You’ve been admitted to the NICU or you’re in the thick of raising a NICU baby and you look around and might wonder how this is your life and what’s next - for your baby, your family and your life. THIS is the season that will serve you during your NICU admission and long after your discharge. In season 6 - life after a NICU admission - we tackle postpartum depression and anxiety, paid parental leave, medical billing/insurance, a dad's perspective, pelvic floor physical therapy, sex and intimacy, exercise/nutrition and sharing your story on social media.   

S6 E93: Season 6, Life after a NICU admission ft. Kathryn Whitaker

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

Kids & Family

Parenting

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

Sex after a NICU stay. Is it an oxymoron? Whether you’re fearful or excited, sexologist Anisa Varasteh with Relate Sexology shares what the postpartum body feels like, how to talk to your partner, how to address fear, tips for developing better intimacy and when to reach out for professional help.   

S6 E103: Sex after the NICU ft. Anisa Varasteh

Feeling overwhelmed and confused by caring for your body through nutrition and exercise? Certified personal trainer and nutrition coach Shalini Blubaugh will share common myths about both, overcoming obstacles and how to integrate realistic habits into your daily life to make your own health a priority so you can better care for your NICU baby.   

S6 E102: Postpartum Exercise & Nutrition ft. Shalini Blubaugh

Have you ever been told that suffering from pelvic floor leakage, pain or fear is all just “part of parenthood?” Pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Rebecca Maidansky shares how to avoid doing the wrong thing by doing the right one. She will share how to manage your pelvic health with information, exercise and questions to ask your provider so you can take control of your body.    

S6 E101: Rehabilitating Your Pelvic Floor After Birth ft. Dr. Rebecca Maidansky

You’re living your hardest days in the NICU, so you turn to social media for support, encouragement, solidarity and community. Can you share too much? When does your story become their story? Veteran NICU parents and active social media users Scott & Kathryn Whitaker share some tips for sharing your NICU baby’s journey on social media, setting healthy boundaries and inviting people into your suffering.   

S6 E100: Real or Filtered? Sharing Your NICU Story on Social Media ft. Scott & Kathryn Whitaker

To every dad who has endured a NICU stay with his son or daughter, we see you. NICU dad Will Hay shares his hardest day, the thing that gave him hope and how he took his fear and turned it into a beautiful resource for other parents. Dads, this one’s for you.   

S6 E93: Season 6, Life after a NICU admission ft. Kathryn Whitaker

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