Send us Fan Mail

This episode features Dr. Sarah Swenson (Children’s Nebraska), Dr. Cara Solness, PhD (Children’s Nebraska), and Dr. Desiree Leverette (Emory/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) discussing equitable approaches to parental mental health screening in the NICU. They highlight that traditional programs often screen only mothers for depression, missing significant distress among non-gestational parents, especially fathers. Universal screening identified five times more affected partners, improving opportunities for support. The guests underscore the developmental importance of including all caregivers, the need to address stigma and fears of CPS involvement, and the value of trauma-informed communication. They advocate for integrated NICU psychologists and tailored, equity-focused interventions, including telehealth and culturally responsive materials.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

This episode features Joshua Hess, MSN, RN discussing strategies to encourage more nurses to attend neonatal conferences where interdisciplinary collaboration drives meaningful quality improvement. Hess highlights how nurse involvement ensures clinical decisions reflect bedside realities, especially in managing conditions like BPD. He describes his unit’s culture of first-name, physician-nurse partnership and how institutional support and presenting a poster helped him attend. He also shares his team’s safe sleep quality initiative, which standardized education, created an order for “safe sleep readiness,” and significantly reduced unsafe sleep environments. Hess encourages NICUs to empower nurses as conference participants, educators, and change leaders.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

This discussion features Dr. Malathi Balasundaram and Morgan Kowalski, leaders of the CHNC Family-Centered Care Task Force, outlining how Family Partnership Councils integrate families as true partners in NICU care, policy development, and quality improvement. Instead of providing feedback after decisions are made, families co-create guidelines and initiatives from the start, promoting empowerment and more meaningful parent presence. They describe barriers such as recruitment, compensation, scheduling, and staff uncertainty, and offer practical strategies including foundation support, transparent role expectations, and diversifying family representation. The Task Force’s webinars, office hours, and survey-driven improvement tools help units build sustainable, equitable, family-centered practices across both NICU and follow-up care settings.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Incubator Podcast, Ben and Daphna are joined by Fabiana Bacchini, Dr. Tiffany Gladdis, and Bianka Gallina to discuss the development and launch of Neopedia, a free, multilingual online platform designed to support families navigating the NICU and beyond.

The team explains how Neopedia was created by an international group of parent advocates and medical experts to bridge the information gap many families face during and after neonatal hospitalization. They walk through the site’s structure—including tabs on pregnancy, NICU life, going home, and long-term outcomes—and explain how content was written to be accurate, accessible, and supportive without being overwhelming.

The conversation also explores how Neopedia addresses mental health, the importance of family-centered education, and how the platform is intended for both parents and clinicians. The episode highlights why this resource fills a critical need: empowering parents to ask better questions, understand what’s happening, and advocate for their children across different stages and settings.

Visit neopedia.org to explore the site. Available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Incubator Podcast, Ben and Daphna sit down with certified birth doula and lactation counselor Latoya Southwell for a wide-ranging conversation about the role doulas play in supporting families before, during, and after birth. LaToya shares her personal and professional path into birth work, and how her experiences shaped a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approach to supporting laboring people—particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

The conversation covers what doulas do (and don’t do), how they differ from midwives, and how they advocate for safe, informed, and emotionally grounded birth experiences. LaToya talks candidly about how she prepares clients for unexpected outcomes, including C-sections and NICU admissions, and how doulas can collaborate with healthcare teams rather than be in conflict with them.

She also introduces the Baby Café initiative—an informal peer support network she co-founded to reduce isolation and provide postpartum support for new mothers—and explains why preparing families for postpartum is just as critical as planning for labor.

This episode is a practical introduction to the real work of birth doulas—and an invitation to rethink how care teams can work together to improve outcomes and experiences for parents and babies alike.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of From the Heart, Dr. Nim Goldshtrom and Dr. Adrianne Bischoff walk through a complex neonatal case involving sudden decompensation shortly after birth. With few early clues and no clear diagnosis, the team discusses how to approach circulatory shock, differentiate pulmonary hypertension from congenital heart disease, and manage critically ill neonates before imaging is available.

Using this case as a reverse journal club, the hosts break down relevant literature and decision-making pathways: when to start prostaglandin, when epinephrine makes sense even without low blood pressure, and why relying only on numbers like MAP can be misleading. They also examine the role of therapeutic hypothermia in unstable infants and the potential cardiovascular consequences of cooling.

Later, the conversation focuses on left ventricular dysfunction, balancing systemic and pulmonary circulation via the ductus, and using bedside markers like lactate and perfusion to guide treatment when echo isn’t immediately available. The episode closes with thoughts on autoregulation, cerebral protection, and the evolving role of emerging technologies in neonatal hemodynamics.

A real-world deep dive into diagnostic uncertainty, evolving physiology, and decision-making under pressure in the NICU.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

This week on Tech Tuesday, Ben and Daphna speak with Dr. Zina Yudina, founder and CEO of BabyLat, a Swiss startup building a novel device to help hospitals create fortifier directly from a mother’s own milk!

Zina shares how the idea began as a way to support working mothers with limited maternity leave, but quickly evolved into a system for concentrating and fortifying human milk for preterm and very low birth weight infants. The BabyLat device uses pressure-driven ultrafiltration to preserve the natural components of human milk while boosting its nutritional value, all in a compact unit designed for hospital use.

The conversation covers how hospitals might implement the tool, how much time is currently spent fortifying feeds manually, and how BabyLat fits into the larger movement toward 100% human milk-based nutrition. Zina also discusses the challenges of raising support for neonatal innovations, and how clinical teams can get involved in early research and pilot use.

It’s a practical look at the future of personalized milk preparation—and what it might take to make it a new standard of care.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s Journal Club, Ben and Daphna unpack a series of recent studies exploring outcomes in neonatology—from long-term mortality after severe neonatal morbidity to short-term feeding strategies in preterm infants.

They open with a large population-based Swedish study showing that infants who experience severe neonatal morbidities face elevated mortality risks well into adolescence—especially those with neurological complications. The discussion highlights how early-life diagnoses carry weight far beyond the NICU, and how long-term support systems may not be fully equipped to manage that risk.

Next, the hosts examine a small German crossover trial on prone positioning, revealing that even simple changes in posture may cut hypoxemic episodes in half. They follow this with a randomized trial comparing dopamine and norepinephrine for neonatal septic shock, a data-heavy look at the nuanced physiology behind first-line interventions.

The episode rounds out with studies on cold milk for feeding dysphagia, late-onset sepsis risk with hydrocortisone, the impact of tele-neonatology on cooling time in HIE, and a new meta-analysis on kangaroo care’s role in reducing infection.

It’s a pragmatic, fast-paced overview of recent literature shaping how we care for vulnerable newborns.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

All-cause mortality and infection-related outcomes of hospital-initiated kangaroo care versus conventional neonatal care for low-birthweight infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Minotti C, Jost K, Aghlmandi S, Schlaeppi C, Sieswerda E, van Werkhoven CH, Schulzke SM, Bielicki JA.Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2025 Jul;9(7):470-483. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(25)00130-0. Epub 2025 May 26.PMID: 40441171 Free article.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Norepinephrine versus Dopamine for Septic Shock in Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Mazhari MYA, Priyadarshi M, Singh P, Chaurasia S, Basu S.J Pediatr. 2025 Jul;282:114599. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114599. Epub 2025 Apr 17.PMID: 40252959 Clinical Trial.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

From Warm to Cold: Feeding Cold Milk to Preterm Infants with Uncoordinated Oral Feeding Patterns.

Ferrara-Gonzalez L, Kamity R, Htun Z, Dumpa V, Islam S, Hanna N.Nutrients. 2025 Apr 26;17(9):1457. doi: 10.3390/nu17091457.PMID: 40362766 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Impact of teleneonatology on time to goal temperature in outborn neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy requiring therapeutic hypothermia.

Kaczor M, Hentz R, Youssef PE, Fine A, Fang J.J Perinatol. 2025 May 29. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02324-y. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40442292

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Prophylactic hydrocortisone and the risk of sepsis in neonates born extremely preterm.

Baud O, Lehert P; PREMILOC study group.Eur J Pediatr. 2025 Jun 14;184(7):419. doi: 10.1007/s00431-025-06248-9.PMID: 40515786 Clinical Trial.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

This discussion features Dr. Clyde Wright, Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who studies perinatal innate immunity and neonatal lung injury. He highlights the rapid rise of acetaminophen as the most commonly used medication for ductal closure in preterm infants despite limited long-term safety data. Dr. Wright explains how acetaminophen metabolism via CYP2E1 produces a reactive metabolite that may affect mitochondrial function in developing lung cells, prompting consideration beyond hepatic toxicity markers. He encourages clinicians to remain judicious, especially outside optimal treatment windows, and calls for research incorporating respiratory outcomes and nuanced, individualized risk–benefit discussions at the bedside.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Prone Positioning Was Associated With Less Hypoxemic Events and Improved Feeding Tolerance in Preterm Infants.

Bohnhorst B, Lutz E, Pirr S, Peter C, Böhne C.Acta Paediatr. 2025 May 26. doi: 10.1111/apa.70153. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40418109

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Severe Neonatal Morbidity and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Through Infancy and Late Adolescence.

Graham H, Johansson K, Persson M, Norman M, Razaz N.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 Jun 10:e251873. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.1873. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40493844

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Neo News, journalist and New York Times critic-at-large Amanda Hess joins host Dr. Eli Cahan to revisit the story behind her viral essay, “My Son Has a Rare Syndrome, So I Turned to the Internet.” Amanda shares the disorienting experience of receiving her son’s diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome during a routine third-trimester ultrasound and the digital spiral that followed.

As a new parent navigating the NICU and early medical complexities, she reflects on the paradox of modern care: how high-tech diagnostics coexist with emotional disconnection—and how often the only available companion is the search bar. The conversation explores the reality of caregiving with limited context, the emotional fallout of confronting diagnosis alone, and the unpredictable role of the internet and social media in shaping parental perception.

Drawing from her upcoming book Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age, Amanda brings a clear-eyed perspective on the information gaps, algorithmic noise, and the human need for clarity when the stakes are impossibly high.

Listen in for a raw and thoughtful look at what happens between the scan, the screen, and the real child in your arms.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we speak with neonatal nurse scientists Dr. Marliese Nist and Dr. Kathy Dudding to explore the evolving understanding of neonatal pain and stress in the NICU. Together, we look at how outdated assumptions about infant pain still influence clinical care, and what providers can do to better recognize and respond to the signs of stress in fragile newborns.

Our guests discuss how even routine care can be a source of stress for preterm infants, and why thoughtful, individualized approaches—such as comfort touch and parental involvement—can make a meaningful difference. They also highlight the lack of standardization in pain protocols across NICUs and the limitations of existing assessment tools.

This conversation offers practical takeaways for clinicians at the bedside and makes the case for system-wide change in how we approach pain management and developmental care. The episode is part of our collaboration with the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN), and underscores the vital role of interdisciplinary teamwork in improving neonatal outcomes.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this special “advocacy roundup” episode, Dr. Shetal Shah and Stephanie Glier return to break down the latest developments in federal healthcare policy and their real-world consequences for neonatologists and the families they serve. With sweeping budget legislation threatening to cut Medicaid funding by nearly 10%, they explain how these changes could destabilize the financial foundations of neonatal care, reduce access to critical services, and deepen existing health disparities. From threats to NICU funding and children’s hospitals to the ripple effects of limiting postpartum and parental coverage, they connect the dots between Washington decisions and bedside realities. 

Listeners also get a pragmatic guide on how clinicians—without needing to be policy experts—can engage effectively with lawmakers to protect Medicaid’s role in children’s healthcare. If you work in neonatal care or advocate for health equity, this is an essential listen that explains what’s on the line and what you can do about it—now.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s Journal Club, Ben and Daphna dive into the latest report from the American Academy of Pediatrics on the management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. They dissect the nuances of prophylactic versus selective treatment, review recent meta-analyses, and explore why early intervention might not yield better outcomes despite effective PDA closure. They also break down new echocardiographic criteria for diagnosing a hemodynamically significant PDA and discuss the role of transcatheter procedures.

The conversation then shifts to MRI timing and classification in neonatal encephalopathy, highlighting recent Canadian consensus recommendations for standardizing imaging protocols post-therapeutic hypothermia. The episode wraps up with a look at the TOHOP trial on permissive hypotension, challenging long-standing blood pressure treatment thresholds in preterm infants.

Listeners will gain a pragmatic view of evolving clinical practices and research gaps in neonatal care, particularly for infants with PDA and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. If you’re looking to stay current on evidence-based recommendations without the fluff, this episode is for you.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

This discussion features Dr. Beena Kamath-Rayne, a neonatologist at Lurie Children’s and Senior Vice President of Global Health and Clinical Skills at the American Academy of Pediatrics, describing how collaborative programs are improving neonatal care quality nationwide. She explains the AAP’s NICU Verification (Neonatal Excellence) Program, which supports level II–IV units in evaluating their structures, processes, and outcomes against national standards through a collaborative, non-punitive survey model. Dr. Kamath-Rayne also highlights the DRIVE Network, which captures delivery room practices to address variation, including CPAP use in term infants. Key takeaways include coordinating with obstetric teams, preparing early for NRP updates, and engaging in mentorship and global neonatal initiatives.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Treatment of Hypotension of Prematurity: a randomised trial.

Alderliesten T, Arasteh E, van Alphen A, Groenendaal F, Dudink J, Benders MJ, van Bel F, Lemmers P.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 May 24:fetalneonatal-2024-328253. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-328253. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40413017

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Shifting outlooks after neonatal encephalopathy in the era of therapeutic hypothermia.

Christoffel K, Mulkey SB.Pediatr Res. 2025 Jun 4. doi: 10.1038/s41390-025-04156-0. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40467976 Review.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Consensus Approach for Standardization of the Timing of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Classification of Brain Injury in Neonates With Neonatal Encephalopathy/Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Canadian Perspective.

Mohammad K, Reddy Gurram Venkata SK, Wintermark P, Farooqui M, Beltempo M, Hicks M, Zein H, Shah PS, Garfinkle J, Sandesh S, Cizmeci MN, Fajardo C, Guillot M, de Vries LS, Pinchefsky E, Shroff M, Scott JN; Newborn Brain Health Working Group of the Canadian Neonatal Network.Pediatr Neurol. 2025 May;166:16-31. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2025.01.021. Epub 2025 Feb 12.PMID: 40048833 Free article.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Active Treatment vs Expectant Management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis.

Buvaneswarran S, Wong YL, Liang S, Quek SC, Lee J.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 May 27:e251025. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.1025. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40423988 Free PMC 

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants.

Ambalavanan N, Aucott SW, Salavitabar A, Levy VY; Committee on Fetus and Newborn; Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery.Pediatrics. 2025 May 1;155(5):e2025071425. doi: 10.1542/peds.2025-071425.PMID: 40288780 Review.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this special Tech Tuesday episode of The Incubator Podcast, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie—neonatologist, author, and co-host of the AAP’s Pediatrics on Call podcast. They dive into her new book, The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with Your Newborn, a resource designed to demystify early parenting through a blend of evidence-based guidance and real-world experience.

Joanna shares how her background in neonatology and her work in both NICU and newborn nursery settings shaped the stories and structure of the book. The conversation highlights the overwhelming amount of information modern parents face, and how the book’s approachable format aims to reduce stress and empower bonding. The team discusses the science behind early relational health, how clinicians can better support families, and the importance of maintaining humanity in both parenting and medical practice.

Whether you’re a parent, provider, or someone interested in pediatric health communication, this episode offers insights into bridging clinical knowledge with compassionate storytelling—and why it’s critical for both family well-being and professional growth.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s episode, Ben and Daphna sit down with Michelle Kelly, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Associate Professor at Villanova University. Michelle is a leading voice in recognizing the lasting impact of preterm birth on long-term health. She shares insights from her co-authored article, Addressing Preterm Birth History with Clinical Practice Recommendations Across the Life Course, which outlines how a history of prematurity should inform lifelong clinical care.

The conversation highlights the gap between neonatal and adult healthcare systems, and why identifying preterm birth history should be a routine part of medical assessments. Michelle also discusses practical strategies to educate families, empower survivors of prematurity, and shift provider assumptions about long-term outcomes. This episode offers a thoughtful and grounded discussion on turning early-life health factors into actionable care across the lifespan.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s Journal Club, Ben and Daphna unpack a wide range of recent neonatal studies with pragmatic, practice-centered discussion. First, they explore a study on low-dose dexamethasone for BPD in preterm infants, showing potential benefits in brain development and motor outcomes—despite ongoing concerns about long-term effects. Next, they discuss a large dataset analysis of oxygen and respiratory support trajectories in extremely preterm infants, offering real-world FiO2 trends and benchmarks that may help frame clinical decisions and counseling.

They also examine the diagnostic limits of consumer-grade pulse oximeters, like the Owlet, comparing their accuracy to hospital-grade monitors—raising real concerns about missed events. A safe sleep initiative study offers evidence that modeling and education during birth hospitalization can improve post-discharge sleep practices, especially across different demographic groups. Finally, they review parent engagement with NICU-focused online health communities, identifying both the benefits and potential friction these platforms create in team-family communication.

From cerebral oxygenation during kangaroo care to the use of enemas in ELBW infants, this episode covers it all—with a focus on what clinicians can take back to the bedside.

Listen in and join the conversation. 

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

The new normal: parental use of online health communities in the NICU.

Adams SY, Tucker R, Lechner BE.Pediatr Res. 2022 Jun;91(7):1827-1833. doi: 10.1038/s41390-021-01684-3. Epub 2021 Aug 17.PMID: 34404928

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this CHNC 2025 conversation, Daphna speaks with Dr. Beverley Brozanski (St. Louis Children’s) and Dr. Anthony Piazza (Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) about the evolution of quality improvement within the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC). They trace the journey from the first collaborative—reducing central line infections—to today’s data-driven, multicenter initiatives powered by the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Database (CHND). Reflecting on lessons learned, they emphasize data over time, inclusion of data abstractors as core collaborators, and mentorship that nurtures the next generation of QI leaders, illustrating how sustained collaboration continues to advance neonatal outcomes nationwide

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Hydrostatic low-volume enemas in infants with birth weight ≤1000 g or gestational age ≤28 weeks: A controlled interventional study.

Stock T, Kamp AM, Waitz M, Riedl-Seifert T, Jenke AC.J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 May 8. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70055. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40344423

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Neonatologists' perceptions of uncertainty: a national survey.

Rholl E, Krick JA, Leuthner SR, Pan AY, Challa SA, Kukora S.J Perinatol. 2025 Apr 19. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02292-3. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40253559 No abstract available.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

The effect of maternal position on cerebral oxygenation in premature infants during Kangaroo care: a randomised controlled trial.

Stapleton I, Murphy S, Vaughan S, Walsh BH, Natchimuthu K, Livingstone V, Dempsey E.J Perinatol. 2025 Apr 5. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02287-0. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40186001

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

A Hospital-Based Initiative for Infant Safe Sleep Practice.

Decker CM, Dunlevey E, Nguyen L, Stence KJ, McCarty E, Jean-Charles TG, Trego T, Ma ZQ.Pediatrics. 2025 Feb 1;155(2):e2024067659. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-067659.PMID: 39799962

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Diagnostic accuracy of an over-the-counter infant pulse oximeter for cardiorespiratory events.

Travers CP, Nakhmani A, Armstead KM, Benz RL, Foshee KM, Carlo WA.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 May 12:fetalneonatal-2025-328540. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-328540. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40355254

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Trajectory of Postnatal Oxygen Requirement in Extremely Preterm Infants.

Groves AM, Bennett MM, Loyd J, Clark RH, Tolia VN.J Pediatr. 2025 Feb;277:114414. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114414. Epub 2024 Nov 20.PMID: 39577761

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Postnatal dexamethasone treatment for preterm infants at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia is associated with improved regional brain volumes: a prospective cohort study.

Chandwani R, Kline J, Altaye M, Parikh N.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 May 13:fetalneonatal-2024-328438. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-328438. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40360237

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s episode of NeoNews, the team reflects on a quiet Mother’s Day before diving into a full slate of stories touching the emotional and political corners of neonatal care. First up: parenting in the digital age. The crew unpacks a gripping New York Times essay by Amanda Hess, whose prenatal diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome led her down the rabbit hole of medical Googling, Facebook support groups, and the complicated power of online communities for medically complex families.

Then, we turn to formula safety and the Biden administration’s new “Operation Stork Speed.” The team discusses the implications for NICU care, parental anxiety, and advocacy in the wake of increased scrutiny over heavy metals and contaminants in infant formula. From there, we navigate the ripple effects of tariffs on medical supplies, pharmacy deserts, and drug shortages—all of which directly impact the NICU.

Rounding out the show: U.S. birth rates now favor parents over 40 versus teens, RSV vaccines show impressive real-world results, and new research questions everything we thought we knew about preemie blood pressures.

Packed with insight, outrage, and a few Dumbo references, this episode covers the headlines shaping neonatal care and the families we serve.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode from the CHNC 2025 Symposium, The Incubator welcomes Dr. Briana Bertoni and Dr. Gene Pallotto to discuss the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium’s (CHNC) CIQI program and its ongoing quality improvement initiatives. They share results from Project Home, a multicenter effort to increase human milk use at discharge—highlighting how transport teams, unified family education, and cultural awareness helped drive progress. The next phase takes a flexible “choose-your-own-adventure” approach, empowering NICUs to target unplanned extubations, nosocomial infections, or oral feeding readiness. With benchmarking, data support, and shared learning, CHNC continues to help diverse teams improve outcomes and shorten NICU stays across the network

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this special anniversary edition of the Journal Club, Ben and Daphna celebrate four years of The Incubator Podcast while diving into a compelling lineup of neonatal studies. The episode kicks off with a review of a phase 2 multicenter trial on the safety of furosemide in preterm infants at risk for BPD. Despite widespread Lasix use in NICUs, data on dosing and safety have been lacking—this study finds no significant increase in serious adverse events but emphasizes the need for larger trials to better define its role. The team then explores a study from India comparing 7- vs. 14-day antibiotic courses in culture-proven neonatal sepsis, showing that shorter courses may be safe and effective in select populations.

Additional discussions include a randomized trial from Australia evaluating “sigh breaths” during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and their effects on lung volume and oxygenation, a study examining how kangaroo mother care boosts breast milk intake, and a large Japanese cohort study detailing neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born at 22–31 weeks. Finally, a meta-analysis on prenatal cannabis exposure underscores risks of low birth weight and preterm birth. With depth, humor, and clarity, Ben and Daphna guide listeners through evidence that shapes neonatal care.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 3 years of preterm infants born at 22-31 weeks' gestation.

Kono Y, Kusuda S, Nishida T, Mori R, Toyoshima K, Sasaki H, Yonemoto N, Uchiyama A, Fujimura M; INTACT Study Group.J Perinatol. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02268-3. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40140596

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Near-infrared spectroscopy during respiratory support at birth: a systematic review.

Monnelly V, Nakwa F, Josephsen JB, Schmölzer GM, Solevåg AL, Rabi Y, Wyckoff MH, Weiner GM, Liley HG; International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Apr 29:fetalneonatal-2025-328577. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-328577. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40306761

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Prenatal Cannabis Use and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Lo JO, Ayers CK, Yeddala S, Shaw B, Robalino S, Ward R, Kansagara D.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 May 5:e250689. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.0689. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40323610

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Interprofessional perspectives on non-invasive respiratory support practices in extremely preterm infants: a Canadian survey.

Martinez TA, Remmer E, Mardakis S, Leone M, Boyer J, Lv S, Beltempo M, Sant'Anna G, Shalish W.J Perinatol. 2025 Apr 12. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02291-4. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40221609

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Effect of kangaroo mother care in low birth weight infants on human milk intake: a randomized controlled trial.

Sinha B, Mazumder S, Thakur A, Devi S, More D, Ashorn P, Sommerfelt H, Kurpad A, Bhandari N.Am J Clin Nutr. 2025 May;121(5):1109-1116. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.02.006. Epub 2025 Feb 11.PMID: 39947481 Free article. Clinical Trial.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Intermittent sigh breaths during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in preterm infants: a randomised crossover study.

Hough JL, Jardine L, Hough MJ, Steele M, Greisen G, Heiring C.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Apr 17;110(3):297-302. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327445.PMID: 39406472 Clinical Trial.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Seven-day versus 14-day antibiotic course for culture-proven neonatal sepsis: a multicentre randomised non-inferiority trial in a low and middle-income country.

Dutta S, Nangia S, Jajoo M, Sundaram M, Kumar M, Shivanna N, Gathwala G, Nesargi S, Jain S, Kumar P, Saili A, Karthik A, Tripathi S, Bandiya P, Dalal P, Ray P, Randhawa VS, Saigal K, Radhakrishnan D, Venkatesh V, Jagannatha B, Sharma M, Nagaraj S, Malik M, Dogra S, Mittal S, Saini A, Makkar N, Dhir M, Chandramohan A, Pragati RA, Srivastava T, Mukundan L, Benakappa N, Shukla A, Rasaily R.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Apr 25:fetalneonatal-2024-328232. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-328232. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40280737

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Furosemide Safety in Preterm Infants at Risk for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Greenberg RG, Lang J, Smith PB, Shekhawat P, Courtney SE, Hudak ML, Moya F, Iyengar A, Eldemerdash A, Bloom B, Go M, Hanna M, Rhein L, Aliaga S, Lewis T, Febre A, Kiefer AS, Bhatt-Mehta V, Khoury JA, Selewski D, Anand R, Martz K, Payne EH, Zimmerman KO, Benjamin DK Jr, Laughon M; Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act – Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee.J Pediatr. 2025 Apr 28:114629. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114629. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40306549

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this CHNC 2025 episode, The Incubator speaks with Dr. Sandy Johng (Seattle Children’s) and Dr. Kelsey Montgomery (Riley Children’s Hospital) about the collaborative work of the CDH Focus Group within the consortium. They discuss a national effort to evaluate bivalirudin versus heparin for ECMO anticoagulation in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia—a shift driven by promising anecdotal evidence but lacking robust data. Through shared cases, systematic review, and consensus guideline development, the group aims to unify practice and elevate research quality. The conversation highlights how real-time collaboration accelerates learning, improves care consistency, and fosters innovation across Level IV NICUs nationwide.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!