Kelli welcomes guest, Lexi Losch, MA, LPC, NCC, discuss why maternal mental health matters, and the difference between "baby blues" and PPD. Lexi shares the symptoms of PPD, who is most likely to experience PPD, and the importance of addressing your physical needs as a new mom. In addition, Kelli and Lexi share resources for anyone who may be struggling.

This episode is not eligible for CEUs.

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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

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Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold

In this episode, Kelli and guests discuss the gut microbiome and why it's important. They also talk about pathogenic bacteria and how probiotics can aid the gut, as well as how all of this relates to premature infants.

Terry Johnson discusses how the access to information has changed through the years and how that affects a NICU medical professional. She also speaks about the transition NICU nurses have had to make in using more technology at the bedside.

Lori and Kelli discuss the many ways COVID-19 can impact NICU professionals and the importance of listening to each other as a means of support. They also talk about how to cope with the stress and trauma of working in the NICU during COVID-19.

Kelli and Barb Himes discuss what First Candle is and its services. They also talk about the difference between SIDS and SUID, and the risks involved for premature babies with each syndrome. Barb discusses the AAP recommendations for safe sleep and the importance and benefit of breastfeeding your preemie.

Kelli and Cheryl discuss what secondary trauma is and how it can affect NICU professionals. They also talk about the importance of nutrition and hydration for NICU professionals and how to recognize burnout and combat it.

Kelli discusses with Sue Ludwig, Elizabeth Drake, and Joanne Kuller what developmental diapering is and why it's important. They talk about the five areas of focus when changing a preemie's diaper and how each of these areas can help a baby's development.

NICU nurses, Rhonda Reed and Jennifer Miller, discuss their own experiences with burnout while working in the NICU. They talk about the signs and symptoms of burnout to look out for, as well as how nurses can combat it. Kelli also asks them for tips on how to cope with loss in the NICU and how nurses can implement good nutrition and exercise in their daily routines.

Adam Busby recounts his experience of finding out he and his wife, Danielle, were going to have quintuplets. He discusses that journey and his experience in the NICU. Kelli and he also talk about his Adam's struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD after the birth of his daughters, and Adam offers advice to other dads in the NICU.

Kelli and Natalie discuss the opioid epidemic and how it has affected NICU moms. Natalie talks about the importance of showing these moms compassion and how NICU nurses can model motherhood while working.