National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT)

👶 Attention: Developmental Care Champions 👶🏽✨

Ever wonder why developmental care isn't consistently practiced in every NICU? A recent integrative review identifies three key barriers:

✨ Attitude: Personal beliefs about the clinical impact of care. Clinicians are more likely to prioritize interventions, like parent involvement, when they see a clear link to improved infant outcomes.

✨ Subjective Norm: Expectations hindered by a lack of clear leadership, standardized policies, and organizational support.

✨ Perceived Control: Feeling unable to provide care due to staffing shortages, lack of equipment, or limited specialized training.

Let’s help break the barriers!

💡 Empower Champions: Neonatal therapists can lead initiatives to improve unit culture and champion the benefits of developmental care practices.

📚 Continuous Growth: Implement ongoing education and peer to peer mentorship programs.

🤝 Secure Support: Seek administrative support for adequate staffing and resources.

Source:
Logsdon, S., & Arter, S. (2025). Barriers to Developmental Care in the NICU: An Integrative Review. Journal of Nursing Care Quality

If you’ve been sitting with that quiet thought of “maybe this is the year I finally work on my leadership skills”… this is probably your sign to stop overthinking it.

Launch was created for neonatal professionals who want to grow personally and professionally, no matter your title or position. Because leadership in the NICU doesn’t only happen in formal roles. Sometimes it’s speaking up with more confidence. Supporting your team differently. Managing your time better. Or realizing what’s been getting in your way all along.

Over six months, you’ll work closely with Sue Ludwig and Chrysty Sturdivant through leadership trainings, guidance calls, accountability tools, and honest conversations with a small group of peers who get it.

Enrollment closes tonight.

If Launch has been on your mind, we’d love to have you join us.

https://launchleadershipprogram.com/

Today is the LAST DAY to join Ignite! 🤍

Join us in this 10-month specialized online training and mentoring program designed specifically for neonatal therapists. This program is designed for neonatal therapists who want more clarity, confidence, and connection in their daily work.

If you've been waiting for the right time—registration closes TODAY.

📚 Learn more about Ignite → https://igniteneonatalmentoringprogram.com/

🚨 NANT 17 THEME ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

Connection Heals.

And honestly, we can’t think of a better way to describe the heart of neonatal therapy.

Every day in the NICU, we witness the power of connection. Between babies and parents. Between caregivers and infants learning to feel safe in the world. Between professionals working together to support development, regulation, healing, and hope during some really vulnerable moments.

Science continues to confirm what neonatal professionals have known all along. Relationships matter. Presence matters. Human connection shapes development in lasting ways.

But this theme is also about us.

Because neonatal care can feel isolating sometimes. Emotionally. Professionally. Even geographically. And the relationships we build with colleagues, mentors, and interdisciplinary teams are often the very things that sustain us and strengthen the care we provide.

So yes, Connection Heals is about babies and families. But it’s about this community too. (Which feels especially important right now.)

We cannot wait to explore this theme together at NANT 17 in Orlando.
https://nantconference.com/early-notification/

💛 Ignite Testimonial 💛

"The Ignite Program is the best educational program I have ever taken. Each and every aspect is taught clearly with examples. Many resources are provided. The instructors have in-depth knowledge and are amazing. I'm very happy I could do this program."

- Archana Kanade, PT

Join us for a transformative learning experience designed to elevate your practice. Don't miss out on this opportunity that will empower you to make a lasting impact on the lives of newborns and their families.

Enrollment is open now. Will you join us? https://igniteneonatalmentoringprogram.com/

🌟 NANT Core Value Spotlight: Excellence

Excellence means showing up with the highest intention for the greatest good— every moment, every time.

We embrace lifelong learning, continual skill refinement, and true collaboration to bring the best care possible to the bedside.

In the NICU, all roads lead to one purpose: serving babies and families with compassion, precision, and heart.

💛 Excellence isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are.

Calling all neonatal therapists! 👶💪

Join NANT President Sue Ludwig and VP Chrysty Sturdivant for a second cohort and discover how the Launch Leadership Program can help you.

But, what is Launch?
✨ A program for healthcare professionals ready to boost their leadership skills
✨ Ideal for those looking to lead collaboratively and become positive change agents
✨ A chance to invest in your personal and professional development

Launch is an opportunity for you to live and work at a whole different level through our 6-month leadership program.

Ready to elevate your leadership skills? Join the NANT Launch Program today!
https://launchleadershipprogram.com/

Your work deserves a wider audience.

NANT 17 will connect neonatal therapists and neonatal professionals from around the world — in 2026 we welcomed 750 attendees from 11 countries. Submitting an abstract for an oral or poster presentation is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the specialty and improve developmental outcomes for babies in the NICU and their families.

All professions and NICU parents are welcome to submit.

https://neonataltherapists.org/nant17cfa

NANT 17 Call for Abstracts – Now Open - National Association of Neonatal Therapists The NANT 17 theme, Connection Heals, reflects a truth we witness every day in neonatal care: babies require human connection to heal, grow, and develop. Connection is foundational to development. It’s the connection between babies and parents. It’s the connection with caregivers ...