NICU Babies Parent Support

Hand to Hold
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly

The NICU is hard. We're here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby's NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish. Learn more or get support at handtohold.org Follow Hand to Hold: Facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD Instagram: @handtohold Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold YouTube: @handtohold

  1. Oct 21

    S13 E163: Death is a Tragedy, but Saachi's Life Was Not ft. Mahaley & Ravi Patel

    Trigger warning: death and dying Death is tragic, but Saachi's life was not. Bereaved NICU parents Mahaley and Ravi Patel candidly share about their daughter's complication at birth - meconium aspiration - her death, their grief and how it all reshaped the life they once knew. Their jobs as author and marriage and family therapist (Mahaley), actor and entrepreneur (Ravi), color a partial picture of their lives, but it was Saachi's entrance into the world, their other children, their marriage and their commitment to transparency that will be a balm to every bereaved parents' heart.   💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  Website   💚 Connect with Mahaley & Ravi Patel Instagram (Mahaley)  |  Instagram (Ravi)  |  Website  |  Book   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   🔗Links Meet the Patels People magazine: Special Forces Ravi Patel reflects on his daughter's death five days after she was born: 'worst time in my life' Book: Birth Story Brave   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  2. Oct 7

    S13 E162: Safe Sleep, SIDS & Exhaustion Plans ft. Dr. Susan Hwang, Professor, Neonatologist, Researcher, Perinatal Expert

    Trigger warning: death and dying Exhaustion and sleep deprivation is a part of any parent's story. In this episode, we visit with professor, neonatologist, researcher and perinatal expert, Dr. Susan Hwang about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death) and safe sleep practices. We also explore why NICU graduates may have unique sleep-related risks, offer practical guidance on safe sleep practices, and address the challenges of translating what happens in the NICU to what families do at home. A bonus? We break down what an exhaustion plan is and how you can make it work for you and your baby.    💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Susan Hwang LinkedIn  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   🔗Links Engagement of Families to Improve the NICU Experience Episode 55: Preventing SUID in NICU Graduates   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  3. Sep 30

    S13 E161: Born Twice for a Chance for Life ft. Keishera & Greg Joubert

    The possible outcomes for Keishera and Greg Joubert's baby, Cassian, with Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome (CHAOS) were grim. Doctors tried one option and failed, so in an act of faith surgeons tried a highly risky partial delivery to address the airway and then hoped for a chance at life as they awaited the second delivery, weeks later. This episode is as remarkable as the Joubert's and their son. If you need a dose of hope from parents who have "been there, done that," this one's for you.   💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   🔗Links The Guardian: "Florida baby 'born twice' after elaborate surgery involving partial delivery" People magazine: "Baby with 'bleak' congenital disorder born twice after innovative surgery" ABC News: "Parents of baby boy who was 'born twice' speak out Word on Fire magazine: Born Twice: The Miracle of Baby Cassian   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  4. Sep 16

    S13 E160: Is It OK to Laugh in the NICU? ft. Dr. Gal Barbut

    He loves babies, AND he's got dad jokes. While the NICU can be an intense, and often serious, place, neonatologist Dr. Gal Barbut believes that well-timed levity allows doctors, nurses and NICU professionals to better connect with NICU families. When we share the totality of our humanness - the highs and the lows - we can develop a deeper connection. It's that connection we explore in this week's episode. This one might make you laugh, and cry, as you feel seen in your humanity.   💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Gal Barbut Instagram  |  TikTok   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  5. Sep 2

    S13 E159: Fighting the 1% Odds ft. Derick Hall, NFL Player & Super Bowl Champion & his mom, Stacy Gooden-Crandle

    September is NICU Awareness Month, making this an especially meaningful time to share Derick and Stacy's story. As part of its ongoing Little Fighters campaign, Huggies is continuing to spotlight the strength and resilience of NICU babies, including by renaming its Nano and Micro Preemie diapers from 'Little Snugglers' to 'Little Fighters.' Throughout the month of September, Huggies will also amplify the stories of real Little Fighters and encourage others to champion and support them by liking, commenting on and sharing stories at @NICULittleFighters. The more stories are seen and shared, the more support can be rallied for NICU families, helping them feel seen while also driving donations to the Derick Hall One Percent Foundation. As a 23-week micropreemie, born without a heartbeat, Derrick Hall was given a 1% chance of surviving. In 2026, he became an NFL Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13. No matter how dark the days were, his mom, Stacy Gooden-Crandle, never gave up on her son. Together, they're champions for NICU babies and families. In this week's interview, they share their story of resiliency and their partnership with Huggies and the "Little Fighters" campaign, benefitting Hall's One Percent Foundation that focuses on supporting premature babies and their families, combating food insecurity, and addressing childhood obesity in underserved communities.     💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  Website   💚 Connect with Derick Hall & Stacy Gooden-Crandle Instagram (Derick)  |  X  |  Instagram (Stacy) |  One Percent Foundation  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   🔗Links Huggies Little Fighters website Fox Business Medium Little Black Book   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  6. Aug 26

    S13 E158: Season 13: In Their Own Words ft. Kathryn Whitaker

    Everybody has a story. And it's our stories that have the power to heal, educate and inspire. This season, we alternate between family stories and NICU professional stories. We reveal their experiences and then we dig a little deeper, giving honor to the diagnosis and highlighting the emotions, the feelings and the hope. Our guests include an NFL Super Bowl champion and his mom, couples, babies born twice, bereaved parents, neonatologists, maternal fetal medicine doctors, child life specialists and more. Nobody's NICU story, or outcome, is the same, but there are some things universal to the experience. IYKYK.This season is about the experience, the emotion, the outcome and the wisdom. It might be our favorite season yet!   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  7. Jul 29

    S12 E157: Grieving Apart ft. Lana Macrum-Craig, Bereaved Single Parent

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, Lana shares the story of her daughter, Allie Reese, who was born with restrictive dermopathy and spent three precious weeks in the NICU before her death. She reflects on the profound impact of losing her daughter, the strain that grief placed on her marriage, and the eventual loss of that relationship as she and her husband grieved in different ways. Lana's honest and vulnerable conversation explores the complexities of mourning, healing after multiple losses, and finding support and connection through the bereavement community.    📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  8. Jul 27

    S12 E156: No Matter How Brief ft. Ben & Emilee Blackburn, Bereaved Parents

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, Ben and Emilee Blackburn share the story of their daughter, Tatum, who was born prematurely and died shortly after birth. They reflect on the devastating grief that followed, the different ways they each processed their loss, and how their shared commitment to honoring Tatum's memory strengthened their family over time. Their conversation highlights the healing power of purpose and legacy as they offer hope to other bereaved parents navigating life after loss.    📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   🔗Links Book: Jantsen's Gift by Pam Cope    Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

The NICU is hard. We're here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby's NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish. Learn more or get support at handtohold.org Follow Hand to Hold: Facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD Instagram: @handtohold Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold YouTube: @handtohold

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