NICU Mental Health Week
At Project NICU, we believe mental health support is an essential part of NICU care. We created NICU Mental Health Week in 2020 to bring awareness, connection, education, and support to the families and providers carrying these experiences every day.
Join us for our 6th annual NICU Mental Health Week!
A week of conversations, workshops, resources, and community as we continue breaking the stigma around NICU mental health and bridge the gap between mind and body, focusing on movement, self-connection, and healing in all its forms.
Join us!
Throughout the week, we’ll gather for free virtual sessions that uplift lived experiences, expand education, and offer practical tools for coping and resilience. From provider-centered discussions to family support conversations, mindfulness and movement-based practices to culturally responsive care, each event is designed to create space for reflection, connection, and support for everyone impacted by the NICU journey.
Check below for a complete schedule, registration links,
shareable graphics and more information
Live sessions
Monday may 18 | 12pm ET
creating Your Self-Care Plan
Kick off NICU Mental Health Week with Kristi Horner, CFPS/OCPSA, Founder & Executive Director from Courage to Caregivers for an empowering workshop focused on building a sustainable self-care plan.
Caring for others, whether as a parent, caregiver, healthcare professional, or support person, can take a significant emotional and mental toll. This session will explore the impact of chronic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout, while highlighting the importance of intentional self-care practices that support long-term well-being.
Wednesday may 20 | 12pm ET
How the Pelvic Floor Keeps Score
Join us for a conversation with Allison Germundson, OTR/L, pelvic floor therapist and owner of One Strong Woman Therapy, as we explore the important connection between pelvic floor health and mental well-being.
This discussion will highlight how physical healing, nervous system regulation, and pelvic health can impact emotional wellness, stress, and recovery, especially for postpartum and NICU parents navigating healing after birth and trauma.
Tuesday May 19 | 11am ET
Beyond “Stay Positive”
For parents who are done being told how to feel.
Join Anese Barnett, M.Ed., Project NICU Board Member, and Dr. Shayla Johnson for a conversation designed for NICU parents navigating very real fear, grief, and uncertainty.
This workshop moves beyond toxic positivity and the pressure to “fix” difficult thoughts or emotions. Instead, parents will learn how to make space for hard feelings while staying grounded in what matters most and moving forward with greater self-compassion and intention.
Thursday May 21 | 12pm ET
Rebuilding Connections: Relationships after the NICU
Join us for a conversation with Evie Mpras, CEO and host of the Bonds after Baby podcast and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), as we explore how NICU experiences can impact relationships and connection within families and partnerships.
This discussion will focus on navigating communication, emotional distance, and reconnection after the NICU, offering supportive insight and practical tools for strengthening relationships during and after a medically complex journey.
Tuesday May 19 | 12pm ET
Movement for Mental Health
Join Sasha Wolff, Founder & Executive Director of Still I Run, for a conversation on the powerful connection between movement and mental health. Still I Run inspires individuals to move for their mental well-being while working to make running and movement more accessible and inclusive for all.
This conversation will explore how movement can support emotional wellness, stress reduction, and healing, while encouraging participants to find ways to incorporate movement into their own mental health journey.
Friday May 22 | 12pm ET
Black-Centered Mental Health Care
Join us for a closing conversation of NICU Mental Health Week with Yolanda Harris, MA, LSW, LP, of Village of Healing, as we explore the importance of Black-centered approaches to mental health care for NICU families and the providers who support them.
Joining the conversation are Hailee Childs, Program Director at POEM and Project NICU Board Member, and Leah Moody, RN, NICU Nurse at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.
This discussion will highlight culturally responsive care, the impact of systemic inequities, and the importance of honoring lived experience in the healing process for both families and providers.
in-Person Events
Wednesday, May 20 | 6pm
REvive Studio
Lakewood
A special FREE NICU Mental Health Week wellness experience at Revive Studio designed just for NICU parents, caregivers, and supporters who deserve a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves.
This gentle evening will include a calming yoga flow and guided breathwork session focused on stress relief, nervous system regulation, and emotional restoration.
Come as you are, no prior yoga or breathwork experience needed
Free event | Space is limited | Registration required!
Monday, May 18 | 7pm
Project NICU Office
Broadview Heights
Join us for a special In-Person Parent Circle, a time created just for you to connect, share, and feel supported alongside other NICU parents who truly understand the journey with a little extra comfort and joy with our special guest, therapy dog Bellini
Whether you’re currently in the NICU, navigating life after discharge, or honoring your baby’s memory, this space is here for you. Parent Circle is a safe, welcoming environment to talk openly, listen, and build meaningful connections within the NICU community.
Parent Circles
Navigating a NICU journey, no matter the length of stay or how much time has passed, can be deeply challenging. Parent Circles are Project NICU’s support groups, offering a safe, welcoming, and cost-free space to connect with others who understand.
-
Monday, May 18 | 7pm ET
ZOOM
REGISTER HERE -
Monday, May 18 | 7pm
Project NICU Office
700 Ken Mar Pkwy
Broadview Heights, OH 44147 -
Tuesday May 19 | 8:30pm ET
ZOOM
REGISTER HERE -
Wednesday May 20 | 8:30pm ET
ZOOM
REGISTER HERE