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. 1d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. Aug 4

    When He Became Ours with Diamond

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Diamond Palmer who shares her heartfelt journey through her son's premature birth, a remarkable 354-day NICU stay across two hospitals, and the resilience it took to navigate complex medical challenges. From unexpected setbacks to celebrating milestones, she opens up about the emotional highs and lows of life as a NICU parent. Throughout our conversation, Diamond reflects on the importance taking on each day as it comes, finding your tribe, and advocating for her son. Her family’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the most difficult seasons, hope, love, being intentional and resilience can carry families forward. You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in connecting with Diamond? Instagram:  diamondlauren270 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 orhealthcare provider     Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a review  Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    When He Became Ours with Diamond
  4. Jul 28

    It’s a Very Different World with Lauren

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Lauren Spruill   as she shares her powerful journey through a high-risk pregnancy complicated by fibroids, the unexpected delivery of her daughter at just 25 weeks gestation, and the emotional and medical challenges of a lengthy NICU stay. Lauren opens up about the uncertainty, fear, and resilience that shaped her experience, as well as what life has looked like while raising a child with complex medical needs. Through her story, Lauren offers encouragement to NICUfamilies who may be walking a similar path, reminding listeners that even in the most difficult moments, hope, faith, and the support of a caring community can make all the difference.  You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in connecting with Lauren? Instagram:  laurendenisetoday Book: Born for This 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

    It’s a Very Different World with Lauren
  5. Jul 21

    Keep Yourself with Victoria

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Victoria Gokool-John, who shares her powerful journey through the unexpected reality of premature birth, a lengthy NICU stay, and the emotional road that followed. She opens up about the fear, uncertainty, andtrauma that so many NICU families experience—and how, over time, she began to rebuild her identity beyond the NICU. In this heartfelt conversation, Victoria reflects on theimportance of finding support, learning to advocate for your child, and discovering resilience even in life's most difficult moments. She also shares practical insights for both families navigating the NICU and the healthcare professionals who care for them. If you're a NICU parent, healthcare provider, or someonesupporting a family through this journey, this episode is a reminder that healing doesn't happen overnight—but hope is always possible. Interested in connecting with Victoria? Instagram:  victoria.crystabell Book: Become Her, Become Him, Become You Tiktok: thehighprofile 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 reviewInterested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    Keep Yourself with Victoria
  6. Jul 7

    Quiet the Noise with Sam

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Sam Kozuch, a NICU mama turned NICU doula, whose journey is one of resilience, advocacy, and hope. Sam shares her experience navigating a high-risk pregnancy,a 152-day NICU stay, and life after discharge as she raises her daughter with complex medical needs. She opens up about the emotional highs and lows of the NICU, the challenges of transitioning home, the gaps in care that so manyfamilies face, and the strength it takes to advocate for your child every step of the way. Most importantly, Sam reminds us of the power of communityand how her own NICU journey inspired her to become a NICU doula, supporting other families during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. Whether you're currently in the NICU, navigating life afterdischarge, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is filled with honesty, encouragement, and hope.  You donot want to miss this episode!  Interested in connecting with Sam? Instagram: samkozymama Business IG: underthesameskydoula   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   📣 Ways to 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

    Quiet the Noise with Sam
  7. Jun 30

    You're Not Broken with Neelam

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Neelam, a mother of two NICU graduates, NICU & Postpartum Mental Health Educator, Maternal Wellness Consultant, and founder of Maternal Wellness Co. Drawing from both her lived experience and professionaltraining in perinatal mental health, Neelam supports mothers navigating the hidden trauma and identity shifts that often follow NICU and postpartum journeys. Together, we discuss the emotional impact of two NICU stays,the importance of recognizing maternal mental health beyond what is visible, the gaps that exist within healthcare, and how mothers can begin to process their experiences, heal, and rediscover themselves after trauma.  You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in connecting with Neelam?  Website: MaternalWellness Co. Instagram:  maternalwellness_coEbook: 5 Truth Every Postpartum Mother Needs to Hear E-book: Healing Beyond Silence  The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’sa NICU 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 or healthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠Leave a review Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    You're Not Broken with Neelam
  8. Jun 16

    The Sun Has to Come Out with Marianń

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Mariann Shaw, Founder and Executive Director of Maison Alexander Support Group, Inc. (MASG Inc.), a faith-based nonprofit born from her own NICU journey. After developing preeclampsia, Mariann delivered her sonat just 28 weeks gestation via emergency C-section. She shares the challenges of navigating life after the NICU as a single mother, leaning on the support of family, friends, and her faith during one of the most difficult seasons of herlife.  What began as a personal testimony of resilience and hopehas grown into a mission dedicated to supporting NICU families through faith, resources, advocacy, and compassionate care. Mariann's story is a powerful reminder that purpose can emerge from life's most unexpected challenges. You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation.   Interested in connecting with Marianń? Instagram: masgnicu Website: www.masgnicu.org The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’sa NICU 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

    The Sun Has to Come Out with Marianń
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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