Ask a NICU Mama Podcast

Ask a NICU Mama Podcast

This podcast was created to share my NICU journey….the good, the bad, and the unexpected. I want to share the tips I have learned along this journey that has made my life easier. I want to speak to the families who have just been given a list of life changing diagnoses. I want to speak to the parent who unexpectedly found themselves being a single parent to a child who has complex medical needs. I want to show others that it is okay to have a different “normal” than others. I want to show that it is possible to create a beautiful life out of ashes. Brought to you by It’s a NICU World

  1. 5d ago

    Medicine in Human Form with Alexis

    This week on the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Alexis Rhodes, a certified child life specialist and birth doula, for an honest conversation about birth, grief, NICU experiences, discharge, and what it really means to support the whole family. We talk about preparing emotionally for birth, navigatinggrief, supporting siblings of medically complex children, and why the parent experience can sometimes get lost in the healthcare system. Because going home doesn’t always mean the journey is over.  You do not want to miss this episode.   Interested in connecting with Alexis? Website: www.peoplemedicinellc.com Instagram:  people_medicine_llc LinkedIn People Medicine LLC: Home | LinkedIn The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World! 🌍 About It’s a NICU World It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU andmedical family. 📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠ 📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024 Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay 🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcastplatform   📣 Support the Show: Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a review  Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    Medicine in Human Form with Alexis
  2. Sep 22

    The Healing Power of Music with Jamie

    What if music could help a NICU baby regulate, connect, and heal? 🎵💛 In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil sits down with music therapist Jamie Shegogue to explore how music therapy can support neurodevelopment, bonding, and emotional well-being for babies and families in the NICU. Together, they discuss the research behind music therapy, what it can look like at the bedside, and how caregivers can use music to create meaningful moments of connection, even in the middle of a difficult NICU journey. This is a conversation about music, connection, healing, and finding meaningful ways to care for both babies and the people who love them. Real stories. Hard truths. Hope. The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World! 🌍 About It’s a NICU World It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family. 📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024 Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay 🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform  📣 Support the Show: Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a review  Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    The Healing Power of Music with Jamie
  3. Sep 15

    100 Episodes: When Joy & Grief Live in the Same Heart

    🎙️ 100 EPISODES OF ASK A NICU MAMA! 🎙️ 100 episodes. Wow. 🥹 Since launching in January 2024, this podcast has broughtreal stories, hard truths, and hope to families navigating life in and beyond the NICU. Through hospitalizations, rescheduled interviews, and allthat life has brought, we made it to 100! For this special episode, my dear friend Diamond isinterviewing me about my NICU journey, grief, and raising King Kolin. I hope you’ll listen and get a deeper glimpse into who I am and why I do what I do. 💙 🎁 FREE SHIPPING!To celebrate, enjoy free shipping on all It’s a NICU World books through the end of Season 4. Use code 100THEEPISODE! at checkout. Thank you for being part of this journey! 🎧   The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World! 🌍 About It’s a NICU World It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU andmedical family. 📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠ 📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024 Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay 🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform   📣 Support the Show: Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a review Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    100 Episodes: When Joy & Grief Live in the Same Heart
  4. Sep 8

    Count it Joy with Andew & Amber

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined Andew and Amber Vassell, who share their deeply personal story of navigating two different NICU journeys, first with their 25-weeker, Austen, and later with their 26-weeker, Aliyah. They open up about the fear and uncertainty that comes withhaving a baby born too soon, while also trying to be present for the toddler(s) waiting for them at home. Because NICU parents don’t get to press pause on everything else. Andrew and Amber’s story is one of love, faith, resilience, and hope, and a beautiful reminder that even in the hardest moments, you don’t have to know how the story ends. Sometimes, you just have to keep going. Their experiences also inspired them to create NeoHaven,providing resources and support for other families navigating the NICU.  You do not want to miss this conversation.  Interested in connecting with Andrew & Amber? Instagram:  neohavenav_dynasty  The NICU Journey Guide: The NICU Journey Guide© | Navigate the NICU with Clarity — NeoHaven™ Interested in learning more about the NICU to HomeConference? Website:  NICU to Home Conference byBridging the Birthing Gap™ The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World! 🌍 About It’s a NICU World It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family. 📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠ 📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024 Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay 🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcastplatform   📣 Support the Show: Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: @askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a review  Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com   TheNICU Journey Guide: The NICUJourney Guide© | Navigate the NICU with Clarity — NeoHaven™

    Count it Joy with Andew & Amber
  5. Sep 1

    Called to Do More with Natalie

    What happens when motherhood asks you to hold unimaginable loss and incredible hope at the same time? In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Natalie Estelle, a mother whose journey through motherhood has been anything but ordinary. In just two years, Natalie gave birth to three children. Herfirst was stillborn. Her second was a micropreemie, born weighing less than two pounds and spending time in the NICU. And her third was born full-term. Three babies. Three very different journeys. A story filledwith grief, hope, resilience, and strength. Natalie shares openly about navigating loss and the NICU,finding her way through the complexities of motherhood, and the moments that ultimately shaped her desire to lead, guide, advocate for, and support other NICU families.   Natalie’s story is a beautiful reminder that even afterunimaginable loss, hope can still find its way in. You don’t want to miss this conversation. Interested in connecting with Natalie? Website: www.mrsnatalieestelle.com Instagram: nicumomselfcareco Book: 52 Self-Care Tips for NICU Moms from a NICU Mom Hardcover Ebook Interested in learning more about the NICU to HomeConference? Website:  NICU to Home Conference byBridging the Birthing Gap™ The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World! 🌍 About It’s a NICU World It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supportingfamilies navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family. 📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠ 📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠ and @askanicumamapodcast2024 Check out our books: It’s a NICU World & It’s a NICUWorld: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay 🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform 📣 Support the Show: Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a review  Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    Called to Do More with Natalie
  6. Aug 25

    How the Dust Settles with Brittney

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Bittany Bowman, who shares the emotional and often overwhelming experience of navigating the NICU with a baby who was born full-term, reminding us that the NICU journey doesn’t always look the way we expect. From pregnancy, IVF, and genetic testing to Ethan’s unexpected medical challenges and eventual diagnosis with the rare genetic disorder ZFX, Brittany takes us through the highs, lows, questions, and uncertainties that shaped her journey. We talk about what it means to advocate for your child when you don’t have all the answers, learning to trust your instincts, communicating with medical providers, and finding the strength to keep going when the path ahead feels uncertain. You do not want to miss this episode!   Interested in connecting with Brittney? Instagram:  _britttlee93 Interested in learning more about the NICU to Home Conference? Website:  NICU to Home Conference byBridging the Birthing Gap™ Instagram:  momandme_md The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World! 🌍 About It’s a NICU World It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family. 📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠ 📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024 Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay 🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform   📣 Support the Show:  Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a review  Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com   Interestedin learning more about the NICU to Home Conference?The Aska NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

    How the Dust Settles with Brittney
  7. Aug 18

    Follow His Lead with Allison

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Allison Moise, who shares her deeply personal journey through her son’s birth, his diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and the unexpected path that led her to become a passionate advocate for HIE families. She opens up about navigating the NICU, how she copes withhaving to make complex medical decisions and facing the emotional and psychological challenges that can come with having a medically fragile child. Allison also highlights the importance of finding community, connecting withother families who truly understand and discovering hope even in the most difficult seasons. Through her advocacy and awareness efforts, Allison ishelping amplify the voices of HIE families and improve support for parents navigating neonatal care.  You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in connecting with Allison? Instagram: amoise1219 Interested in learning more about Hope for HIE? Website:  Hope for HIE - Hypoxic IschemicEncephalopathy Instagram: hopeforhie The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World! 🌍 About It’s a NICU World It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family. 📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠ 📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024 Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay 🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform   📣 Support the Show:      Share this episode with another NICU parent orhealthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a review  Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    Follow His Lead with Allison
  8. Aug 11

    A Dream I didn’t know I had with Casandra

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Casandra Bradley, a mother of four, including two children with complex medical needs. Alongside navigating the challenges of caring for her children, Cassie has also faced her own medical journey, giving her a unique perspective on the importance of advocacy, resilience, and finding support. Through her experiences as being a medical mama, Cassielearned the hard way that being your child’s best advocate is key. When she saw a need for safer, more practical ways to manage medical lines, she turned her experience into action by creating innovative line-management accessories designed with medical families in mind. In this episode, Cassie shares the realities of raising medically complex children, the lessons she has learned along the way, and why community, self-care, and advocacy are so important for families navigating the medical world. You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in connecting with Casandra and learning more about her products? Name of brand: Cocoon (cocoon by tuckline) Shopify: iluvcocoon.com All socials @iluvcocoon (TIKTOK, IG, FB) Etsy: https://iluvcocoon.etsy.com Email: cassie@tucklinemedical.com  Pre-orders available in August 2026! Shipments startSeptember 1st 2026!   The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World! 🌍 About It’s a NICU World It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU andmedical family. 📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024 Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay 🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform   📣 Support the Show: Share this episode with another NICU parent orhealthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a reviewInterested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    A Dream I didn’t know I had with Casandra
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About

This podcast was created to share my NICU journey….the good, the bad, and the unexpected. I want to share the tips I have learned along this journey that has made my life easier. I want to speak to the families who have just been given a list of life changing diagnoses. I want to speak to the parent who unexpectedly found themselves being a single parent to a child who has complex medical needs. I want to show others that it is okay to have a different “normal” than others. I want to show that it is possible to create a beautiful life out of ashes. Brought to you by It’s a NICU World

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