The Incubator: Beyond The Beeps

Hosted by Leah Jayanetti from parent support organization ICU Baby, Beyond the Beeps pulls back the curtain on the NICU experience, helping parents navigate this new world, understand their baby's journey, and learn about healthcare approaches and medical decision making. Through storytelling and education, we foster hope and empower parents to actively engage with their healthcare team, ultimately improving understanding and communication between families and medical staff.

  1. 31/12/2025

    #020 - Belonging in the NICU during the Holidays

    In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah MG Jayanetti discusses the unique challenges faced by families in the NICU during the holiday season. Joined by Alena Costume, a two-time NICU mother, they explore the emotional rollercoaster of having a baby in the NICU, the importance of community support, and strategies for coping with stress. Alena shares her personal experiences, highlighting the significance of parental presence and the impact of healthcare staff on the NICU journey. The conversation emphasizes resilience, hope, and the need for better support systems for NICU families. In this conversation, Leah MG Jayanetti and Alena discuss the profound experiences of families in the NICU, emphasizing the importance of nourishment, community support, and the unexpected connections that can arise during challenging times. They share personal stories about creating the Touching Tiny Hands organization, the emotional toll of having a child in the NICU, and the significance of hope and belonging in the journey of parenthood, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. 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!

    1h 25m
  2. 24/11/2025

    #016 - Parenting in the NICU: Lina’s Transformative Experience

    In this week’s episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah and Lina explore the often-overlooked but critical role of communication in neonatal intensive care. The discussion focuses on how clinicians can bridge the gap between technical expertise and human connection. They reflect on practical strategies for listening actively, explaining medical information clearly, and adjusting communication styles to meet the needs of parents and families in high-stress situations. Drawing on real experiences, they highlight the importance of empathy, collaboration, and presence at the bedside, while also addressing the challenges that arise when communication breaks down. The episode also examines the impact of communication on team dynamics within the NICU, from how providers share updates to how they align on care goals. Lina and Leah underscore that effective communication is not just a soft skill—it’s a core component of safe and compassionate care. This conversation offers concrete takeaways for neonatal professionals seeking to strengthen how they connect with both families and colleagues. Whether you are a bedside nurse, physician, or allied health provider, the insights shared here will resonate with your daily practice. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. 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!

    1h 1m
  3. 24/11/2025

    #014 - How Ashley navigated being a medical provider, NICU Mama, Loss Mama and Widow

    In this episode, Leah and Ashley O'Neil discuss the profound experiences of navigating the NICU as both a parent and a medical professional. Ashley shares her journey with her son Colin, who was born prematurely, and the emotional and practical challenges she faced. The conversation explores themes of grief, the balance between professional knowledge and parental instincts, and the importance of communication with medical teams. Ashley also highlights the need for resources to support NICU families, including her upcoming journal designed to help parents navigate their NICU experience.  In this conversation, Ashley O'Neil shares her experiences as a mother navigating the complexities of having a child in the NICU and dealing with the challenges of medical systems. She discusses the importance of advocacy for children's needs, the emotional journey of grief after losing loved ones, and how she finds hope and purpose in her son's resilience. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support and the ongoing battle against systemic failures in healthcare. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. 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!

    55 min

Shows with Subscription Benefits

INCUBATOR & NEO. REVIEW

Subscribe to The Incubator & Neonatology Review !

US$9,99/month or US$109,99/year

About

Hosted by Leah Jayanetti from parent support organization ICU Baby, Beyond the Beeps pulls back the curtain on the NICU experience, helping parents navigate this new world, understand their baby's journey, and learn about healthcare approaches and medical decision making. Through storytelling and education, we foster hope and empower parents to actively engage with their healthcare team, ultimately improving understanding and communication between families and medical staff.

More From The Incubator