Chicago, Illinois, USA: Indian-American Doctor to Lead National Conference on NICU Mental Health
Hand to Hold’s annual gathering will highlight Neel Shah’s efforts in promoting equitable maternal and neonatal care amid rising NICU mental health concerns across the country.
Hand to Hold, a nationwide nonprofit that supports families with premature or medically fragile infants, will organise its annual National NICU Mental Health Conference on November 5–6, 2025. The event will feature Indian-American physician and maternal health advocate Neel Shah as the keynote speaker.
Shah, who serves as chief medical officer at Maven Clinic—the world’s largest digital platform for women’s and family health—will guide conversations on creating compassionate, fair care systems for families with infants in the NICU. A visiting scientist at Harvard Medical School, Shah has published more than 100 research papers and contributed to four books focused on healthcare innovation.
This virtual conference stands as the only U.S. event bringing together NICU parents and healthcare providers to tackle pressing mental health issues, exchange knowledge, and promote advocacy. Scheduled during Prematurity Awareness Month, it emphasises the emotional and psychological challenges faced by parents of premature infants, who are often at high risk for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Sheehan Fisher, an associate professor and perinatal psychologist at Northwestern University, will also join the event, presenting research on perinatal mood disorders in parents. Both keynote speakers will highlight the critical need for mental health support for families navigating traumatic births and extended neonatal care.
“The reality is that more families are affected by NICU admissions every year,” said Katrina Moline, executive director of Hand to Hold and a parent who experienced the NICU firsthand.
“Our goal with the NICU Mental Health Conference is to enhance outcomes for NICU infants by equipping families and healthcare professionals with the education, resources, and emotional guidance necessary to manage complex care situations and challenging circumstances,” she added.
This year’s program will feature leading experts in neonatal and perinatal health, addressing topics like health equity, provider burnout, trauma-informed practices, and coping with grief and loss.
The conference seeks to deepen understanding of the emotional impact associated with traumatic births and NICU experiences, while promoting culturally sensitive, family-centred care. Parents will also have the opportunity to hear personal stories of resilience and recovery from other NICU families.
During the event, Hand to Hold will present its 2025 NICU Hero Awards, honouring a standout NICU professional and a hospital unit that demonstrates excellence in family-focused care.
Attendance is free for NICU parents, ensuring that families caring for medically fragile infants can access the conference without barriers.
