NICU Heroes Podcast
NICU Heroes Podcast
Hand to Hold
The NICU Heroes podcast was created exclusively for NICU professionals, helping them to better understand, support, and nurture the entire NICU family. NICU parents are often as fragile as their baby, requiring patience, guidance, and encouragement to ensure they are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to endure the pressure of a NICU stay and meet the on-going needs of their medically fragile child, post-discharge. Select episodes have been approved for one contact hour of nursing continuing education and are denoted in the episode's show notes. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal. For additional NICU parent support visit: https://handtohold.org/ https://www.facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD Instagram - @handtohold Twitter - @NICUHandtoHold
S7 E52: The Father Factor in Neonatal Mental Health ft. Dr. Sheehan Fisher
Guest: Sheehan Fisher Assistant Professor and Clinical Psychologist,  Northwestern University   CEU objectives for this episode: Explain the psychological and emotional impact of NICU hospitalization on fathers and male caregivers List three behavioral and/or nontraditional presentations of mental health concerns in men during the perinatal and NICU periods. Identify barriers to paternal mental health screening and referral This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.   💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Sheehan Fisher X  |  Facebook  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Jun 15
58 min
S7 E51: When Birth Doesn't Go as Planned: A Doula-Informed Approach to Trauma ft. HeHe Stewart
Guest: HeHe Stewart Evidence-Based Doula   CEU objectives for this episode: Describe at least one role of a doula in labor, delivery or postpartum care List three trauma-informed communication principles shared in this podcast that you can use to support NICU families Identify three practical ways to act as a bridge between families and interdisciplinary teams This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, HeHe Stewart Instagram  |  YouTube  |  Podcast   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
May 18
1 hr 3 min
S7 E50: Saving Two Lives in the NICU: Mothers & Babies ft. Dr. Neel Shah
Guest: Dr. Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG Chief Medical Officer of Maven Clinic Lecturer, Harvard Medical School   CEU objectives for this episode: Describe two key contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality among women of color in the United States. Explain current trends in cesarean delivery rates and identify at least two associated risks for maternal and neonatal outcomes. Identify three challenges in coordinating care between maternal health teams and the NICU. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.   💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Neel Shah Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Apr 20
58 min
S7 E49: Inside the Preemie Microbiome ft. Dr. Rina Sanghavi
Guest: Rina M. Sanghavi, MD, MBA, FAAP, NASPGHAN-F Director, Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility Program, Director, Revenue Cycle Optimization and Documentation Efficiency Director, Office of Faculty Engagement and Wellbeing Professor of Pediatrics UT Southwestern Medical Center, Children Health Childrens Medical Center Dallas   CEU objectives for this episode: Describe the developmental differences between preterm and full-term infant gastrointestinal systems. Identify three key factors that disrupt microbiome development in premature infants. List three clinical signs that differentiate physiologic reflux from concerning gastrointestinal symptoms in infants. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.   💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Rina Sanghavi Instagram  |  X  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Mar 16
56 min
S7 E48: Supporting the Caregiver: Burnout, Mentorship, and Career Longevity ft. Dr. Mona Amin
Guest: Dr. Mona Amin Board-Certified Pediatrician, IBCLC   CEU objectives for this episode: Identify three common contributors to burnout among NICU nurses and healthcare professionals. Describe the role of mentorship and professional support systems in promoting resilience, retention, and career longevity. List three actionable strategies NICU nurses and other healthcare professionals can use to advocate for themselves and promote whole-life sustainability while maintaining high-quality patient- and family-centered care. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Mona Amin Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  YouTube  |  Website  |  Podcast  |   Newsletter   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Feb 16
1 hr 6 min
S6 E47: Near Sightedness, Screens & NICU Babies ft. Dr. Rupa Wong
Guest: Dr. Rupa Wong Pediatric Ophthalmologist Managing Partner, Honolulu Eye Clinic   CEU objectives for this episode: Discuss the timing of ophthalmologic screening for premature infants in the NICU Describe at least 2 vision problems that are common for premature infants that may require long-term follow-up care for life Outline the history of treatments for ROP for infants in the NICU over the last 30 years Share two preventative strategies to decrease the incidence of myopia (near-sightedness) for all children This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Rupa Wong Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  YouTube  |  Website  |  Threads   🔗Links to resources Podcast: It's Good To See You Pinnacle Conference and Podcast   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Nov 17, 2025
1 hr 2 min
S6 E46: Nurturing Oral Health in Neonates from the Start ft. Dr. Ashley Lerman
Guest: Dr. Ashley Lerman Pediatric Dentist Founder, Firstgrin   CEU objectives for this episode: Discuss the difference between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist and why they might be a better choice for NICU graduates Outline a simple oral care routine that parents can follow with their NICU baby, from birth and until their first tooth erupts List at least one topic related to long-term oral/dental health that you could include in your NICU discharge education plan This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal. 💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Lerman Instagram (Firstgrin) |  Instagram (personal)  |  Website   🔗 Links to resources Blippi: books on brushing and oral health care for kids   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Oct 20, 2025
58 min
S6 E45: ADHD & the NICU: Cultivating Mindfulness in the Chaos ft. Dr. Mark Bertin
Guest: Dr. Mark Bertin Developmental Pediatrician   CEU objectives for this episode: Describe how ADHD affects the brain's ability to self-regulate List two ways in which executive function may affect a NICU parent's ability to comprehend medical information Name three effective evidence-based treatments for ADHD This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal. 💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Bertin Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   🔗 Links to resources: Book recommendations Podcast appearances   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Sep 22, 2025
1 hr 1 min
S6 E44: Macro & Micro: Breaking Down Breastmilk Nutrition ft. Dr. Stephanie Canale
Guest: Dr. Stephanie Canale Family Medicine Founder, Lactation Lab Financial Disclosure: Dr. Stephanie Canale is the CEO and Founder of Lactation Lab, a for-profit company. She is also the inventor of Emily's Care Nourish Test System, an FDA breakthrough-designated and cleared device that determines human milk composition using chemistry-based methods rather than infrared spectroscopy. Conflict of Interest Resolution: This podcast episode has been reviewed by the Nursing CE Provider, who has determined that Dr. Canale presented the content solely for educational purposes and without bias or financial influence. CEU objectives for this episode: Describe how factors like diet, stress, and health affect the composition of breast milk List two things that mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding, can do for nutritional support, mental health, and self-care Explain how breastmilk is tested for different nutrient levels in breast milk, such as vitamins, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Stephanie Canale: Instagram  |  LinkedIn (personal)  |   LinkedIn (company)  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Aug 18, 2025
1 hr
S6 E43: Big Siblings, Little Warriors: Navigating NICU Emotion Together ft. Dr. Siggie Cohen
Guest: Dr. Siggie Cohen Child Development Specialist   CEU objectives for this episode: Explain the difference between showing your NICU families empathy vs. pity Name three normal and age-appropriate child reactions to trauma, like a NICU stay List two things a NICU professional can do to help a parent be hopeful and build resilience about their NICU stay This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with Dr. Siggie Cohen: Instagram  |  Facebook  |   TikTok  |  YouTube  |  Website   🔗 Links to resources: Free parenting resources *Use the coupon code SPECIAL15 at checkout to receive a 15% discount* Toddler Course 3-7 Course Sibling Course Join her weekly newsletter list   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Jul 21, 2025
1 hr 6 min
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