# Nobody Prepares You for the NICU: What Parents Need Most

Auggie’s Auggie's Back to School Giveaway is happening!

**Thursday, September 24th**  
**12:00 PM EDT**  
**45 min**

No one plans for a NICU journey, and the experience can be overwhelming for the whole family. Join Lindsey Campbell and a panel of NICU moms, advocates, and specialists for an honest conversation about navigating the emotional challenges of the NICU, preparing for life at home, and finding support along the way. You'll leave with practical guidance, reassurance, and the reminder that you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

## About this event:

No one expects their parenting journey to begin in the NICU.

One moment you're imagining bringing your baby home, and the next you're learning a new language of monitors, rounds, feeding schedules, and medical updates. Alongside the uncertainty comes fear, grief, guilt, hope, and the overwhelming feeling that you're navigating one of the hardest experiences of your life without a roadmap.

Join us for **Nobody Prepares You for the NICU: What Parents Need Most**, a heartfelt conversation about navigating the unexpected journey of having a baby in the NICU. We'll talk honestly about what parents experience, the support they deserve, and the practical guidance that can make those early days—and the transition home—a little less overwhelming.

Moderated by **Lindsey Campbell**, Head of Content at Auggie and a fellow NICU mom, this conversation brings together an incredible group of women who understand this journey from both personal and professional perspectives. Featuring **Kristen Knutson (@callmekristenmarie)**, who has openly shared her family's NICU journey; **Jodi Klaristenfeld**, Founder & CEO of Flrrish and NICU parent advocate; **Kristen Tomlan**, Founder of DO and fellow NICU mom; and **Tammy Balaban**, pediatric occupational therapist and infant feeding specialist.

Together, we'll discuss:

- What no one tells you about becoming a NICU parent  
- Coping with the emotional rollercoaster of the NICU  
- Building confidence while your baby is receiving medical care  
- Preparing for the transition from the NICU to home  
- Supporting your baby's development after discharge  
- Finding community and giving yourself grace through an unexpected journey

Whether you're currently in the NICU, preparing for discharge, or reflecting on an experience that continues to shape your family, this conversation will offer practical guidance, reassurance, and the reminder that you are never alone.

**What is Auggie?** The most trusted community for parents to find answers. Inside the Auggie app, parents get stage-specific guidance, expert content, on-demand events, and a supportive network that reduces the mental load of figuring everything out alone.