National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT)

04/23/2025

🌷 Spring showers bring May flowers and longer periods of sun!
This shift in light can influence the rhythmic signals within and between the cells in our body.

👶 How does this changing light exposure influence the development of babies in the neoantal intensive care unit (NICU)? While current research has begun to shed some light on this topic, the specific impact of light itself on neonatal development remains unclear.

🧠 At the core of this system is the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a small brain region that serves as the body’s central pacemaker guiding our biological clock. The circadian rhythm within the womb is guided by the mother’s physiologic signals which are no longer received following preterm birth. It remains uncertain whether the neonatal circadian timing system can function independently of the mother. Understanding this mechanism will offer critical insights into how we adjust our NICU care to optimize growth and development.

💡 Current research suggests that introducing a light/dark cycle in the NICU may promote weight gain and earlier discharge, however, further studies are needed to better inform guidelines. Until then, clinicians are advised to follow existing protocols to minimize bright light exposure, use cycled lighting strategies, and make individual infant needs a priority.

Interested in learning more? Here are some articles on this topic:

• Beginning to See the Light: Lessons Learned From the Development of the Circadian System for Optimizing Light Conditions in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.634034/full

• Characterizing light-dark cycles in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: a retrospective observational study https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1217660/full

• Effects of the neonatal intensive care environment on circadian health and development of preterm infants https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1243162/full

04/22/2025

“The experience of Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital underscores the importance of comprehensive, team-based training in neonatal care, particularly in preparing therapists and other healthcare professionals to meet the unique needs of infants transitioning from the NICU to rehabilitation settings.

The team's proactive approach to enhancing their skills and fostering collaboration exemplifies a commitment to providing the highest quality of care to their patients.”

https://neonataltherapists.org/ignitegroupspotlight

The team's proactive approach to enhancing their skills and fostering collaboration exemplifies a commitment to providing the highest quality of care to their patients.

04/21/2025

📢 April’s Featured Course 📢

New Release! Musculoskeletal Development of the Premature Infant Chest Wall: It Takes More Than the Lungs to Breathe
🧑‍🏫 Taught by Holly Schifsky, OTR/L, CNT, NTMTC, CBIS

Understanding how the musculoskeletal system supports breathing is key to helping premature infants develop essential skills for movement, feeding, and sensory integration. This course covers:
✔️ Typical and atypical trunk development in preterm infants
✔️ How breathing patterns affect motor and feeding skills
✔️ Strategies to assess and support self-ventilation

📌 Register now to expand your knowledge and improve outcomes for the infants you care for!

https://neonataltherapists.com/courses/musculoskeletal-development-of-the-premature-infant-chest-wall-it-takes-more-than-the-lungs-to-breathe/

04/20/2025

🐰 Happy Easter from NANT! 🌸

Wishing you a day of deep joy, fresh beginnings, and sweet moments—just like the little ones we care for every day. Enjoy the season! 💛

04/16/2025

🥁 Drum roll, please… 🥁

Meet our Ignite Rural Neonatal Therapy Scholarship winner… Rachel Hefner, OT/L! 🎉

This scholarship provides the opportunity to gain essential NICU knowledge and skills through our Ignite Program, setting the stage for growth and confidence in neonatal therapy.

This was Rachel's response, "My daughter was born at 30 weeks and 6 days and spent 7 weeks in the NICU. She is my inspiration."

Join us in congratulating Rachel on this well-deserved achievement! 🎊

04/14/2025

Real-Time Support, Anytime You Need It!

One of the best parts of being a NANT Member? 24/7 access to our private Facebook group, where you can connect with fellow neonatal therapists and get real-world advice—right when you need it!

💡 Have a question? Ask away! Our community is here to share insights, experiences, and solutions.

Here are a few examples of what Members are asking:

❓ "For Level 3 NICUs, when do you receive orders for PT, OT, and SLP? Are these standing orders at admission or consulted later? At what gestation do you start therapy?"

❓ "For a level IV NICU- what kind of data do you consistently track for developmental care?"

❓ "Our clothing supply is running low in the NICU. How do you all stock clothes? Donations? New only?"

Whether you're looking for clinical guidance, resource ideas, or fresh perspectives, this group is your go-to space for support from those who understand the NICU world best.

Already a Member? Jump into the conversation! Not yet a member? Join today and stay connected!

04/10/2025

📅 Save the Date for NANT 16! 📅

We’re headed to Arlington, Texas! Mark your calendars for April 16–18, 2026, and join us at the Loews Hotel for another incredible gathering of neonatal therapy professionals.

Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to see you there! ✨

04/09/2025

Working with WISE over the years has been such an incredible experience and they have truly become part of our team. Thank you for being part of NANT!

For over five years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside NANT, and it’s been an incredible experience. Watching them grow while staying true to their mission—and seeing the impact they have on neonatal therapists—is truly inspiring.

And now, celebrating a sold-out annual conference? That’s an amazing milestone and so well deserved!

It’s not just work for us; it’s a partnership we’re grateful for. Our team feels like part of the NANT family, and collaborating with them brings us so much joy.

Congrats again, ! We’re honored to be part of your journey and can’t wait to see what’s next!

04/09/2025

A huge THANK YOU to our former NANT Conference Committee for their dedication, creativity, and hard work! You have all been instrumental in bringing this incredible conference to life! 🎉

From curating top-notch education to creating spaces for connection and inspiration, this team has poured their time and talents into making the annual NANT conference a one-of-a-kind experience.

We are grateful for your dedication to mentoring the next group of conference planning partners, including the new Abstract Review Committee and new Onsite Conference Volunteers. 👏 We appreciate you more than words can say! Drop a ❤️ in the comments to show them some love!

04/08/2025

Save the Date for NANT 16 in 2026!

https://neonataltherapists.org/savethedatenant16

Save the Date for NANT 16 in Arlington Texas!

04/07/2025

The Ignite Program is designed to help therapists confidently step into the NICU with the knowledge and tools they need. Just ask Shannon White, OTR/L:

"This course truly helped me prepare to transition from pediatric acute care to the NICU. I was able to apply what I learned (or relearned) immediately. It also strengthened the language I use when talking with families or other care providers."

Whether you're new to neonatal therapy or looking to reinforce your foundation, Ignite provides practical, real-world education you can use right away. Are you ready to take the next step?

📢 Learn more today! https://igniteneonatalmentoringprogram.com/

04/03/2025

Thank You for an Unforgettable NANT 15! 💙

Indianapolis was filled with learning, connection, and inspiration, and it wouldn’t have been the same without each and every one of you! Your energy, expertise, and commitment made this year so special.

A huge thank you to our incredible speakers who shared their knowledge and to all who contributed to the conversations that will carry back to NICUs around the world. The bonds created and strengthened during NANT 15 will continue to make a difference in the lives of babies and families every day.

Keep sharing your favorite moments and photos—don’t forget to use ! 📸✨

04/02/2025

🌟 April is Occupational Therapy Month! 🌟

This month, we celebrate the incredible work of occupational therapists who bring skill, compassion, and dedication to the NICU and beyond. The 2025 theme, “Occupational Therapy: Inspiring Hope, Changing Lives,” reflects the impact OT has on patients, families, and communities every day.

💙 Whether helping fragile newborns thrive, supporting families, or shaping the future of neonatal therapy, OTs play a vital role in improving lives.

📢 Share your OT pride! Tell us what being an OT means to you and how you’re making a difference.

04/01/2025

🎉 Congratulations to our NANT 15 Award and Scholarship Recipients! 🏆

🏅 Excellence in Clinical Practice Award – Ginny McGill, PT, DPT, CNT, NTMTC

📊 Excellence in Research Award – Christy Gliniak, PhD, OTR/L, CNT, CPXP, NTMTC

💼 Nicholas Glynn Beischel Memorial Scholarship – Laura E. Franke, MS, OTR/L, CNT, CLC, CPST

👏 Ann J. Beischel Scholarship for Family-Centered Care – Katie Bochi, MA, CCC-SLP, NTMTC & Mari Cunningham, DPT, NTMTC, CPST

🌍 NANT International Scholarship – Alison Sheppard, NZRPT, CNT, TIP, NTMTC (New Zealand)

These outstanding recipients are making a meaningful impact in neonatal therapy. Join us in celebrating their dedication and achievements! 🎉👏

04/01/2025

Congratulations to all! Your efforts improve the lives of babies and families all over the world and elevate the specialty of neonatal therapy. Thanks for all you do!

https://neonataltherapists.org/nant15awards

Congratulations! Your efforts improve the lives of babies and families all over the world and elevate the specialty of neonatal therapy. 

03/31/2025

Affectionate Caregiver Touch has 🖐🏽 Five Superpowers:

🧠 It shapes the infant's somatosensory system during experience-dependent maturation
⚠️ It supports an infant’s autonomic regulation and reduces stress reactivity
😷 It activates an infant’s immune function and reduces their risk of infection
💓 It plays a fundamental role in affiliative bonding wtih parents
🔗 It creates a strong foundation for future social cognition

Neonatal therapists advocate for affectionate touch by parents and provide coaching support when needed to deliver hand hugs, skin to skin holding, infant massage, etc.
Anything we can do to promote positive, loving touch to enhance development!

"Nothing is so healing as the human touch!" - Bobby Fischer

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03/27/2025

🚀 Ready to Grow as a Leader? Enrollment for the Launch Leadership Program is Open!

Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about having the skills and confidence to make an impact from any position. Launch is a 6-month online program designed to help neonatal therapists strengthen their leadership skills, tackle challenges, and gain clarity in both work and life.

Led by Sue Ludwig, NANT President & Founder, and Chrysty Sturdivant, NANT Vice President, this small, interactive program gives you:
✅ Expert mentorship and personalized guidance
✅ Leadership strategies you can apply right away
✅ A supportive group of peers (only 9 spots available!)
✅ 50% off NANT Conference tuition

🔗 Spots are limited—apply now! https://launchleadershipprogram.com/

Drop a 🚀 in the comments if you’re ready to take the next step!

03/27/2025

🌟 Welcome to Day 1 of NANT 15! 🌟

The wait is over—Day 1 is finally here! 🎉

We've got an exciting agenda lined up today with amazing sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities to get us all inspired and ready for the full conference ahead.

🔖 Up first, is a Hands-on Approach to Neonatal Therapists
🔖 And later, don't miss How to Thrive Together in Palliative Care
🎉 Then join us for the Welcome Reception sponsored by Pampers!

We’re so excited to see everyone and kick off this unforgettable event! 💡

💬 Tell us one word you’re feeling as we begin this journey together! Drop it in the comments—we want to hear from you!