Blog
My Journey as a Three-Time NICU Mom
When I share my story with new NICU parents, they are often astonished that all three of my children were in the NICU and that I made it through those challenging times. They may think I'm stronger than I am. Honestly, each time I got pregnant, I didn't believe my...
What is RSV & When is RSV Season?
One of the most common risks for premature or medically fragile babies is respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. For most children it can cause nothing more than the common cold. Colds are no fun, but they’re generally not that dangerous. RSV in premature or medically fragile infants can be dangerous and even deadly. While this is very scary, there are steps to take to protect your baby.
Did I leave the NICU with PTSD?
The NICU is a trauma-filled environment. Any time you or an extension of yourself experience a threat of danger, there is an opportunity to experience trauma. PTSD can present itself in or after the NICU. We spoke to Dr. Tiffany Gladdis, a Licensed Clinical...
Hand to Hold® to host National NICU Mental Health Conference to help improve the long-term outcomes of babies
Hand to Hold invites all NICU professionals and parents to attend the NICU Mental Health Conference during Prematurity Awareness Month AUSTIN – Hand to Hold, a national nonprofit that provides early intervention mental health support for Neonatal Intensive Care...
Announcing the 2023 National NICU Hero Contest
Hand to Hold's NICU Hero Award Contest celebrates NICU professionals across the US during NICU Awareness month AUSTIN – Hand to Hold, a national nonprofit that provides early intervention mental health support for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) parents before,...
Black Breastfeeding Week: August 25-31
August 25-31 marks Black Breastfeeding Week, a week established to raise awareness of the gaping racial disparity in breastfeeding rates. Recent CDC data show that 58.9% of black women have ever breastfed versus 75% of white women. Common breastfeeding challenges...
Breastfeeding in the NICU: Advice from a Lactation Consultant
Lactation consultants understand first-hand how crucial breastfeeding is to premature babies. They also know the challenges mothers face and how much support is needed during this time for both mom and baby. We interviewed Kay Needles, an International Board...
August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month
UPDATED AUGUST 2023 The month of August marks Breastfeeding Awareness Month, a campaign funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which hopes to empower women to commit to breastfeeding. Breast milk is especially important for premature and...
Everything You Need to Know About Human Donor Milk in the NICU
Human donor milk can be a life-saver for NICU babies. in partnership with Mothers' Milk Bank Austin Many NICU moms have had to rely on human donor milk for their babies in the NICU, for a variety of reasons. Those who donate milk give an incredible gift to those...
How to Support a Breastfeeding Mom in the NICU
Breastfeeding in the NICU possesses a unique set of challenges for both mom and baby. No matter if a NICU mom chooses to feed her baby by breast (when ready) or continue to pump, providing adequate lactation support is a key element of breastfeeding success. We...
Meet the Professional: What Does a Lactation Consultant Do?
Many people assume that because breastfeeding is nature’s way of meeting our babies’ needs that nursing should come naturally. But many of us struggle to learn the carefully choreographed dance between mom and infant to make feeding successful! This is especially...