NASCEND

Technology-enhanced training & certification for healthcare systems to improve outcomes for OEI.

04/06/2026

By 40 weeks gestation, infants demonstrate auditory discrimination with clear voice preferences:
mother’s voice first, followed by other female voices, and then children’s voices.

This reflects early brain organization and recognition patterns that support bonding and postnatal regulation. The foundation for connection begins in utero—and that connection becomes even more important after birth.

For infants with NOWS, who often experience physiologic stress, dysregulation, and difficulty with soothing and feeding, familiar voices are not just comforting—they are regulating. A mother’s voice can help stabilize the nervous system, support feeding organization, and reduce stress responses.

04/04/2026

Myth!
When using music for infants with NOWS, lullabies should be slow, soft, and simple—preferably vocal only or accompanied by a single instrument—to minimize overstimulation.

04/02/2026

We’re excited to share that our Founder and CEO, K. Dawn Forbes, MD, will be presenting at the National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT) conference on April 18 2026.

NANT serves neonatal therapists and clinicians dedicated to advancing evidence-based care and improving outcomes for infants and families. We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community so deeply committed to clinical excellence in the NICU.

Dr. Forbes will share evidence-based strategies for improving nutritional outcomes in opioid- and substance-exposed infants. This session will explore the physiology of gastrointestinal withdrawal, its impact on feeding, and practical, comfort-first interventions to support regulation, optimize intake, and strengthen the maternal–infant bond.

We’re looking forward to connecting with the OT, PT, and SLP clinicians whose expertise and dedication shape outcomes for our most vulnerable patients. Let us know if you'll be there!

03/30/2026

You likely know that nutrition is a major concern for infants with opioid exposure—but it starts long before birth.

In utero is a critical window for development. During this time, the foundation of the brain, body, and immune system is established. For substance-exposed infants, this process is often disrupted, with intrauterine growth restriction and altered nutrient transfer commonly observed.

This is why the first 1,000 days—from pregnancy through the first two years of life—are so critical. This period shapes lifelong health, development, and nutritional outcomes.

Supporting these infants requires more than postnatal feeding strategies. It calls for a comprehensive approach that includes maternal health, prenatal care, and continued support for families after discharge.

Optimal outcomes don’t start at birth—they start before it.

03/22/2026

Each infant is unique; however, many require prolonged hypercaloric feeds for 1–3 months after hospital discharge to support adequate nutritional intake and promote appropriate weight gain.

03/18/2026

For infants experiencing NOWS, the use of slow flow ni***es is a way to improve feeding by promoting calm, comfort, and organization. By more closely mimicking the flow of breastfeeding, they can help support suck–swallow–breathe coordination, encourage more stable breathing patterns, and reduce feeding-related distress—supporting overall physiological stability during a critical period of care.

03/03/2026

Parents of infants in the NICU consistently report that it can be difficult to establish their identity as a parent in a highly medical setting.

Research and lived experience tell us that parents of infants with NOWS have a more positive experience when they are actively engaged in care, receive clear communication, and are provided thorough education.

When we teach families about feeding readiness, safe positioning, behavioral state, and stress cues, we are not only improving clinical outcomes — we are reinforcing parental confidence and partnership.

Intentional engagement is foundational to true family-centered care.

02/28/2026

Fact! Common behaviors such as back arching, tongue thrusting, or frequent yawning are not always benign—they can be stress cues signaling overstimulation.
Infants with NOWS are particularly susceptible to overstimulation due to the impact of substance exposure on the central nervous system.
Providers should help parents recognize these cues early, so they can respond appropriately and confidently care for their infant after discharge.

02/21/2026

MYTH 🍼 Turning a baby’s head to the side during feeding isn’t automatically unsafe but it can reduce feeding efficiency and make feeds longer.
For infants with NAS, efficiency is key. These babies may tire quickly or struggle to stay calm, making it harder to meet their nutritional needs.

02/17/2026

As infants transition from the NICU to home, parents must be prepared to provide safe, independent care. Safe feeding begins with proper positioning:

• Head maintained in midline
• Slight elevation, as clinically indicated
• Arms and legs supported close to midline

Structured, consistent instruction — including the “why” behind each practice — builds caregiver competence and supports safe care at home.

02/03/2026

These 10 women didn’t just break barriers, they changed medicine. In honor of National Women’s Physicians Day, read their incredible stories in the full article by 👉 link in bio.

12/20/2025

Each year, we gather with the people who make NASCEND possible to celebrate our accomplishments, say thank you, and look ahead with excitement for what’s next. We had an incredible holiday celebration filled with beautiful art, meaningful connections, and plenty of cheer. We’re so grateful for this community!

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710 Barret Avenue
Louisville, KY
40204

Website

http://www.nascend.com/, https://linktr.ee/nascend

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The New Paradigm of Care for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Each year, an estimated 15% of infants are affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol, illicit drugs or other substances. That means 1 infant is born every 15 minutes requiring treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) resulting in an aggregate cost of care of more than $2.5 billion. NASCEND is transforming the experience of NAS with technology, live virtual and in-person training, evidence-supported guidelines, and family-focused intervention. NASCEND helps healthcare professionals engage with expectant mothers and families as early as the 1st trimester, deliver improved in-hospital newborn care, and continue developmental and nutritional follow up for the first three year’s of the child’s life. Our results are life changing. Infants supported with NASCEND’s continuum of care are less likely to be admitted to the NICU, are treated with comfort care measures instead of medication, and spend less time in the hospital. NASCEND’s approach to caring for substance exposed infants significantly reduces the cost of care with a per patient savings of nearly $40,000 as well as a better experience for families and healthcare providers.