September is NICU Awareness Month, and all month long we'll be highlighting the precious milestones that NICU families hold so dear. Week by week, pound by pound, milestones mean something different in the NICU. Join us as we celebrate and share stories of the first diaper change, the first hold, and more.
This week, read Hand to Hold founder and CEO Kelli Kelley's heartwarming story about the first time a nurse encouraged her to change her micro preemie son's diaper. Then keep reading to learn more about how you can participate in our 10th Anniversary Week (plus a giveaway!), meet our newest Family Support Specialist, and find out how you can order your own NICU Milestone Beads to commemorate your baby's journey.
The First Diaper Change was the Hug I'd Been Waiting For
In the NICU, I was told it was important to bond with my baby. But I did not know how to bond with a child I couldn’t feed, hold or bathe. One that weighed a little more than a pound and was clinging to life on a respirator. I was so scared to touch him because I knew his fragile skin could easily tear. I was told not to speak to him in a voice above a whisper for fear of over stimulation. I honestly felt like a bull in a china shop — more like a bystander than his mother.
Register Now for the 10th Anniversary Celebration Week!
Register for FREE today to be a part of Hand to Hold's 10th Anniversary Week. Join us as we share stories and celebrate milestones, and be the first to get in on the online raffle and auction as we raise much needed funds to continue to serve more NICU families nationwide than ever before. Register today and receive a FREE $250 e-gift card to Diamonds Direct!
Say hello to Arielle Lucas, our newest Family Support Specialist. Arielle is a mom of two preemies. Her daughter, Shaylona, was born at 30 weeks and stayed in the NICU for 31 days. Her son, Qingston, was born at 27 weeks and spent 74 days in the NICU. Arielle is serving NICU families at St. David's North Austin Medical Center and will soon be leading virtual support groups.
For NICU parents, milestones have a different meaning.
In honor of NICU Awareness Month, we're celebrating all of the precious milestones that mean so much in the NICU. From the first diaper change to the first hold to going home, we want to help you cherish those moments for a lifetime. Customize your NICU Milestone Bead necklace today!
"Hand to Hold was there for me with inspiration cards, beautiful milestone beads and the friendliest face during our NICU stay. As emotional as our 2 1/2 month stay was, having an organization like Hand to Hold is a much needed support system in the front lines."
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