Friend,

The emotional turmoil that accompanies a NICU stay is very traumatic for parents. Their plan for a happy healthy baby has been put on hold. Instead they live hour by hour at their baby’s bedside.

NICU nurses and staff play an important role in helping NICU parents learn to become confident caregivers for their babies. But with multiple patients with various needs, it’s understandable that they can only do so much. We spoke to two NICU staff members from St. David’s HealthCare about how Hand to Hold provides an additional layer of support for NICU families, essentially bridging the gap to ensure the whole family is cared for.

Compassion, caring, and community: How Hand to Hold creates a bridge between NICU staff and families

Rhonda Reed, Director of NICU and Neonatal Transport at St. David's Medical Center, has seen how Hand to Hold has positively impacted families in her unit. “Partnering with Hand to Hold is by far the best thing we have done for our NICU families,” she says. Reed values having a Hand to Hold family support specialist connecting with families in a way only someone with a NICU experience can, keeping a close eye on their psychosocial needs, and communicating daily with the health care team.

“This pandemic has added another layer of stress and anxiety for these families, on top of the already difficult NICU journey," she added. "Our family support specialist has helped us identify ways to assist these families that we may have missed."

At St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas, Amy Irons, Director of Neonatal Services, has also noticed the positive difference when parents connect with Hand to Hold. “Our parents develop a NICU family that includes the Hand to Hold Family Support Specialist, other NICU parents, NICU staff and physicians. They develop a bond that is so strong, and many of our NICU parents end up wanting to give back to Hand to Hold.” 

“During this time of COVID, there is increased fear and anxiety in everyone,” said Irons. But there’s another layer of support parents need - the understanding of someone who has been through what they’re going through and understands the emotions, the trials, and the traumas that NICU parents are experiencing. “Hand to Hold is solely focused on easing the burden, offering a gentle spirit, cheering on the hard work of the baby and the parents, and building a community around our NICU families.”

Hand to Hold is grateful for the support of St. David's HealthCare as a Presenting Sponsor of our 10th Anniversary Celebration. 

Get Exclusive Online Access to Our 10th Anniversary Celebration!

Our 10th Anniversary Celebration is just a few days away! During the week of October 12 - 16, you'll have the opportunity to:

*enter to win exciting raffle prizes*

*bid on incredible auction packages*

*play our famous Diaper Pull game*

*enjoy musical cameos from Randy Rogers, The Mrs. and more, all from the comfort of your own home.*

You'll hear touching family stories from NICU families and learn more about how Hand to Hold's mission has touched the lives of families nationwide. No need to get dressed up - we're bringing the fun to you!

Register today (free!) for exclusive access to all the festivities and the schedule of events!

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month

For the month of October, we want to honor all families who have endured the unimaginable loss of a child during pregnancy or infancy. If you or someone you love has lost a pregnancy or an infant, you are not alone. Here are some resources to help:

• Listen to the NICU Love & Loss Podcast
• Find resources for bereaved families
• Request support from a Peer Mentor

Hand to Hold Recipient of COVID-19 Recovery Funding Grant from St. David's Foundation

We are grateful to be chosen as a recipient of a COVID-19 Recovery Funding grant from the St. David's Foundation. Hand to Hold will use the grant to continue our virtual support for NICU families, to extend our programming for NICU families of color, including a virtual support group for Black NICU families, and to continue our virtual support groups for Spanish-speaking NICU families. 

Find our virtual support services, including the ones supported by this grant, at 

handtohold.org/supportgroups.

What Parents Are Saying

"My mentor has been so helpful and a great resource. Hearing from someone on the other side of this about how she celebrates her baby is beautiful and inspiring."

Crystal D., bereaved mom, Colorado Springs

Supported by