In this live session, we’ll explore:

• How the autonomic nervous system responds to overwhelming stress in the NICU

• Nervous system states through a polyvagal lens — fight, flight, freeze, appease & faun

• What these states actually look like in parents (beyond behaviour labels)

• How an adapted polyvagal ladder helps make sense of parent responses in real time

🎁 Free handout: The Adapted Polyvagal Ladder for NICU settings

This session is for you if you work with families in the NICU and:

• Notice parents who seem present, but emotionally absent

• Feel unsure how to interpret shutdown, anger, withdrawal or hyper-vigilance

• Want language that explains behaviour without judgement

• Are curious about neuroscience, but need it to feel practical and grounded

(No prior neuroscience knowledge needed.)

When we misunderstand nervous system responses, we risk:

• Misreading protection as disengagement

• Pathologising survival responses

• Missing opportunities for attuned support

This session offers a different lens — one that explains behaviour, reduces blame, and supports safer relationships between staff and parents.

Format:

• Live online teaching

• Practical examples grounded in NICU realities

• Space for reflection and questions

This session draws on neuroscience alongside lived experience of the NICU, and is part of the wider NICU Neuroscience work.