Blog
Announcing the 2024 NICU Hero Award Winners!
We are proud to announce the Hand to Hold NICU Hero Award winners for 2024! The Hand to Hold NICU Hero award recognizes NICU Professionals and NICU Units that deliver outstanding Family Centered Care. NICU Heroes encourage and support the NICU parent’s role as a...
How Having a Peer Mentor Helped Me Go from Surviving to Thriving
Photo courtesy of the author After the birth of my daughter at 32 weeks pregnant via an emergency C-section, I found myself in complete survival mode. My only focus was getting to the hospital twice a day and pumping as much as I could for her. I literally could...
Going from TPN to Feeding Success in the NICU
My son Calvin was born at 32 weeks gestation via C-section after he went into distress and stopped moving. His delivery was further complicated due to his diagnosis of Gastroschisis. Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly that occurs early in gestation. Basically, he had a hole in his abdomen which led to his small and large intestine developing on the outside of his body. Because his gastrointestinal system was so compromised, I had a pretty strong determination to breastfeed from the beginning.
From Healthy Pregnancy to Traumatic Birth and a Full-Term NICU Baby
As I progressed through my pregnancy, I relaxed each time we passed a milestone. After I reached 36 weeks, I breathed a sigh of relief because, if my baby were born, he or she would probably survive. My attitude as I made it to 41+1 weeks was downright cavalier. I had an extremely normal, healthy pregnancy. So, as I reached my due date and proceeded to plow right through it, I thought, “I am going to go into labor, pop this kid out and be home in two days.” Although it works this way for some women, in my case, it could not have been farther from the truth.
Why Breast Milk is Important for Your NICU Baby
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 role in preventing many diseases and conditions. Human milk decreases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, meningitis, viral infections, urinary tract infections and respiratory infections. Infants born too small or too soon are at increased risk for these illnesses. Breast milk also protects the gut, enhances brain development and is associated with a shorter hospital stay.
Your Late Preterm or Early Term NICU Baby
When we think of preemies, we think of extremely tiny babies born several weeks or months before their due date. But did you know that even babies born just prior to 37 weeks gestation are still considered preemies and still have a higher probability of facing developmental challenges? We're going talk about what a late preterm baby and an early term baby is, they might need to stay in the NICU, and the unique challenges they face in the NICU and beyond.
Pumping Tips for NICU Moms
Premature infants need breast milk more than most. But because most babies aren’t developmentally ready to nurse until they are 34-35 weeks gestation, they rely on pumped breast milk for their nutrition and delivery of these vital nutrients. We consulted the experts - current and past NICU moms, NICU nurses and lactation consultants - for their best pumping tips.
Life and Grief as a Mosaic
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 shattered by the intensity of the first year in the NICU and home.I know the pain of grief can be shattering. I’ve felt that pain, and worked through that pain quite a few times.
Honoring the Micro Preemie Journey
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...
Being a NICU Big Sister Changed My Life
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.
A Therapist’s Experience with PPD & PTSD After the NICU
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...