Hand to Hold

Episode 148: Calling All NICU Grandfathers

Leigh Ann Torres — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:00:41 +0000

Guest: Avid Noble

NICU Grandfather & Restaurant Owner

Avid Noble’s introduction to Hand to Hold came first as a third-party vendor, helping a friend of a friend. A few years later, it was Avid reaching out to Hand to Hold for help when his first grandbaby was in the NICU. In this touching episode, Avid shares his greatest fears, how he stepped in to help, what he credits are the hallmarks of good boundaries and how the smallest moments made up his best days in the NICU with his grandson, “Big Man” Maverick.

In this episode, we chat about:

Avid Noble’s story of becoming a NICU grandfather after his grandson Maverick was born as a micro preemie.
Learn how Hand to Hold supported Avid’s family during Maverick’s NICU stay — and why that support inspired him to stay involved.
Explore the unique role grandparents can play in supporting NICU parents while respecting boundaries and communicating openly.
Hear Avid reflect on the emotional weight of loving both his grandbaby and his adult children through a long NICU journey.
Learn why asking questions, accepting help, and using available support can make a meaningful difference for NICU families.

About the guest

Avid’s connection to Hand to Hold began with his grandson, Maverick, who spent time in the NICU. That experience sparked a passion to support families walking a similar journey. Whether it’s fueling our staff with his famous fried chicken, feeding hundreds at our events, or sponsoring special moments, Avid and Tumble 22 have nourished our community in every sense of the word. His message to NICU families emphasizes that Hand to Hold offers support and guidance, reminding them they are not alone. He encourages them to embrace available help and notes that although NICU days may feel long, time passes quickly.

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Episode 147: Calling All Micro Preemie NICU Dads

Leigh Ann Torres — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:00:47 +0000

Guest: Lucas Manring

NICU Dad, Finance & Operations Executive

Everything was normal, until it wasn’t. Lucas Manring’s first baby was born via emergency c-section at 25 weeks and he found himself plunged into fatherhood faster than he imagined. Lucas shares how a strong community of men, physical fitness and honest communication with his wife enabled him to walk out of the NICU with confidence, purpose and deep gratitude.

In this episode, we chat about:

How NICU nurses and doctors helped prepare one dad for the emotional and practical realities of life in the NICU
The pressure many fathers feel to “stay strong,” and what strength actually looked like during and after the NICU journey
Why dads often struggle with feeling unable to “fix” the situation, and how to cope with that loss of control
An honest conversation about mental health, anxiety, and the emotional impact a NICU stay can have on fathers
Healthy coping strategies, fears about future pregnancies, and heartfelt advice for first-time NICU dads navigating the unknown

About the guest

Lucas Manring is a husband, a recent UT MBA graduate, and new(ish) dad to his wonderful son, Lando. He has spent the last 10 years in the Austin-based start-up world, he was also a former collegiate track athlete and an active participant within the fitness community. He founded a local running group and previously served as president of the Austin Duathletes nonprofit. Lucas and his wife began their journey into parenthood four years ago when they welcomed their micropreemie son at just shy of 24-weeks. Their experience in the NICU forever changed their perspective on a lot of things, and it remains a significant part of his family’s story.

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Episode 51: When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: A Doula-Informed Approach to Trauma

Leigh Ann Torres — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:19:36 +0000

Guest: HeHe Stewart

Evidence-Based Doula

In 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

CLAIM CEU

About HeHe Stewart

HeHe Stewart is a leading childbirth educator, advocate, and maternity care reform expert. With a Master’s in Human Development and over a decade of experience, she empowers families with evidence-based birth prep, informed decision-making, and postpartum readiness. She is a fierce advocate for informed consent, reducing unnecessary interventions, and ensuring patient autonomy in birth. Beyond working with families, HeHe is actively involved in legislative efforts to improve women’s health policies and expand access to midwifery care. She works to reform maternity care by advocating for patient rights, increased birth options, and improved maternal health outcomes. As the host of The Birth Lounge Podcast, she interviews leading experts in pregnancy, women’s health, and newborn development, giving parents the knowledge they need to navigate birth and postpartum with confidence. Her work continues to drive meaningful change through education, advocacy, and policy reform.

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Disclosures

This podcast episode is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses, Provider Number 15417, for up to 1 contact hour.

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Episode 146: Calling All Bereaved & Veteran NICU Dads

Leigh Ann Torres — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:39:46 +0000

Guest: Matt Bialkowski

Dads of the NICU Podcast

Matt Bialkowski, a two-time NICU dad from Australia and host of the Dads of the NICU podcast, shares an honest look at what it’s like to navigate the NICU as a father. From the emotional weight of going home to an empty house to learning how to support both partner and baby, Matt opens up about the moments that shape a dad’s experience. Through his story, he offers practical insights, encouragement, and a reminder that dads need support, connection, and space to process, too.

In this episode, we chat about:

The emotional whiplash of leaving your partner in recovery while your baby is in the NICU—and what that experience really feels like
How seeing other NICU babies can bring both comfort and anxiety in those early days
The reality of going home alone—no partner, no baby—and the thoughts that follow
Practical ways to “NICU dad,” from supporting your partner and managing milk routines to bonding with your baby and navigating hospital life
Balancing work, caregiving, and everything in between—and how the Dads of the NICU podcast is helping other fathers feel less alone

About the guest

Matt Bialkowski is a two-time NICU dad and bereaved father. His first stint in the NICU left him struggling and seeking purpose, but over the course of their four-month NICU stay, Matt found renewed purpose. After their second pregnancy ended in loss and then another baby placed them back in the NICU, he walked in, and out, a different man. Today, Matt’s heart is with other men as he shares important conversations in his podcast, Dads of the NICU, helping NICU dads in Australia, and around the world, find healthy ways to cope with a premature birth.

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Episode 145: A Conversation with a Men’s Mental Health Expert

Leigh Ann Torres — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:11:37 +0000

Guest: Sheehan Fisher, PhD

Associate Professor, Psychiatry & Behavorial Sciences, Northwestern University

Dr. Sheehan Fisher’s entire career has been focused on the mothers and fathers unique contributions to the family and child health, with a specialization in the emerging field of father mental health. As a clinical psychologist at Northwestern, he has a heart for helping dads understand the effects of psychosocial stress on their mood, parenting, and ultimately infant/child health outcomes. His expert advice and wisdom will be a gift to dads who listen.

In this episode, we chat about:

Why father involvement during pregnancy matters—and how it impacts both baby and partner outcomes
The powerful role of skin-to-skin contact for dads, especially in the NICU
How common paternal postpartum depression (PPD) really is—and why it’s often overlooked
Key risk factors and warning signs of paternal PPD
Gaps in support for men, where to find help, and honest advice for dads navigating mental health struggles

About the guest

Sheehan Fisher is an Assistant Professor and clinical psychologist at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. His research career focuses on understanding mothers and fathers unique contributions to the family and child health, with a specialization in the emerging field of father mental health. He received his undergrad degree in psychology from Rutgers, a master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Iowa, completed an internship and postdoctorate at Northwestern University, followed by joining the faculty for a research and clinical position. As a professor, he conducts research on mood disorders in mothers and fathers during the perinatal period to examine the effects of psychosocial stress on parent’s mood, parenting, and ultimately infant/child health outcomes. As an academic, he publishes articles and gives presentations on his perinatal research. And, as a clinician, he has two areas of specialty: perinatal mental health in mothers and fathers, and performance optimization for individuals in high-pressure professions. He is a father to a bold and spirited daughter, Reina Valentina.

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Pregnancy After Preterm Birth or Loss: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Hand to Hold Staff — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

©iStockphoto.com/digitalskillet

Trying to conceive after a preterm birth or pregnancy loss can feel overwhelming. Many parents experience a mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty. In this guide, we’ll walk through emotional readiness, medical considerations, and what to expect in a future pregnancy.

Emotional Readiness After Pregnancy Loss or Preterm Birth

Before trying to conceive again after a preterm birth or loss, it’s important to make sure you are emotionally ready to move forward with trying for another pregnancy.

Grief counseling is a great idea for families that lose a pregnancy at any gestational age. It is important to address your feelings and be able to have a closure with the previous pregnancy before you make a decision about returning to that arena once again.

Counseling can also be helpful for families who have a child who had a lengthy NICU stay – after all, we grieve when our expectations are not completely met. And most of us feel that at the beginning of the pregnancy we can expect to take home a big healthy baby when we are discharged after delivery! Understand also that you will have anxiety with the future pregnancies. You are only human, after all. That is okay to a certain degree, but it is important to share your concerns with your healthcare provider and allow them to reassure you. Also allow your partner and your friends and family to support you during this period of anxiety.

Learn more about Hand to Hold’s Counseling Program

“There was never a question about whether I was mentally prepared to attempt another pregnancy after our loss in the mid-second trimester. However, I was not prepared for the fear and anxiety that would overtake me in the first and second trimesters of my subsequent successful pregnancy,” shares Felicia Nash, MD, OB/GYN and mother of four children, one who passed away at 18 weeks gestation. “Enlisting the support of my husband and a close friend was key in helping me ‘vent’ my fears sometimes on a daily basis. I may have driven them crazy, but it was so important for me to be able to work through these feelings rather than suppress them.”

When to Try Again After a Preterm Birth or Loss

If you feel that you are emotionally ready to try for another pregnancy, the next step is to schedule an appointment with your provider to determine if you are physically healthy enough to pursue pregnancy once again. It’s rare that your physician would advise against future pregnancy. Your doctor can also direct you as to the duration of time to wait between pregnancies. This will depend upon the timing of your pregnancy loss or preterm delivery (in gestational weeks). The mode of delivery (natural vs. Cesarean delivery) will also impact when it is safe to conceive once again.

How to Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy After Preterm Birth or Loss

When you meet with your doctor, you will review prior pregnancy or NICU experience, then create a plan for monitoring next pregnancy. Ask your doctor about your specific risks given your history, what could change with this next pregnancy, and how you will be monitored differently.

You will also want to talk to your doctor about any nutritional changes you may need to make, their recommendation for prenatal vitamins, and managing any chronic conditions you may have.

Medical Considerations for Future Pregnancies

In some cases, your doctor may recommend additional interventions to help reduce the risk of another preterm birth. These may include progesterone supplementation, more frequent cervical monitoring, or procedures such as a cervical cerclage, which involves placing a stitch in the cervix to help it remain closed during pregnancy.

A cervical cerclage is basically a stitch used to enforce the cervix. The cervix is a tubular structure that should remain long and cylindrical in nature throughout the pregnancy. Some women develop shortening of the cervix that is not associated with contractions or pain and this can lead to early pregnancy loss or preterm delivery by allowing the water to break or allow an infection to begin. The stitch would be used as a preventive strategy in a woman with a poor obstetrical history. Unfortunately, the data is minimal regarding the efficacy of this treatment, but some studies indicate a viable birth rate of 70-90 percent after a cerclage placement. Other studies, however, maintain that the improvement is much smaller than this.

Cervical monitoring refers to using an ultrasound to measure the length of the cervix. This is done every 2-4 weeks in women with a poor obstetrical history or a history of procedures done to the cervix which could weaken its strength. If changes are noted, sometimes bed rest or a cerclage are offered. While bed rest is very frequently recommended for prevention of preterm delivery, the data does not indicate that it is successful.

In women with a history of preterm labor – that is contractions that are painful, regular and bring about a change in the cervix greater than 3 weeks prior to the due date – progesterone supplementation is often recommended in a future pregnancy. The progesterone is given as a weekly injection beginning around 16 – 20 weeks of pregnancy and continuing through 34-36 weeks. Intervening in this manner has been shown to decrease the risk of preterm birth, but only in those women who have had a previous preterm delivery not related to multiples or a fetal birth defect.

Build a Support System for Your Next Pregnancy

Obviously, there are many issues to contribute to making a decision about further pregnancies. Using your family, friends and sometimes professional support, you and your partner have to determine when you are ready. Once you have decided that this is the next step, visit your physician so that you can develop an individually tailored plan that will reduce your risks in a future pregnancy.

Get Support During Your Journey

There are many ways to get support as you navigate this journey.

Hand to Hold Counseling
Virtual Support Groups – groups available for NICU parents, parents enduring a high-risk pregnancy, and for bereaved parents
Request a Peer Mentor

Felicia B. Nash, M.D. and her husband Todd are the proud parents of one daughter and three boys, one who passed away just prior to 18 weeks gestation. After losing her second son, she was shocked and saddened having previously experienced a healthy pregnancy with his big sister. She and her husband have been blessed with the subsequent births of two healthy sons.

Dr. Nash is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist in Austin, TX. Dr. Nash’s medical focus is on infertility and mental health, with special interest in postpartum depression. She graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Nutritional Science. Dr. Nash’s medical training was done at the University of Texas Houston Medical School. While there, she was awarded membership into Alpha Omega Alpha, an honor society that recognized the top 10% of medical students. She completed her residency training at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she received the Award for Excellence in Laparoscopic Procedures. She is a fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, licensed to practice in the state of Texas.

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Episode 50: Saving Two Lives in the NICU: Mothers & Babies

Leigh Ann Torres — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:53 +0000

Guest: Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG

Chief Medical Officer, Maven Clinic

In 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.

CLAIM CEU

About Dr. Neel Shah

Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG, is Chief Medical Officer of Maven Clinic, the world’s largest digital clinic for women’s and family health, and a lecturer at Harvard Medical School. He oversees the design and delivery of Maven’s care model, serving 24 million people globally in all phases of life. As a physician-scientist, Dr. Shah has written over 100 articles, and contributed to four books, and was also a term advisor to the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Shah has been recognized with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Humanitarian of the Year Award from the March of Dimes, and serves on the boards of Neighborhood Villages and Diana Health.

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Disclosures

This podcast episode is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses, Provider Number 15417, for up to 1 contact hour.

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Episode 144: Calling All Military NICU Dads

Leigh Ann Torres — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:24:48 +0000

With a military career that spans more than 20 years, Adam Wood thought his training would prepare him for a NICU stay. While there were some similarities, he discovered that learning and advocacy were in his new battle plans as he supported his wife and their miracle baby. That newfound role instilled a strong desire in Adam to author books for NICU families, as well as provide much-needed levity on social media.

In this episode, we chat about:

Hear how a 20-year military veteran draws powerful parallels between combat readiness and navigating the uncertainty of a NICU stay
Learn what the IVF journey felt like from a father’s perspective and the emotional weight many men carry silently
Understand the fear and urgency surrounding a 25-week delivery after complications, and what those first moments in the NICU were really like
Discover how the hospital helped prepare (and where preparation fell short) for life inside the NICU
Gain insight into supporting a partner through high-risk pregnancy, early delivery, and the emotional toll that follows
Explore NICU-related PTSD, the role of storytelling and writing in healing, and advice every NICU dad—especially veterans—should hear

About the guest

Adam is a retired U.S. Army veteran, micropreemie dad, author, and founder of Preemie Adventures. In 2021, Adam’s son, Brady, was born at 25 weeks old weighing 1 lbs. 4 oz. He spent 135 days in NICU alongside his wife as his son fought to come home. While he was in the NICU; Adam read countless books to his son. However, he noticed that there were not any children’s books about prematurity or the NICU for families. So, in 2021, he wrote the children’s book, “Our Preemie Adventure”, so families could bond better with children in or out of the NICU. He partnered soon after with real-life neonatologist Dr. Prem Fort to write two books together (Our Respiratory Adventure: A NICU Story and A NICU Christmas Adventure). The first books ever co-written by a neonatologist AND preemie parent. Their books use humor, heartfelt words, and education to help support NICU families worldwide. Adam also released in 2024, another solo book project called, “Monster NICU.” Adam uses his books, social media, and websites to help support NICU families in a variety of ways. He works to share experiences, interviews families and spread awareness through various media platforms about premature babies. His most recent focus on has been supporting dads and helping to share their viewpoint of life in and out of the NICU. He is currently a member of the NICU Parent Network, Family advisor on the Neonatal Research Network (NRN) Community Engagement Board and served as a Family Voices Advocate with Angel Eye Health.

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Episode 143: Calling All Co-Parenting NICU Dads

Leigh Ann Torres — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:00:13 +0000

When Aaron’s (then) wife developed pre-eclampsia and was ushered to the hospital in an ambulance, he quickly found himself the dad of a 29-weeker. He was wholly unprepared for the sleeplessness, the worry and the cadence of the NICU. In this episode, he shares what he did to rediscover his mental health, how he’s navigating co-parenting with his ex-wife, the hallmarks of his best NICU days and how fatherhood has reframed his career as a professional chef.

In this episode, we chat about:

What it was like to experience an unexpected 29-week birth—and the emotional impact of entering the NICU as a parent
A father’s perspective on fear, resilience, and how worries evolve from the NICU stay to life at home
Aaron’s reflections on the hardest and most meaningful moments during a three-month NICU journey
Navigating single fatherhood after the NICU, including finding support and building confidence as a parent
How this experience shaped his approach to nutrition, parenting, and advice he’d offer other NICU dads

About the guest

Aaron Vasquez is an Austin native and highly accomplished chef with a 20-year career, defined by culinary innovation and a passion for nourishing the next generation. After honing his skills in kitchens across the United States, Aaron returned to Central Texas to start his family in the city that shaped him.

His commitment to children’s nutrition is deeply personal. Aaron is the proud father of an 11-year-old son who was born prematurely at 29 weeks and spent 3 months in the NICU. This experience instilled in him a profound understanding of the critical role early and consistent nutrition plays in a child’s health and development. Seeing his son, happy, healthy, and thriving, Aaron is now driven to ensure every child has access to the food they need and deserve to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Aaron’s expertise lies in developing large-scale, kid-friendly menus that meet strict nutritional standards without sacrificing flavor. He leverages his two decades of experience in diverse culinary environments, from fine dining to institutional catering, to create sustainable and appealing food programs.

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Website – Barnison Catering | Website – Nourish Texas

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Feeding Difficulties in the NICU: What Parents Should Know

Hand to Hold Staff — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Courtesy of the Whitaker Family

Premature birth can affect many areas of a baby’s health, development, and behavior—including feeding. While feeding challenges are common in the early weeks, months, and even the first year, some families may continue to navigate them for years. The good news is that skilled healthcare professionals can support you and your baby as they build the feeding skills needed to grow and thrive.

Feeding disorders defined

A feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood is characterized by the failure of an infant or child under six years of age to eat enough food to gain weight and grow normally over a period of one month or more. Some families will experience minor feeding issues. Others may need a team of professionals to help identify problems and intervene appropriately.

Structural or physiological?

Feeding difficulties can generally be divided into two categories: those that result from structural problems or those that are physiological.

Structural feeding problems are physical, anatomical, or neurological abnormalities (e.g., cleft palate, esophageal stricture) that obstruct or impair the mechanics of eating.

Physiological feeding problems involve impaired function, such as weak muscle coordination, poor swallowing reflexes, or gastrointestinal issues like reflux.

In layman’s terms, feeding issues can stem from a medical condition or persisting developmental issue, or be a learned behavior left over from the NICU. Gastrointestinal issues, such as reflux or poor gastric emptying, are examples of physiological reasons that a baby may have difficulties eating. If gastrointestinal comfort and readiness are not present and your baby’s food intake is increased to promote weight gain, this situation can increase physical pain and discomfort a baby associates with eating. The long-term result of this imbalance can be oral aversion and defensiveness around mealtimes and eating.

What is feeding therapy?

Feeding therapy will help address why your baby is having feeding difficulties in the first place. It can involve oral-motor therapy to address weak muscles in and around your child’s mouth, a behavioral feeding plan, or elements of both. A speech-language pathologist may be one of the team members to help your child learn to enjoy meal times again. But you may need to involve other medical professionals in your child’s treatment as well.

Sometimes babies will be evaluated by a team of health care professionals including, but not limited to, a gastroenterologist, registered dietician, pulmonologist, cardiologist, neurologist, lactation consultant and either a speech-language pathologist or an occupational therapist. This is an ideal way to form an integrated treatment approach that will address your baby’s multiple issues that affect feeding. Other times you will experience an evaluation by a speech- language pathologist or an occupational therapist who will compile information from all of you child’s medical specialists listed above in a thorough case history questionnaire.

Watch this video: Preemie Nutrition: Nutritional Needs & Fortification

Feeding tips for coming home from the NICU

Use the acronym “STEPS” to help you with feeding difficulties after your child has come home from the NICU.

S – Swaddle your baby during feedings. This will give your baby stability and support while they eat so they can focus on the “workout” of eating rather than stabilizing or controling his/her body.

T – Touch your baby. Make sure you spend as much time as you can in skin-to-skin contact with your baby. This goes for both parents!

E – Evaluate the flow of milk from the nipple or your breast. Avoid using high flow nipples and if the natural flow of your breast milk is fast, try pumping a few minutes prior to beginning the feeding.

P – Pace your baby. Recognize signs of stress, such as increased work breathing, furrowed eyebrows, coughing, red/watery eyes, and milk spilling out around the mouth. Be sure you give your baby the breaks he/she needs to breathe.

S – Position your baby in an elevated side-lying position. This feeding position decreases breathing effort, improves head and trunk alignment and allows for the liquid to collect in the cheek prior to the swallow.

Finding a feeding program or therapist

When you follow up with a developmental pediatrician or your baby’s primary care physician, inquire about professionals in your area that have expertise in infant feeding disorders. You may also contact therapy clinics or pediatric hospitals in your area, and ask if their speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists have expertise in infant feeding disorders.

About Anne Boon

Anne Boon, MS, CCC-SLP is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist working at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. She has consulted within the Leander Independent School District, worked in private practice in Cedar Park, Texas, as well as at Our Children’s House at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She has worked with numerous children with feeding difficulties and on multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to help these children reach their goals. She did her undergraduate work at The University of Texas at Austin and earned a Master’s degree from The University of Texas at Dallas. Contact her at annelboon@gmail.com.

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