Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Whitaker.
Hi Kathryn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2009, I found myself in a high-risk pregnancy with my fifth baby. He was born early and immediately admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). After a life-threatening surgery, followed by six more, I was suffering from PTSD, overwhelm, and exhaustion; a brand-new nonprofit in Austin launched the same month he was born, and Providence allowed me to meet and befriend the founder of Hand to Hold, Kelli Kelley. Hand to Hold provides free support, peer counseling, bereavement services, and more for NICU families. For the next decade, Kelli served as my mentor and friend as our family navigated the highs and lows of having a medically fragile child. In late 2022, Hand to Hold wanted to transition the podcast to someone passionate about NICU babies and families. I was honored to say YES. I am incredibly proud of the content we are creating, helping NICU moms, dads, and caregivers survive a NICU experience and find a way to thrive. It is gratifying work.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No NICU mom would ever say her path was smooth! But boy, have we learned how to advocate for our child, family, and future. 2019, I published my first book, Live Big, Love Bigger. It is an award-winning book about living an intentional, hell yes, life. It’s currently in its fourth reprint and, I pray, helping people from all stations of life determine their family’s culture and move forward confidently.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear several professional hats besides my most important profession of mom, and I love them all. They allow me to exercise so many interests. My two podcasts with Hand to Hold – NICU Heroes (for NICU professionals) and NICU Babies Parent Support (for NICU parents) allow me to educate others about the NICU experience, whether they are days, months, or years past their stay. Writing a book opened many doors, including speaking around the country to groups about forming a community, defining family culture, and living intentionally. You can hear me every week on Sirius XM Radio, Channel 129, delivering 60-second tidbits on big family tips that apply to anyone in their season of life. I occasionally host and co-host talk shows there, too, because I am a proper Texan and a graduate of Texas A&M (ha!) I also serve as the Executive Director for the Association of Former Yell Leaders.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
As more women give birth later in life, thus increasing the potential for high-risk pregnancies, there continues to be a need for quality healthcare and support for their experience. Hand to Hold continues to expand its footprint in helping moms, dads, and caregivers navigate that highly stressful and traumatic experience. Providing online and in-person resources for them is so needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: kathrynwhitaker.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kathrynwhitakertx
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kathrynwhitakertx
