey. All moms and dads welcome before, during or after a NICU stay or a loss.
Our eight (8) personalized virtual support groups are hosted by Hand to Hold’s Family Support Specialists – Certified Mental Health Peer Specialists who all have a personal NICU experience and are trained to help create a safe and inclusive space for connecting, listening and sharing. Camera on or camera off, parents choose whether they want to participate or just join and listen.
Hand to Hold’s free virtual support groups provide equitable access for all NICU parents. Groups are held weekly at various times to fit anyone’s schedule, and like all of Hand to Hold’s support services for parents, our virtual support groups are free to attend.
NICU Professionals: Download Hand to Hold’s FREE English/Spanish flier for your NICU HERE.
Virtual Support Groups:
- Current & Graduate NICU Families
- Black NICU Families
- High-Risk Pregnancy Support – NEW
- Love & Loss: Support for Bereaved Families
- NICU Dads – TEMPORARILY ON HIATUS
- Love & Loss Dads: Support for Bereaved Fathers –
- TEMPORARILY ON HIATUS
- Cafecito con Familias NICU – NEW
- Support for Families with Medically Complex Children – NEW
Join a support group today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect?
When you join a support group, we’ll have a short intro where attendees can introduce themselves – or not – and then the Family Support Specialist will open the floor for anyone to share or ask questions.
Do I have to participate?
Your participation is up to you and your comfort level. Camera on or camera off, YOU choose whether you want to participate or just join and listen.
Can I join from my phone? Laptop?
Yes! You can join from your phone OR your laptop. Read more about how to join Zoom,
What if I can’t come to the group I signed up for?
That’s okay! Feel free to join us for a future group that works with your schedule.
Do I have to attend every week?
Not at all. Attend whichever days and times work best for you.
Are the groups private?
Absolutely. Conversations are confidential and are not shared beyond the group.
Is there a cost to attend?
Virtual support groups are FREE!
Is this considered therapy?
No. Hand to Hold’s Virtual Support Groups are considered a form of peer support. While our Family Support Specialists are trained Certified Mental Health Peer Specialists, they are not licensed therapists. For information on Hand to Hold’s counseling services, visit our counseling page.
FOR NICU PROFESSIONALS
Wonder what our emotional support looks like for NICU families? Join us for a Q&A session to learn more about our FREE resources for NICU families and meet our team of trained Family Support Specialists. Register here.
About Hand to Hold:
Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after a NICU stay. Hand to Hold is removing barriers for support by growing a hybrid model of in-person and virtual support in service to our mission. Support is provided to parents at no cost to families and all support is designed with the emotional, physical and social needs of the NICU parent. For more information, visit http://www.handtohold.org