Summary: Trauma and the NICU - - life after the pain begins with learning how to live life despite the pain. For parents of premature babies this is a significant topic as the original trauma can end only to be followed by enormous stress and further traumas as preemie babies struggle to survive. Watching your baby's life hang in the balance can leave a parent feeling terrified, powerless and uncertain about how to save and protect the child in danger. After days, weeks or even months of health scares how do preemie parents handle the stress, grief, loss and complications while holding down jobs and caring for their children? Nick Hall and Joel Brens, two extraordinary preemie dads, joined me for this episode to answer that question, plus talk about: facing unexpected circumstances developing an attitude of adjustment balancing expectations with experience making the choice to make a difference transforming the pain of experience into positive and meaningful work in the world MEET MY GUESTS: Joel Brens is the proud father of a former 32 week 6 day preemie who was born at 3 lbs. 6oz. and spent 25 days in the NICU. Joel is the founder of Papas Of Preemies, an advocacy and support group focused on the experience of NICU fathers and their families. Launched in April of 2012, Papas Of Preemies was created as a platform for dads to have a safe place to share their stories and lend support to other dads. In addition to his support group, Joel has served on parents panels about the NICU experience at the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) and NEO, a neonatologist conference. His son Jayden, who will be 4 this May, is working through speech and communication delays but has made huge strides through his pre-school and Early Intervention services. A stay at home dad, Joel also is a part time student, working towards a career in speech or developmental therapy. Nick Hall is the founder of Graham's Foundation. Established in 2009, Graham’s Foundation is the premier global organization for parents going through the journey of prematurity. Graham’s Foundation offers resources, programs, and connections so parents are supported, empowered and hopeful throughout their journey. Graham’s Foundation is committed to a world where no parent goes through the journey of prematurity alone.
