Reflections from NANT 16

Reflecting on my experience speaking at NANT has taken many forms. First, there was the need to recover from the buildup of anticipation, the stress, the intensity of preparing for that moment. And then, just as quickly, the release… settling into a sense of calm, gratitude, and contentment.

NANT offers something unique. It brings together clinicians who are all searching for a deeper understanding of their work and of each other’s experiences. It creates a space where ideas—like Prefeeding Pathways—can quite literally and figuratively take the stage, allowing others to see, question, and connect with them.

After presenting the Prefeeding Pathways framework, the most consistent feedback I received was one of validation.

Over and over again, therapists came up to share a similar sentiment:

“I’ve been doing aspects of this work, but I’ve never had a way to talk about it that made sense… this validates what I already know and helps me see how to do it better.”

That response stayed with me.

Because the Prefeeding Pathways framework was never meant to replace what clinicians are already doing. It was meant to organize it, name it, and elevate it.

And validation is powerful—not just emotionally, but clinically.

When clinicians can clearly articulate what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how to explain it to others, they are far more likely to:

• Advocate for its importance

• Integrate it more consistently into care

• Contribute to meaningful change—not only for the infants they serve, but within their unit culture as well

I am deeply grateful to those who attended the session and took the time to share how this work resonated with them. Those moments matter. They serve as a reminder that this work is needed and that we are moving in the right direction.

We are stronger when we are aligned—when we speak a shared language, advocate for the same principles, and seek out the education that builds confidence in our practice.

For those who were not able to attend NANT this year, I truly hope you’ll have the opportunity to view the session when it becomes available through the NANT platform.

And if this work resonates with you, I would love for you to join me for our upcoming live course on July 16th.

For NANT attendees, don’t forget to register using your promo code before June 1st.

I hope to see you there.

Rachel