Hand to Hold's official blog
Most people view eating as a simple task that occurs automatically. Unfortunately, for many premature babies, the trauma of their birth and medical procedures during infancy can lead to severe feeding problems as they get older. A basic parenting task is nourishing one’s child, so if he/she can’t or won’t eat, mealtime can become an [...]
I like to start any discussion of childcare by pointing out that I firmly believe that child care encompasses far more than routine care. Far beyond dressing, diaper changing, and feeding, the childcare you choose not only stands to significantly shape your child’s earliest learning experiences, but will also be important for her overall health [...]
Neonatologist and Author Sue Hall, MD shares how gathering information about your baby will help you cope during a baby’s hospitalization in the NICU. She encourages parents who want to pay it forward to participate in Hand to Hold’s For the Love of Babies Campaign which is raising awareness and funding to provide more education to NICUs and to parents after a NICU stay. [Read more]
If your baby is in the NICU, you probably feel stressed, overwhelmed, and worried about your baby’s health – among many other issues. Most parents are so focused on their babies—understandably so—they forget about themselves and their own emotional well-being. I’m sure you’ve heard that you must first take care of yourself before you can [...]
I have been caring for newborns and their families in neonatal intensive care units for 24 years. I have seen incredible advancements, which have had historic impacts on the care and outcomes of these fragile babies. I can say without hesitation, the change, which has had the most profound impact on my practice, is the [...]
My last post was about preparing for a NICU stay when you know your baby will need one. This post is about preparing your other children! As a mom of four boys, there was something amazingly special about introducing my first son to his new baby brother, and then two years later, introducing them to [...]
Lisa Davenport, RN shares how parents can make the most of the nurse-patient relationship during a NICU stay. She brings her invaluable perspective as a NICU nurse, a NICU mom and as an instructor/retention counselor for an Austin nursing program. [Read more]
Having a premature baby comes with so many questions and concerns. As a pediatric dentist, I am frequently asked, “What problems can my premature baby have with his or her teeth and oral cavity?” Fortunately, most of the time, I do not see any differences in the health of preemies’ teeth and mouths. There are, however, some things [...]
Recently, Lead PB101 Blogger, Kathryn Whitaker, sat down with Dr. Ari Brown, author, speaker and pediatrician based in Austin, Texas, and asked her to share some insight on finding the right pediatrician for your preemie, questions to ask and credentials the doctor should carry. PB101: Dr. Brown, are there differences between a family practice doctor and a pediatrician [...]
A prescription for physical, occupational, or speech therapy is like a prescription for antibiotics—you can have it filled wherever you choose. Unlike a medication, however, the therapist you choose will have an ongoing relationship with you and your child that your child may benefit from for years to come. You should choose carefully. Interview therapists [...]
Hand to Hold is a nonprofit 501(c)3 parent support organization and information and resources provided here do not intend to take the place of the relationship between a patient and personal physician.