Ask a NICU Mama Podcast

Ask a NICU Mama Podcast
  • 5.0 (6)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Our Miraculous Story with Hannah

    6D AGO

    Our Miraculous Story with Hannah

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil sits down with Hannah Baldwin, who shares her powerful journey through a high-risk twin pregnancyand the premature birth of her girls at just 23 weeks. Hannah opens up about navigating the uncertainty, grief,and growth that came with her NICU experience—the emotional toll, the role of faith in her healing, and the importance of leaning on family and online communities for support. Her experience ultimately inspired her to found TheSupport Nest, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education, connection, and resources for NICU families.  This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that it’s okayto grieve the story, you imagined while embracing the strength, faith, and resilience that come from the one you’re living. 💜   Interested in connecting with Hannah? Instagram: @ thesupportnest Facebook: The Support Nest Email: info@thesupportnest.org   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.nicuworld.com⁠ 📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠ 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

    53 min
  2. Full Circle Moments with Shawna

    NOV 4

    Full Circle Moments with Shawna

    On this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Shawna Keyes, a fellow NICU mama, who opens up about her powerful journey from pregnancy complications to the emotional challenges of welcoming a premature baby. She shares the grief that comes with unmet expectations, the delicate process of bonding in the NICU, and the vital role of medical staff and community support along the way. Shawna also reflects on her son’s incredible growth, what inspired her to write a children’s book, and how she’s now giving back to other NICU families walking a similar path. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of self-care, community, and finding joy even in the hardest moments.  You don’t want to miss this episode! Interested in connecting with Shawna? Instagram: @keyestosonshine Website: HOME - Keyes To Sonshine Book: The Adventure of Asher and Rocket 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 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.nicuworld.com⁠📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠ 🎙️Listen to more episodes: Ask a NICU Mama Podcast on Spotify   📣 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

    41 min
  3. A Baby Blue Butterfly with Wakeya

    OCT 28

    A Baby Blue Butterfly with Wakeya

    On this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Wakeya Belt, who shares her journey through the NICU with her son Kelvin, who faced significant medical challenges during his 10-month stay. She discusses the emotional turmoil of being a NICU parent, the lack ofsupport, and the impact of grief on her family. Wakaya also highlights the importance of writing as a form of healing and how she honors her son's memory through celebrations and storytelling. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the ongoing journey of coping with loss.  You do not want to miss this episode!  Are you interested in connecting with Wakeya? Email: Shaebelt729@gmail.com Book: Life In The NICU Our Family Story: 8 Steps For Navigating The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Article Interview: We Were Here: Black Infant Loss in D.C.   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 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.nicuworld.com 📸Follow us on Instagram: @itsanicuworld 🎙️Listen to more episodes: Ask a NICU Mama Podcast on Spotify   📣 Support the Show: Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: @askanicumamapodcast2024Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    40 min
  4. Hold Tight for the Moments of Love and Joy with Brianna

    OCT 21

    Hold Tight for the Moments of Love and Joy with Brianna

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Brianna, a fellow medical mama, about their shared experiences of navigating the complexities of parenting children with medical needs. Brianna shares her journey from pregnancy to receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her daughter, Violet, and the challenges of being a single parent after the loss of her husband. The conversation delves into themes of grief, resilience, and the importance of community support, offering insights and encouragement for other parents facing similar struggles.  You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in connecting with Brianna? --> medicalmomdiaries

    31 min
  5. Danced in the Rain with Erica

    OCT 14

    Danced in the Rain with Erica

    On this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Erica Shoemate, who shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy and the challenges she faced along the way. From her initial hesitation about becoming a mom to the heartbreaking news she received during her anatomy scan; Erica walks us through the emotional and medical decisions that shaped her NICU experience. She also talks about the importance of supportand advocacy for moms—especially in the Black community—and how her own story has inspired her to help others find their voice and their healing. You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in connecting with Erica? Website: www.ericalshoemate.comInstagram: @nias_journey

    55 min
  6. The Start of Something Good with Jocelyn

    OCT 7

    The Start of Something Good with Jocelyn

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host AshleyO'Neil speaks with Jocelyn Duvall, a NICU mama who shares her heart-wrenching journey of delivering her daughter at 25 weeks and the challenges she faced in the NICU. Jocelyn discusses the emotional toll of losing her daughter, the lackof support from the healthcare system, and her mission to create a nonprofit foundation in her daughter's honor. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, awareness of pregnancy and infant loss, and the need for better resources for families navigating the NICU experience.  Interested in learning more about Jocelyn and the Forever Jewelz Foundation? Please check out her website and Instragram.   The Forever Jewelz 1st Annual 5K will be held on 10/25/25 in Lorton, VA.  Registration closes on 10/11.  I will be there, will you?   Website: foreverjewelz.org Instragram: foreverjewelz_

    44 min
  7. Human Milk is Medicine: The Critical Role of Nutrition in Premature Care with Dr. Melinda Elliott

    SEP 30

    Human Milk is Medicine: The Critical Role of Nutrition in Premature Care with Dr. Melinda Elliott

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Dr. Melinda Elliott, Chief Medical Officer for Prolacta Bioscience, about the critical importance of nutrition for premature babies. They discuss the unique nutritional needs of these infants, the role of human milk fortifiers, and the advocacy parents must engage in to ensure their babies receive the best care possible in the NICU. Their conversation also explores the emotional ups and downs of the NICU journey—from the challenges families face to the joy of discharge day—highlighting how support, advocacy, and open communication can make all the difference. You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in learning more about human milk-based fortifiers (HMF)? Check out Prolacta Science’s ParentSupport Page. Follow Prolacta Bioscience on Instagram @ prolacta_bioscience And review these studies: ASSAD et al: Conducted at the hospital where Dr. Elliott practices. Demonstrates reduced incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), reduced length of stay, and cost savings.    SULLIVAN et al: Study demonstrated significantly lower rate of NEC when EHMD was used.  HAIR et al: Demonstrated that premature infants fed an EHMD had a significantly lower incidence of NEC, mortality, late-onset sepsis, ROP, and BPD, compared with infants fed cow milk-based nutrition.

    31 min
  8. Mercy Drops with Cathy

    SEP 23

    Mercy Drops with Cathy

    In this episode of Ask a NICU Mama, host Ashley O’Neil sits down with Cathy Garrett, host of the Birth Trauma Stories podcast. Cathy opens up about her two NICU journeys, traumatic births, and the challenges of long-term recovery. Together, they discuss motherhood, resilience, faith, and the vital role of community support. Cathy also shares what inspired her to start her own podcast to help other parents navigate birth trauma and find healing. 💛 You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in learning more about Cathy? Instagram: birthtraumastoriespodcastWebsite: www.birthtraumastories.com Podcast: Birth Trauma Stories Podcast

    47 min
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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

Information

  • Creator
    Ask a NICU Mama Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ask a NICU Mama Podcast
  • Show Website
    Ask a NICU Mama Podcast