The NICU Translated Podcast

Mary Farrelly

Welcome to The NICU Translated Podcast, where we break down the complex world of the NICU into clear, relatable insights for families and the professionals who support them. Hosted by Mary Farrelly—a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator—this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the NICU with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re a doula looking to better support NICU families, a healthcare professional seeking deeper understanding, or a parent preparing for or living through a NICU journey, you’ll find actionable tips, evidence-based guidance, and heartfelt stories to inspire and empower you. Each week, we’ll explore topics like: -NICU 101: Terms, diagnoses, and medical equipment explained. -Preemie care basics and developmental milestones. -How to advocate for your NICU baby with confidence. -Emotional and trauma-informed support for NICU families. -Insights from NICU professionals and families who’ve been there. With episodes featuring expert advice, list-style guides, and real-life interviews, The NICU Translated Podcast is here to equip you with the tools and knowledge to make the NICU journey less overwhelming and more empowering. Subscribe now and join our community dedicated to bringing more joy and less trauma to the NICU experience—because the NICU is only the beginning. Let’s navigate this journey together.

  1. 5D AGO

    24. From Burnout to Impact: Helping Nurses Change Systems Without Leaving the Bedside

    So many nurses feel the tension between caring deeply and feeling powerless inside broken systems — especially in high-stakes environments like the NICU. Burnout isn’t a personal failure; it’s often a systems problem. But what if nurses didn’t have to leave healthcare to create meaningful change? In this episode, I’m joined by Claire Phillips, DNP, RN — a nurse leader, systems thinker, and founder of Nursing the System — to talk about how nurses can influence change without burning out or walking away from the work they love. Claire brings a unique lens shaped by emergency care, hospital leadership, health innovation, and global health tech. We explore how nurses can map their impact, identify where they actually have influence, and shift from feeling stuck to becoming strategic change-makers. Whether you’re a bedside nurse, NICU nurse, educator, or leader, this conversation offers a refreshing, empowering way to think about leadership, advocacy, and sustainability in healthcare.  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: Claire Phillips, DNP RN Claire Phillips, DNP, RN, is a nurse leader, educator, and systems strategist with a background in emergency care, hospital leadership, and healthcare design. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Innovation and Leadership and currently manages a team of clinicians at a health tech company in Amsterdam. Claire is the founder of Nursing the System, where she teaches nurses how to think in systems, lead strategically, and influence meaningful change without burning out. Through her teaching, courses, and tools, Claire helps nurses reclaim agency, build sustainable careers, and make impact from exactly where they are.   Connect with Claire: nursingthesystem.com Instagram: @nursing.the.system Apple Podcasts - Nursing the System Podcast Spotify - Nursing the System Podcast   Inside This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Nursing and Systems Thinking 06:26 Understanding Systems Theory in Healthcare 09:53 The Impact of Burnout on Healthcare Providers 14:51 Mapping Your Impact in the NICU 22:15 Navigating New Roles and Embracing Frustration 25:27 Integrating into Established Systems 29:05 Understanding Stakeholder Dynamics 31:16 Sustaining Change in Healthcare 34:57 Designing for Ease and Efficiency 38:38 Empowering Change Makers in Healthcare   Links, Resources & Mentions: Check out Claire's "What’s Your Change Maker Move? Quiz" Check out Claire's Map Your Impact Mini Course   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.

    44 min
  2. FEB 18

    23. Tubes and Wires and Tape, Oh My! How to Manage the Logistics of Taking Your NICU Baby Home with Medical Equipment

    For many NICU families, discharge doesn’t mean leaving the medical world behind — it means bringing it home. Oxygen tanks, feeding tubes, monitors, supplies, and endless instructions can turn a long-awaited homecoming into a new kind of overwhelm. In this episode, I’m joined by Christine Herndon, a NICU mom who spent years navigating infertility before welcoming identical twin girls born at 32 weeks after a high-risk MO-DI pregnancy. When her twins came home on oxygen, feeding tubes, and pulse oximeters, her home became a mini NICU — and she learned firsthand how much preparation, advocacy, and resilience it takes to thrive in that transition. We talk about the logistics of bringing babies home with medical equipment, navigating insurance and supply companies, what families should ask before discharge, and practical hacks that made life at home more manageable. Whether you’re a NICU parent preparing for discharge or a doula supporting families through this transition, this episode offers grounded, real-world guidance — and reassurance that you are not alone. 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: Christine Herndon Christine Herndon is a NICU mom who spent ten years on a long road through infertility before welcoming her daughter and later identical twin girls born at 32 weeks. When her twins came home on oxygen and feeding tubes, she learned firsthand what it means to bring the NICU home—and now shares her story to support other parents navigating that journey.   Connect with Christine You can Connect with Christine on WhatsApp through this number: 702 271 4673 Inside This Episode: 00:00 Navigating the NICU Journey 10:10 The Emotional Rollercoaster of NICU Life 19:45 Preparing for Discharge: The Transition Home 30:56 Navigating the Transition from NICU to Home 38:32 The Challenges of Feeding and Fortification 45:42 Life After the NICU: Thriving and Growing 50:59 Advocacy and Support for NICU Families Sponsored by: This episode was sponsored by Ceres Chill. You can get 15% off with code NICULOVE at https://www.cereschill.com/?ref=flqmeqez 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.

    58 min
  3. FEB 11

    22. Maternity Benefits Made Simple: Navigating Insurance for Families & Doulas

    Insurance is one of the most confusing — and emotionally charged — parts of pregnancy, postpartum, and the NICU experience. Bills pile up, coverage feels unclear, and families are often left making financial decisions during moments of deep stress and vulnerability.  In this episode, I’m joined by Pachet Bryant, founder of MINE Maternity, to break down maternity benefits in a way that actually makes sense. We talk about what families can do when insurance doesn’t cover enough, the hidden financial costs no one warns you about (especially when mental health support goes untreated), and practical advice for families who are pregnant or currently navigating the NICU. We also explore the other side of this work — how doulas can expand access to care and create more sustainable income by becoming insurance-credentialed providers. This conversation is about clarity, advocacy, and helping families enter parenthood with more peace of mind and fewer unanswered questions. 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: Pachet Bryant  Pachet Bryant is the Founder of MINE Maternity and has 10 years of experience in the women's and maternal health industry, serving as a Benefits Navigator, Care Coordinator, Maternal Health Researcher and Advocate. Through her years, she has realized the importance of providing clarity on financial resources, especially for parents going through a major life event  Every family deserves peace of mind when entering parenthood. MINE Maternity is here to help unlock financial resources and make the complexities of insurance and benefit navigation less complex.  The Insurance Check Report allows individuals to clearly understand their benefits for specific services they are interested in from a insurance, FSA/HSA and employee assistance program perspective. The Reimbursement Maximizer is direct support from our Benefit Navigators to get as much money back into the hands of our clients as possible.    Intake form: https://www.minematernity.com/navigating-care-benefits Connect with Pachet Guest website: www.minematernity.com Instagram: @minematernity  Inside This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Pashay Bryant and MINE Maternity 02:53 Understanding Your Insurance Power 05:51 Navigating NICU Insurance Challenges 11:25 Building Relationships with Healthcare Providers 15:29 Exploring In-Home Care Options 20:15 Preparing for Maternity: Key Insurance Steps 24:17 Mental Health Support for NICU Families 27:17 The Importance of Self-Care and Support 29:03 Practical Resources for NICU Families 30:12 Understanding Maternity Leave Options 32:47 Legislative Changes and Hope for NICU Families 35:27 The Role of Doulas and Insurance Coverage 40:08 Activating Your Benefits and Support Systems 45:36 Final Thoughts on Worth and Support   Links, Resources & Mentions: Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/ Hand to Hold: https://handtohold.org/  Project NICU: https://www.projectnicu.org/ Alliance for Black NICU Families: https://blacknicufamilies.org/ 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.

    48 min
  4. FEB 4

    21. Holding Space in the Hardest Moments: Supporting NICU Families Through Loss

    Losing a baby in or after the NICU is a grief few can imagine — and one that deserves more compassionate, trauma-informed support than most families receive. In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Inclima, a doula specializing in perinatal loss and bereavement. Ashley is the founder of Tides of Life Doula, where she supports families through pregnancy, birth, and infant loss with presence, ritual, and heart-centered care. Together, we talk about what it means to improve the bereavement experience for NICU families — from how healthcare professionals and doulas can show up with sensitivity, to the small actions that make an enormous difference in moments of loss.  You’ll hear insight on:  🌿 What compassionate presence really looks like when there are no right words  🕯️ How to honor a baby’s life — even when it feels unbearably short  💬 Simple ways to communicate with families navigating grief in the NICU  💡 How doulas and care providers can partner with hospital teams to improve bereavement care This is a powerful and deeply needed conversation for anyone who supports NICU families — and a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there are ways to bring gentleness, respect, and light. 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: Ashley Inclima Ashley Inclima is a Birth and Bereavement Doula, Certified Grief Educator, and founder of Tides of Life Doula & Perinatal Bereavement Services LLC, specializing in pregnancy and infant loss, as well as pregnancy after loss. With over a decade of personal and professional experience, she supports bereaved families and provides guidance for the professionals who care for them. Ashley also educates doulas and healthcare providers to feel more confident and equipped to hold space for families through grief, love, and healing. Connect with Ashley: Tides of life doula Services Instagram: @tidesoflifedoula Inside This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction to NICU grief and Ashley’s personal story 02:22 - Ashley’s journey into bereavement doula work 06:14 - Educating healthcare professionals and doulas for better family support 10:39 - Common themes: guilt, regret, isolation, and the out-of-order loss 15:11 - Supporting families in moments of silence and unspoken pain 20:09 - Unique challenges of NICU loss and secondary grief experiences 27:43 - Balancing joy and grief, gratitude and sadness 30:02 - Memory making: why photos, keepsakes, and rituals matter 39:30 - Supporting families in transition: advocating for the environment, visitation, and personal rituals 46:20 - The one essential takeaway for supporting families in grief 50:44 - The role of support providers: holding space, guiding, and collaborative care   Links, Resources & Mentions: Check out Ashley’s Self-Paced Course on Supporting Perinatal Loss Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep   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.

    52 min
  5. JAN 28

    20. Inside the Mono-Mono Twin NICU Experience: Trauma, Resilience & Becoming a NICU Doula

    Some NICU journeys begin long before delivery — and Natascha Bohmann’s story is one of them. After a high-risk mono-mono twin pregnancy, a lengthy inpatient hospitalization, and a NICU stay for her daughters, she walked through every chapter of uncertainty a family can face: fear, waiting, grief, advocacy, and rebuilding life on the other side. In this episode, Natascha shares how her experience as a NICU mom, combined with her deep background in yoga therapy, grief support, end-of-life care, and healthcare communications, shaped her calling to become a NICU doula. Her story is a powerful reminder that the NICU doesn’t end at discharge — and that families need more emotional, informational, and integrative support than our current system offers.   We explore what it’s really like to prepare for an inpatient stay, navigate high-risk pregnancy, transition home after NICU, and rediscover your voice as both a parent and a professional. Whether you’re a NICU parent or a doula building NICU-informed skills, Natascha’s wisdom offers grounding, clarity, and a path forward.   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: Natascha Bohmann; MBA, Yoga Therapist, Ayurveda Wellness Counselor, NICU Doula, Grief + Bereavement Specialist, End-of-life Doula  Natascha is mom of mono-mono twins. After a lengthy antepartum stay due to a high-risk pregnancy and NICU stay for her girls, as well as navigating the transition home and beyond, she felt called to find meaningful ways to support other families faced with a similar journey. She participated in the beta cohort of the NICU Doula Academy and is working toward certification. In addition, Natascha is a yoga therapist, Ayurveda wellness counselor, grief and bereavement specialist, and end-of-life doula for people and companion animals. She also has a background in healthcare in both marketing/communications and sales. These various experiences have given her insights both from a patient perspective as well as a view of the challenges clinicians face, fueling her inspiration to be the change, and finding a way to bridge the gaps. Her vision is to provide peer-to-peer support to families from inpatient to the transition home and beyond, while weaving in foundational and sustainable yoga-inspired tools to buoy through uncertain and challenging times. She is currently building her offerings and providing support both in-person and virtually.     Specific to her NICU doula work, Natascha is looking to create a collaborative network of birth and postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, PTs/OTs, speech therapists and other holistic professionals to help provide supportive resources to families (both in the Pacific Northwest and virtually). Connect through social media or hello.nourishedbeing@gmail.com if interested.    Connect with Natascha:  www.nourishedbeingnow.com Instagram: @_nourishedbeing_ Facebook: Nourished Being   Inside This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to NICU Journey 05:42 Discovering the Pregnancy and NICU Reality 10:34 The Birth Experience and Initial NICU Stay 15:37 Navigating NICU Life and Logistical Challenges 20:04 Mindset and Coping Strategies During NICU 24:43 The Role of Community and Support 29:32 Advocacy in the NICU 34:07 Transitioning Home After NICU 38:54 The Future as a NICU Doula   Links, Resources & Mentions: Check out the NICU Doula Directory mentioned in the episode.  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.

    56 min
  6. JAN 21

    19. The Art of Waiting: Helping Siblings (and Ourselves) Through the NICU

    Waiting is one of the hardest parts of the NICU — waiting for updates, waiting for milestones, waiting to finally bring your baby home. But in those quiet, uncertain moments, families and siblings are living their own version of the NICU journey, too. In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by Emily Rosen — mom, creative director, and author of the new children’s book Waiting for Max: A NICU Story — to talk about what it means to live in “the waiting” and how we can help siblings and families cope with the emotional side of the NICU. We explore the inspiration behind Waiting for Max, how storytelling can help children process what’s happening, and practical ways parents can stay connected with their NICU baby (and their older kids) even when they’re apart. Whether you’re a NICU parent, doula, or healthcare provider, this episode offers gentle, creative ways to make the waiting a little less heavy — and a little more hopeful.   Stay Connected with Mary: Instagram: @thenicutranslator Want to feel more confident supporting families through the NICU? Learn more about Navigating the NICU for Doulas here!   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: Emily Rosen Emily Rosen is a mom, a freelance creative director and copywriter, and a children’s book author. She has built her career working for top advertising agencies and brands and strives to use her creativity for good––especially to empower women, mothers, and kids. Inspired by her son Max’s time in the NICU, she wrote her first children’s book, "Waiting for Max: A NICU Story" to help families like hers.   When Emily’s not writing, she loves going for a run around the neighborhood, singing karaoke with friends, and reading to her two kids. Proudly born and raised in Cleveland, OH, she now lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and their family. Learn more about Emily and her work at emilyrosencreative.com.   Connect with Emily Guest website: emilyrosencreative.com Instagram: @emilyrosencreative TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emily.rosen.creative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyozanrosen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyozan   Inside This Episode: 00:00 The Art of Waiting in the NICU Journey 10:50 Coping Mechanisms During Waiting 20:26 The Importance of Storytelling for Siblings 31:12 Support Systems for Families in Waiting 40:54 Finding Joy in the Journey of Waiting   Links, Resources & Mentions: Get a copy of Waiting for Max here: https://thecollectivebook.studio/products/waiting-for-max   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.

    45 min
  7. JAN 14

    18. From Crisis to Care: A Social Worker’s Journey Into Postpartum & NICU Support

    Stepping into the NICU can feel like landing in a completely different world — one with its own language, routines, and cast of characters. In this episode, I’m breaking down the essentials so you can start feeling more confident, informed, and ready to be an active part of your baby’s care team. We’ll cover what the NICU is, who’s on your baby’s care team, the most common terms you’ll hear, and how to get oriented so you feel less like a visitor and more like the vital parent or support person you are. Whether you’re here for your own baby or to better support the families you serve, this episode will give you a solid foundation. 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: Amanda Newstetter, MSW Amanda spent her whole first career as a Social Worker and Trainer in the HIV/AIDS Epidemic starting in 1984 when it was a death sentence. She has 2 daughters and two grandchildren and she and her partner Donna have been together 40 years. She thought that working in the Birth world with new life would nicely balance her early career which focused on illness and death. She has always been drawn to life's thresholds and is in the Threshold Choir which sings at bedside to people who are sick and dying and lullabies to new babies. She lives in San Francisco with her partner.  Connect with Guest PPDoula.com Instagram: @amanda_as_postpartum_doula   Inside This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to NICU Journeys 04:02 Amanda's NICU Experience and Emotional Journey 07:00 Navigating Postpartum Healing in the NICU 09:59 The Role of Support and Connection in the NICU 12:40 Transitioning Home: The Challenges of NICU Discharge 15:36 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on NICU Families 18:39 Mental Health After NICU: Amanda's Journey 23:00 The Importance of Processing Birth Trauma 25:58 Thresholds: Supporting Families Through Transitions 28:51 Advice for NICU Families: Healing and Trusting Yourself 32:02 Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey Beyond the NICU   Links, Resources & Mentions: Want a gentle place to process your NICU experience? Start with The NICU Notebook. Want to reflect on and reclaim your NICU journey? Explore Your NICU Story. Preparing for a high-risk or NICU birth? Download the NICU Birth Plan Template.   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.

    44 min
  8. JAN 7

    17. Supporting Tiny Bodies: Understanding Oral Ties, Motor Delays & Early Intervention for NICU Graduates

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rachael Carreon — a pediatric physical therapist and infant development expert who has supported babies and families for more than a decade. Together, we break down some of the most common challenges NICU graduates face after discharge, including oral ties, feeding difficulties, torticollis, plagiocephaly, body tension, and early motor delays. Rachael has such a gift for translating complex information into simple, empowering explanations. We talk about how to spot concerns early, why feeding and movement are so closely connected, and what parents and doulas can realistically do to support babies during those crucial first months at home. If you’ve ever felt unsure about head shape, feeding cues, oral ties, or developmental milestones — or you support families who do — this conversation is full of practical, confidence-building takeaways you can start using right away. 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: Dr. Rachael Carreon PT, DPT Dr. Rachael Carreon is a pediatric physical therapist and infant development expert with over 11 years of experience. She specializes in supporting babies with oral ties and feeding challenges, torticollis, plagiocephaly, body tension, and gross motor delays. Rachael believes every child deserves the chance to thrive, and she’s passionate about empowering parents with the knowledge and confidence to support their baby’s development during the most critical early years.   www.foundationspediatricpt.com Instagram: @foundations_pediatricpt YouTube: @FoundationsPedsPT Inside This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to NICU Support and Development 04:20 Understanding Feeding Challenges in NICU Graduates 07:15 Addressing Tension and Movement in NICU Babies 10:23 Exploring Oral Ties and Their Impact on Feeding 13:19 Holistic Approaches to Feeding Interventions 16:22 Supporting NICU Families During Transition 19:32 Encouraging Positive Touch and Connection 26:54 Understanding Baby's Needs and Family Bonding 32:48 Transitioning from Bottles to Breastfeeding 37:43 Managing Expectations in Feeding Journeys 42:51 The Importance of Pooping for Babies 47:51 Milestones and Adjusted Age for Preemies 52:48 Empowering Parents to Advocate for Their Babies   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.

    56 min
4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to The NICU Translated Podcast, where we break down the complex world of the NICU into clear, relatable insights for families and the professionals who support them. Hosted by Mary Farrelly—a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator—this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the NICU with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re a doula looking to better support NICU families, a healthcare professional seeking deeper understanding, or a parent preparing for or living through a NICU journey, you’ll find actionable tips, evidence-based guidance, and heartfelt stories to inspire and empower you. Each week, we’ll explore topics like: -NICU 101: Terms, diagnoses, and medical equipment explained. -Preemie care basics and developmental milestones. -How to advocate for your NICU baby with confidence. -Emotional and trauma-informed support for NICU families. -Insights from NICU professionals and families who’ve been there. With episodes featuring expert advice, list-style guides, and real-life interviews, The NICU Translated Podcast is here to equip you with the tools and knowledge to make the NICU journey less overwhelming and more empowering. Subscribe now and join our community dedicated to bringing more joy and less trauma to the NICU experience—because the NICU is only the beginning. Let’s navigate this journey together.