The NICU Space by Miracle Moon

Miracle Moon
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If you are a NICU parent, past, present or future, this podcast is here to support you through it all. Hosted by Dr Frankie Harrison a Clinical Psychologist and NICU mum who runs Miracle Moon and The NICU space CIC. I am here to talk about all things NICU, birth trauma, and the emotional impact on us as parents. I interview parents and professionals in the field with the aim of supporting NICU parents, wherever you are on this journey to feel less alone.

  1. 1d ago

    Being a Non-Birthing Mum in the NICU: Jess’s Story

    In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Lowther-Payne, a non-birthing mum in a two-mum family, to talk honestly about her experience of becoming a parent after a challenging IVF journey and unexpectedly finding herself in neonatal care. Jess shares the compound impact of IVF, grief and trauma followed by an intense NICU and PICU experience, and how this affected her mental health, identity and confidence as a parent. We also explore the unique challenges non-birthing parents and LGBTQ+ families can face in neonatal care, from feeling invisible or excluded to struggling to access appropriate perinatal mental health support. Jess shares what she has learnt about bonding and trauma since leaving NICU, as well as the work she is now doing to advocate for more inclusive and compassionate support for all families. In this episode, we talk about: The compound emotional impact of IVF, trauma and an unexpected NICU experienceJess’s experience of neonatal care as a non-birthing mum in a two-mum familyHow NICU affected her identity, confidence, bonding and mental health after dischargeThe barriers non-birthing parents can face when trying to access perinatal mental health supportHow neonatal services can better support and include LGBTQ+ parents and families Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. LGBT Mummies Free resources and guidance for professionals supporting LGBTQ+ families, including information around inclusive communication and language. Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships (MNVPs) Local partnerships that give families the opportunity to share their experiences and help shape maternity and neonatal services. Parent Advisory Groups (PAGs) Groups that give parents and families the opportunity to use their lived experience to help improve neonatal services and care. Stay connected Instagram: @miraclemoonuk Website: miraclemoon.co.uk Connect with our guest, Jessica Lowther-Payne LinkedIn One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

    Being a Non-Birthing Mum in the NICU: Jess’s Story

  2. Aug 12

    Why Play Matters After NICU: Sensory Development, Trauma and Connection with Anandé

    In this episode, I'm joined by paediatric occupational therapist and fellow NICU mum, Anandé, to explore how neonatal care can shape not only a baby's development, but also the emotional wellbeing of parents and the whole family. Anandè shares her personal experience of two NICU journeys, including a traumatic hospital fire during her second son's admission, and how therapy helped her navigate pregnancy after trauma and advocate for her baby in ways she couldn't the first time. Together, we explore the powerful role of play, sensory development and nervous system regulation after NICU. We discuss why play isn't another parenting task to tick off, how premature birth and neonatal care can influence sensory processing, and why understanding both your child's sensory needs and your own can make everyday family life feel more connected and less overwhelming. In this episode, we talk about: Anandé's experience of two NICU journeys and becoming a NICU parent twiceHow therapy supported healing after birth trauma and neonatal careWhy play is essential for connection, regulation and child development after NICUHow premature birth and NICU can influence sensory development and processingPractical ways parents can better understand their own nervous system and their child's sensory needs Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you'll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Beyond Beeps and Hums Podcast Anandé's podcast exploring early development, parenthood and the lived experience of families navigating NICU and medically complex beginnings. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Anandé Instagram: @playmoreot NICU Instagram: @beyondbeepsandhum Podcast: Beyond Beeps and Hums One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

    Why Play Matters After NICU: Sensory Development, Trauma and Connection with Anandé

  3. Jul 29

    EMDR Therapy Explained: Healing Birth Trauma, NICU Trauma and PTSD

    In this episode, I’m joined by Carly Costello, licensed therapist, EMDR-certified therapist and consultant, to answer one of the most common questions I hear from parents after birth trauma and neonatal care: What is EMDR, and how does it actually work? Together, we break down the science behind Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in a simple, accessible way and explore how it can help people process traumatic experiences without reliving them. We talk about common fears surrounding EMDR, including worries about "opening Pandora's box", whether EMDR is safe during pregnancy, and how trauma can remain "stuck" in the nervous system long after birth or NICU. Carly explains why EMDR isn't just for PTSD or major trauma, how it can help parents, partners and families affected by birth trauma and neonatal care, and what to expect if you're considering starting therapy. In this episode, we talk about: What EMDR therapy is and how it helps process birth trauma and NICU experiencesWhy trauma can stay "stuck" in the nervous system and how EMDR supports healingCommon myths about EMDR, including pregnancy and "opening Pandora's box"How EMDR can help parents, partners and families after traumatic birth and neonatal careWhat to expect in an EMDR session and how to find the right EMDR therapist Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you'll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) A directory to help you find trained and certified EMDR therapists. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Carly Costello Instagram: @emdrwithcarly Website: www.emdrwithcarly.com One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

    EMDR Therapy Explained: Healing Birth Trauma, NICU Trauma and PTSD

  4. Jul 15

    Understanding Birth Trauma: Medical Neglect, PTSD and Healing with Teela

    In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Teela Tomassetti, who shares her deeply personal experience of birth trauma, medical neglect and obstetric violence. Teela opens up about the traumatic birth of her daughter, the lasting physical and emotional impact of feeling unheard during labour, and how these experiences shaped both her personal life and professional work supporting survivors of reproductive trauma. We explore what birth trauma really is, how trauma affects the nervous system long after birth, and why partners can experience trauma too. Teela also introduces the principles of narrative therapy, sharing practical ways parents can begin to separate themselves from their trauma and move towards healing after difficult birth experiences. In this episode, we talk about: Birth trauma, medical neglect and obstetric violenceHow birth trauma can affect the nervous system, relationships and intimacyWhy partners can experience trauma and PTSD after witnessing a traumatic birthThe long-term emotional impact of traumatic birth experiencesHow narrative therapy can support healing and help parents reclaim their story Resources & links mentioned in this episode: ⁠⁠The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you'll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠⁠⁠The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Teela Instagram: @theteaonbirthtrauma Website: Reproductive & Perinatal Trauma Center One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

    Understanding Birth Trauma: Medical Neglect, PTSD and Healing with Teela

  5. Jul 1

    Helping Children Process Medical Trauma Through Play with Mary Jenner

    In this episode, I’m joined by Mary Jenner, paediatric nurse, founder of The Butterfly Pig, and advocate for reducing medical trauma in children. After experiencing her own daughter’s NICU stay following a traumatic birth, Mary saw first-hand how play can help children understand, process and cope with complex medical experiences. We talk about supporting NICU siblings, preparing children for hospital visits and medical procedures, and how play can reduce fear, anxiety and trauma. Mary shares practical strategies parents can use to help children make sense of medical experiences, advocate for their needs, and feel more involved in their care. How play helps children process NICU experiences and medical traumaSupporting siblings when a baby is in neonatal carePreparing children for hospital visits, blood tests and medical proceduresRecognising signs of medical anxiety and trauma in childrenPractical ways parents can help children feel safer, more informed and empowered in healthcare settings Resources & links mentioned in this episode: ⁠⁠The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. The Butterfly Pig Medical play resources, realistic medical toys and educational tools designed to help children understand, prepare for and process healthcare experiences. Playful Prescriptions A free app that provides age-appropriate play ideas to help children understand medical conditions, diagnoses and healthcare experiences. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠⁠The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Mary Jenner Instagram: @thebutterflypig Website: The Butterfly Pig One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

    Helping Children Process Medical Trauma Through Play with Mary Jenner

  6. Jun 17

    Supporting Siblings Through the NICU Journey with Emily Rosen

    In this episode, I’m joined by Emily, mum to Max, who was born six weeks early and spent 16 days in neonatal care. Emily shares her experience of premature birth, navigating the uncertainty of NICU, and the overwhelming feeling of waiting for her baby to come home. We talk about the emotional impact of neonatal care, life after NICU, and how Emily turned her experience into a children's book, Waiting for Max. Together, we explore how to support siblings during a NICU stay, why honesty and connection matter when talking to children about neonatal care, and how creativity can help families process difficult experiences. In this episode, we talk about: Premature birth at 34 weeks and the emotional impact of NICUThe experience of waiting for your baby to come home from neonatal careLife after NICU, including postpartum anxiety and processing traumaHow to support siblings when a baby is in neonatal careUsing books, creativity and storytelling to help children understand NICU Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Waiting for Max Emily's children's book designed to help siblings and families understand the NICU experience through creativity, imagination and connection. UK SuperDinky  Amazon Waterstones (People can also request it at their favourite local bookstore in the UK) US Amazon Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Emily Rosen Instagram: @emilyrosencreative TikTok @emily.rosen.creative Website: emilyrosencreative.com One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

    Supporting Siblings Through the NICU Journey with Emily Rosen

  7. Jun 3

    Baby Loss at 36 Weeks: Helena’s Story of Grief, Stillbirth & Healing

    In this episode, I’m joined by Helena Morais, bereaved mother, writer, speaker and founder of Maila’s Present. Helena shares the story of her daughter Maila, who died just before birth at 36 weeks and 5 days following undiagnosed pre-eclampsia and stillbirth. We talk about the trauma and shock of baby loss, navigating grief after stillbirth, and the importance of helping parents feel connected to their baby after death. Helena also shares how her experience led her to create Maila’s Present, alongside her work advocating for better bereavement care, greater awareness around Black maternal health, and more compassionate support for grieving families. In this episode, we talk about: Stillbirth at 36 weeks and the trauma of losing a baby before birthPre-eclampsia, maternity care and Black maternal health disparitiesGrief, detachment and bonding after baby lossThe importance of memory making and bereavement support after stillbirthParenting after loss, spirituality, and keeping a connection with your baby Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Maila’s Present Personalised storybooks and resources created to help families honour and remember their babies after loss. Legacy of Leo Support for LGBTQ+ families experiencing baby loss. Ebony Bonds Bereavement Support Support for Black families experiencing baby loss and bereavement. Muslim Bereavement Support Service Bereavement support for Muslim families. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠The NICU Space⁠⁠⁠ Connect with our guest, Helena Morais Instagram: ⁠@mailaspresent⁠ LinkedIn: Helena Morais One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

    Baby Loss at 36 Weeks: Helena’s Story of Grief, Stillbirth & Healing

  8. May 20

    Pregnancy Loss, Premature Birth & NICU: Naomi’s Journey to Triplets S4E69

    In this episode, I’m joined by Naomi, who shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy loss, losing twins, and later giving birth to triplets who required neonatal care. We talk about the emotional complexity of grieving while still being pregnant, and what it’s like stepping into the NICU after such a layered experience. Naomi opens up about navigating fear, hope, and survival mode all at once, and how her journey has shaped her as a mother. We also explore the lasting impact of loss alongside neonatal care, and why so many parents feel caught between grief and gratitude. In this episode, we talk about: Pregnancy loss and the experience of losing twinsNavigating pregnancy after loss and the emotional toll it bringsGiving birth to triplets and entering the NICUThe complex mix of grief, gratitude, and survival modeHow loss and neonatal care can shape identity and motherhood Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Tommy’s Research on C-section scars & premature births https://www.tommys.org/about-us/news-views/new-research-reveals-clues-about-link-between-some-c-section-scars-and Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠The NICU Space community: ⁠The NICU Space⁠⁠⁠ Connect with our guest, Naomi Instagram: @fenfamfitnessandtriplets One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

    Pregnancy Loss, Premature Birth & NICU: Naomi’s Journey to Triplets S4E69
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About

If you are a NICU parent, past, present or future, this podcast is here to support you through it all. Hosted by Dr Frankie Harrison a Clinical Psychologist and NICU mum who runs Miracle Moon and The NICU space CIC. I am here to talk about all things NICU, birth trauma, and the emotional impact on us as parents. I interview parents and professionals in the field with the aim of supporting NICU parents, wherever you are on this journey to feel less alone.

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