The NICU may end at discharge, but for many families, the journey is far from over. Life after the NICU often means learning to navigate complex medical needs, therapies, and emotions that don’t fit neatly into anyone’s discharge plan. In this episode, I’m joined by Michele Salmons, mom of two and one of my former NICU doula clients, whose story is one of courage, advocacy, and deep love. After a uterine rupture during her son Harvey’s birth, Michele and her husband were told he had very little chance of survival. But their journey — from transferring NICUs to building a life of medical care, therapy, and blended feeding at home — has become a testament to what it means to move from crisis to confidence. We talk about the realities of parenting a medically complex child, how to rebuild life and identity after trauma, and the ways families like Michele’s redefine what thriving looks like. Whether you’re a NICU parent walking a similar path or a doula wanting to better understand life after discharge, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and so much heart. Stay Connected with Mary: Instagram: @thenicutranslator Want to learn more about how to best support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist for early access + an exclusive discount. Guest Spotlight: Michele Salmons Michele is the mother of two young boys. During her second birth with her son, Harvey, Michele sustained a uterine rupture. Harvey was born with an APGAR score of 1 and given very slim chances of living. Amidst the devastation, Michele and her husband quickly learned to advocate for Harvey ultimately transferring him to a different NICU. After over a month, Harvey was discharged home and the family's journey of complex medical care, early intervention and intensive therapy, and living life through a new perspective began. Today, at nearly two, Harvey is a Cerebral Palsy warrior and Infantile Spasms and Lennox Gastaut Syndrome fighter (along with several other diagnoses). Michele turned to blended tube feeding for Harvey, continues to seek out nationally renowned therapy, and says she will "stop at nothing to give Harvey the best life possible". Connect with Michele Instagram: @hehasmiracles He HAS Miracles was founded to honor the journey and witness the miracles of a little boy named Harvey. Harvey's first month+ on earth began in the NICU as a HIE survivor. Today, at nearly two, Harvey is a CP warrior and IS and LGS fighter. Harvey has defined many of the odds and is living proof that miracles exist. Harvey's family envisions He HAS Miracles morphing into a non profit supporting advocacy, awareness, education, research and resources in the complex medical, brain injury, blended g-tube feeding, and special needs spaces. Inside This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Michelle's NICU Journey 01:59 Harvey's Birth and NICU Admission 09:01 Initial NICU Experience and Parental Advocacy 18:37 Transitioning to a New NICU 24:08 Life After NICU: The Transition Home 30:35 Navigating Home Health Nursing 37:35 Evolving Needs and Family Dynamics 39:39 Navigating the Complexities of Caregiving 44:49 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges 49:38 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents 55:50 Managing G-Tube Care and Nutrition 01:07:50 Creating Community and Sharing Experiences 01:12:48 Hope and Faith in the Journey of Parenting Loved this episode? Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community or leave a 5-star review and let me know! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care. Until next time, remember: The NICU is only the beginning, and together we can make this journey less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering. SEO Keywords: NICU doula, NICU doula training, NICU support, trauma-informed NICU care, NICU parent support, navigating the NICU, doula education, preemie parent resources.
