Caring Beyond the Crib: Interventions for NICU Birthing People

Hillman Scholar in Nursing Innovation, Alyssa A. Portes, BSN, RN (UNC-Chapel Hill ’26), attended the National Association of Hispanic Nurses National Conference with a travel award from the National Program Office. What follows is her personal reflection on the experience.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of attending the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) conference, thanks to the Hillman small grant/travel award. As a PhD student focused on maternal mental health, this opportunity allowed me to present my findings from my scoping review, Interventions for Psychological Distress in Birthing People with Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

This project highlighted the importance of addressing psychological distress in NICU birthing people, a population often overlooked despite the severe mental health challenges they face. Interventions such as peer support, trauma informed care, and reflective exercises offer promise, but more research is needed to ensure equitable and holistic care.

I am deeply grateful to the Hillman Interdisciplinary Inquiry Grant for making this experience possible. Opportunities like these empower researchers to address gaps and drive meaningful change for the communities we serve. The NAHN conference not only reaffirmed my passion for maternal mental health but also provided the tools and connections to continue making an impact.

Attending the NAHN conference was a transformative experience that combined professional growth and personal fulfillment. My primary goals were to:

1. Enhance my public speaking and presentation skills.
2. Network with experts in maternal mental health, particularly those working with vulnerable communities.
3. Gain knowledge of culturally sensitive research methodologies.
4. Expand my interdisciplinary perspectives. Presenting my poster was both challenging and rewarding. I learned how to present complex findings into an accessible format.

Walking into the conference, I felt anxious as I didn’t know anyone and there is not a NAHN chapter in North Carolina. After speaking with other attendees, I immediately felt welcome. Many chapters invited me to join them for meals creating an inclusive environment that put me at ease and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience.

Beyond the presentation, engaging with conference attendees expanded my perspective. I had the privilege of connecting with maternal health experts, including Dr. Veronica Barcelona, whose mentorship has inspired new directions for my research. She has taught me the importance of culturally tailored approaches to maternal mental health interventions. I also met fellow Hispanic nurses who were also PhD students, fostering a sense of camaraderie and affirmed the value of inclusive spaces in healthcare and research. The conference sessions further expanded my understanding of disparities faced in underserved communities, introducing me to innovative strategies for addressing systematic barriers. I left with actionable ideas and a renewed sense of motivation that my work matters.

My experience at the NAHN conference taught me invaluable lessons that I carry forward in my academic and professional journey:

1. Put Yourself Out There: Sharing your work, even when it feels unfinished, can inspire others and can lead to unexpected opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take chance!
2. Be Open to Feedback: Constructive input from peers and mentors is essential for growth and refinement.
3. Build Connections: Relationships with like- minded researchers creates a network of support and collaboration. Also be open to creating relationships with individuals who challenge your ideas, this discomfort helps you grow.

This experience has reaffirmed my commitment to addressing maternal mental health disparities. I plan to submit my scoping review for publication after incorporating updated evidence. Continuing to build on the connections I made at the conference, I am excited to collaborate with experts and peers in advancing this critical work.