Blog
NICU Parent Perspective: I Didn’t Always Show Up for My Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and as we all are faced with unprecedented times, it is the perfect time to check in with ourselves. Like really check in and truly answer the question, “How am I doing?” For me, most days are a range of emotions: fear, joy,...
NICU Parent Perspective: When Depression Rears Its Ugly Head
Photo credit: Jodiellen Photography My appointment reminder goes off and I silence it with a glance. Fifteen minutes until therapy. I swallow the “ugh” ready to come out of my mouth, thinking, “Therapy? No time for that!” This is the inner dialogue every week. Then...
Professional Insight: Instant Tools to Help You De-Stress During Your NICU Stay
If your baby is in the NICU, you probably feel stressed, overwhelmed and worried about your baby’s health - among many other issues. Most parents are so focused on their babies—understandably so—they forget about themselves and their own emotional well-being. I’m...
Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders: What They Are and How You Can Get Help
In the days and months after having a baby, our hormones and emotions are still fluctuating. Sometimes these feelings are mild and only last a few days. But sometimes they can be more intense, involve intrusive thoughts, and you may not see a light at the end of...
#MyMentalHealthMatters – Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
For May’s Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re focusing on why it’s important for moms to prioritize their own mental health. Together we can raise awareness, remove stigmas and encourage mothers to care for themselves so they can heal, thrive and grow during and after a NICU stay or the loss of an infant.
New Podcast Episodes: Supporting Parents & Professionals During COVID-19
We've just released three new podcast episodes to help parents and NICU professionals cope with the COVID-19 crisis.
The Power of Scent Cloths + No-Sew Scent Cloth Instructions
Many parents envision bonding with their baby shortly after birth. But for a NICU parent, bonding takes on a whole new meaning.
NICU Parent Perspective: Special Education in the Time of Social Distancing
Our son, who was born at 29-weeks, is now a healthy, happy, first grader who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at age 4. He also struggles with some significant motor delays. Up until the COVID-19 crisis hit and the schools closed, he had been receiving occupational, physical and speech therapy. He also participated in a social/emotional/behavioral support group daily. Now, how frequently he receives therapy depends on when either me, or my husband, can take a break from our increasingly demanding work schedules.
New Virtual Support Services for NICU Families
A high-risk pregnancy, a complicated birth or a NICU stay can be traumatic and isolating experiences, which are being compounded by the uncertainty and stress of COVID-19. This week Hand to Hold announced the launch of virtual support groups for NICU families to address this challenge.
Caring for Yourself and Your Family During Self-Isolation
While many people around the country are adjusting to their new normal of social distancing, self-isolation or even shelter-in-place orders, the idea of quarantine is nothing new to NICU families. But that doesn't make it any easier.
Cerebral Palsy: What to Know
March is National CP Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to inform, aware, and support those with cerebral palsy.
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