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...
Recommended Books for NICU Parents
This page contains affiliate links, meaning Hand to Hold earns a small commission for qualifying items, at no additional cost to you. Do you turn to books when in need of guidance and support? Here are some of the most recommended books for NICU parents from Hand...
Prematurity: Myth vs Fact
When it comes to prematurity and the NICU, it can be hard to separate myth from fact. Parents are flooded with information from doctors, nurses and well-meaning friends and family. Not to mention the internet, which has its own pros and cons. For those currently on...
23 Things NICU and Preemie Parents Need to Remember
The NICU is hard, and it can be very lonely. NICU and preemie parents are often blindsided by their baby's early birth and are left trying to make sense of what just happened, decipher all of the information the medical staff are giving them about their baby, and...
Prematurity Awareness: Here’s What Parents Want You to Know
Arming yourself with facts is one of the best ways to spread awareness about prematurity. But experiencing prematurity is about so much more than facts.
We asked NICU parents in our community what they would like people to know about prematurity. Here are their answers.
Tips to Stay Well During RSV Season
by Sel Unite, MD, Pediatrician at Treehouse Pediatrics The cooler weather of fall is often a welcome break from some of the almost unbearable days of scorching heat in August and September, and it reminds me that the holidays are just around the corner....
If you could share a piece of advice with another NICU parent, what would it be?
Those who have been through the NICU are uniquely equipped to provide advice and encouragement to others on the NICU journey. We asked our community to share their pieces of advice for NICU parents. Here's what they had to say. Take it day by day. Enjoy the...
The NICU Doesn’t Leave You – Nikki’s Story
I don’t like to call it a NICU stay because it’s not just to stay. When your time in the NICU has been completed, that experience, that memory, that emotional roller coaster never leaves you. It takes a while to gain control and understanding of your feelings. And for some, including me those memories haunt you for time to come.
How to Help a NICU Family
Your friend or family member has a baby in the NICU. How can you help them? What can you say to them? Here are some ideas from fellow NICU parents that will help your friend or family member in the NICU feel loved and supported. Gifts We're not talking about gifts...
NICU Parent Perspective: Despite a Challenging NICU Stay, We Have Many Reasons to Celebrate
"Find one good thing to take from each day." Submitted by Hailey C, Jacksonville, FL Our story We always have said nothing was easy for us. My partner and I struggled to conceive our boys, going through 6 rounds of IUI before getting pregnant, as we are in a same...
10 Questions About Providing Breast Milk to Your NICU Baby
This article was created in partnership with Medela. Reviewed and updated in August 2021. Medela asked NICU moms what questions they have about providing breast milk to their premature babies, and teamed up with Hand to Hold to provide their expert guidance to...