About Hand to hold
Hand to Hold: Providing Personalized Emotional Support and Community for NICU Parents
Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit organization that offers personalized emotional support, educational resources, and community for parents who have babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The organization was founded in 2008 by Kelli Kelley, a mother who experienced the challenges of having a premature baby firsthand. Since then, Hand to Hold has grown into a trusted resource for families across the United States.
The NICU experience can be overwhelming and isolating for parents. Hand to Hold understands this and provides support through various programs such as peer-to-peer mentoring, virtual support groups, educational webinars, and hospital-based programs. The organization's mission is to ensure that no family feels alone during their NICU journey.
One of Hand to Hold's most significant programs is its peer-to-peer mentoring program. This program matches experienced mentors with parents who are currently going through the NICU experience. Mentors provide emotional support and guidance based on their own experiences in the NICU. They offer practical advice on navigating medical terminology, communicating with healthcare providers, managing stress levels, and coping with emotions.
In addition to its mentorship program, Hand to Hold also offers virtual support groups where parents can connect with others going through similar experiences from anywhere in the country. These groups provide a safe space for parents to share their stories without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
Hand to Hold also recognizes that education is essential during this time. The organization provides educational resources such as webinars on topics like breastfeeding in the NICU or caring for your baby after discharge from the hospital. These webinars are led by experts in their respective fields and are designed specifically for NICU families.
Another way Hand to Hold supports families is through its hospital-based programs. These programs include parent-to-parent matching services within hospitals so that new parents can connect with those who have already been through similar experiences at that specific facility.
Overall, Hand To Hold® has become an invaluable resource for thousands of families across America facing one of life’s most challenging times – having a baby born prematurely or critically ill requiring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) treatment – providing them personalized emotional support when they need it most along with access information about what they may expect throughout their journey towards recovery.
In conclusion,
If you're looking for an organization that provides personalized emotional support tailored specifically towards those experiencing life-changing events like having babies born prematurely or critically ill requiring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) treatment - look no further than Hand To hold®! With over 10 years' experience supporting thousands upon thousands nationwide via various means including peer-to-peer mentoring services; virtual online communities; educational resources such as webinars led by experts within respective fields; parent-to-parent matching services within hospitals themselves - there really isn't anything else quite like it out there today!