#460 - Reading as a neuroprotective intervention episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 21, 2026 · 46 MIN

#460 - Reading as a neuroprotective intervention

from The Incubator · host Ben Courchia & Daphna Yasova Barbeau

Send us Fan MailWhy does reading in the NICU still feel optional when the evidence says otherwise? Daphna sits down with Paige Pedroli, author of the Nic Zoo book and two-time NICU mom, and Dr. Raquel Garcia, a craniofacial and feeding specialist, to unpack why reading to preterm and critically ill infants belongs alongside kangaroo care as neuropromotive, not just neuroprotective. They cover the evidence behind auditory stimulation and language outcomes, why reading gives overwhelmed parents a real role in their baby's care, and how units can build low-cost reading programs with book libraries and student volunteers. A practical, moving conversation for anyone building developmental care into daily NICU practice. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 21, 2026

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Send us Fan Mail Why does reading in the NICU still feel optional when the evidence says otherwise? Daphna sits down with Paige Pedroli, author of the Nic Zoo book and two-time NICU mom, and Dr. Raquel Garcia, a craniofacial and feeding specialist, to unpack why reading to preterm and critically ill infants belongs alongside kangaroo care as neuropromotive, not just neuroprotective. They cover the evidence behind auditory stimulation and language outcomes, why reading gives overwhelmed parent...

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#460 - Reading as a neuroprotective intervention

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