NICU Gifts Ideas and Acts of Kindness

If you have a friend or loved one who is currently a NICU Parent, you may be wondering, how can I help them? What gift will be useful for them at this time? Well, we have your back and can offer some amazing suggestions!

On our 57th podcast, Supporting NICU Families: Gift Ideas and Acts of Kindness we covered specific, useful gifts, gift cards, and acts of kindness that will go a long way to help a NICU family.

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We reached out to parents who have navigated the NICU journey themselves to uncover the most impactful gestures and gifts they received during that challenging time. Their responses yielded a treasure trove of invaluable suggestions and practical tips on how to effectively support the NICU parents in your life.

During the podcast episode, we highlighted some of the most meaningful gifts received by NICU parents. However, the sheer volume of suggestions was so vast that we couldn’t explore them all. Recognizing their value, we’ve compiled a comprehensive document featuring all the insights straight from former NICU parents. This resource promises to be incredibly beneficial for you!

We’ve also taken deliberate steps to develop some practical NICU gifts following our own journey. Consider gifting our NICU Journal, Our NICU Roadmap, the NICU Milestone Cards, or NICU hats to parents. These items offer invaluable tools for documenting their infant’s NICU journey and celebrating every remarkable milestone along the way.

NICU Gifts

Remember, NICU parents are navigating uncharted territory, often feeling overwhelmed with worry and uncertainty. While they may not always articulate their needs, your proactive support and understanding can offer immense comfort and relief.

Whether it’s providing a listening ear, organizing practical help with everyday tasks, or offering thoughtful gifts tailored to their needs, your efforts contribute to a network of support that surrounds these families with love and compassion.

By empowering yourself with practical insights and heartfelt gestures, you will become instrumental in lightening the load for NICU parents, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—nurturing and caring for their precious little one in the NICU.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy: Guidance for NICU Families - Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

A Cerebral Palsy diagnosis can bring a wave of emotions—especially for families who have already been through the NICU. In honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, this episode is dedicated to helping NICU parents feel more informed, supported, and empowered as they navigate the possibility or reality of CP.In this episode, we’ll talk through the different types of Cerebral Palsy, what can cause it, and why certain babies—especially those born prematurely or with conditions like IVH, PVL, or HIE—may be at higher risk. We’ll also discuss why the diagnosis can take time, the early signs parents might notice, and how healthcare providers typically confirm a CP diagnosis. From there, we’ll explore treatment options, therapy approaches, and supportive services that can help improve quality of life and promote progress over time.Equally important, we’ll talk about the emotional toll a diagnosis can bring and the importance of prioritizing your own well-being as a parent. With the right support systems in place, children with CP can grow, thrive, reach milestones, and live joyful lives—and you deserve to feel supported along that journey too.If you’re looking for clarity, encouragement, and practical tools for advocating for your child, this episode was made with you in mind. Be sure to check the show notes for a free downloadable PDF filled with trusted resources to support your family.You are not alone in this—there is strength in knowledge, healing in connection, and so much hope ahead.Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 67 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode67 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

A podcast specifically meant to educate and empower NICU parents as they endure their baby’s NICU journey. We provide you with tangible tips and support from my unique perspective as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) and a proud preemie Mama! Along with sharing answers to the NICU medical questions you have, Nicole will address and support you through the incredibly difficult emotional struggles that only a NICU parent can understand. Tune in and subscribe today!

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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding: Is It Really A Big Deal?

To start 2024 out, our first episode focuses on marijuana use, its impact on pregnancy, the growing fetus[...]

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To start 2024 out, our first episode focuses on marijuana use, its impact on pregnancy, the growing fetus and the child’s future development, as well as the implications of its use during breastfeeding.

Who would have thought that in 2024, we would be living in a time where marijuana use is so prominent and that it would be legal in 24 states as of January of 2024?!?

But, nonetheless, here we are! Because marijuana has been legalized in so many states, there are now false evolving perceptions on its general safety as well as its implications on the developing fetus and infant who are exposed to it either in utero or through breastmilk. In general, the perception of harm from marijuana is decreasing while the potency of marijuana is scarily increasing. Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug during pregnancy in the United States. And, its use in gaining speed amongst all adult age groups, in both sexes, and in pregnant women.

For our 56th episode, I reviewed the most up-to-date literature and will share the findings from several studies that reveal both short and long-term negative effects on the pregnant mother and developing fetus if used during pregnancy, and its future implications on the growing infant, child, and their transition into the teenage years, and as an adult after prenatal exposure. I will also point out the general concentration of marijuana in breast milk if used by a nursing mother, as well as how long it stays in the breast milk, and how it may impact the exposed infant.

This episode is packed full of useful information and will be ideal for any healthcare worker or for family members and friends who care about a pregnant woman or nursing mother who is currently using marijuana and want to ensure that she is fully educated on the implications of its use on her growing fetus or infant. And last, but actually, the most important, I encourage ALL women who are either considering becoming pregnant or who are currently pregnant and use marijuana on a regular basis, to listen.

Although marijuana use is so prevelant, it is so crucial that we fully understand its potential impact on the fetus and the child’s future development if used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
You will not want to miss this one!

Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com

Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/

NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/

NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/

Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/

Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/

Episode 56 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode56

Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/

Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents

Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding: Is It Really A Big Deal?

January 19, 2024

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November 24, 2023

Finding the Beauty in Life After the Loss of a Child

October 31, 2023

Supportive Organizations and Resources for Bereaved and NICU Families

October 25, 2023

Embracing Parental Advocacy and Empowerment in the NICU

September 25, 2023

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Understanding Cerebral Palsy: Guidance for NICU Families - Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

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Understanding Cerebral Palsy: Guidance for NICU Families - Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

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