49 episodes
Empowering NICU Parents Podcast Nicole Nyberg
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- Kids & Family
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5.0 • 13 Ratings
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Is your baby currently in the NICU? Was your baby born prematurely? Or is your term baby in the NICU for high jaundice levels, low blood sugars, or because they have some Respiratory Distress and need oxygen or additional support?
Are you wondering what in the heck is a small baby unit or kangaroo care? Why do NICUs use donor breast milk and what on earth does RDS, BPD, IVH, NEC, ETT, CPAP, HFNC, UVC, UAC, po, ng, NEC, ABG, CBG, CBC, and CMP stand for? Are you asking yourself how will we ever get through this, what questions should I even ask, and when will my baby come home?
If you are a NICU parent who is scared, nervous, unsure, and full of questions, then hit the subscribe button so you do not miss another show!
Welcome to the "Empowering NICU Parents Podcast" where we will answer ALL of these questions and SO MUCH more! Your host, Nicole Nyberg is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner with years of NICU experience - but she also brings her unique perspective to this podcast as a mother of a 23-weeker.
Along with sharing answers to the NICU medical questions you have, Nicole addresses and supports you through the incredibly difficult emotional struggles that only a NICU parent can understand.
She provides you with knowledge plus tangible tips to guide, educate, empower, and support you through your baby's NICU journey and once they are home. Tune in to hear from someone who knows exactly what you're going through, another NICU Mama.
Check out all of our show notes and additional information at empoweringnicuparents.com
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Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): What causes it and how is it managed in the NICU?
For the 49th episode on the Empowering NICU Parents’ Podcast, we review necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) which is a life-threatening newborn condition that involves ischemia and inflammation of the bowel. Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a complex disease that despite decades of research, is still not well understood. The evidence continues to support the concurrent presence of several factors that when combined with a trigger, may lead to a disruption of the normal intestinal bacterial flora followed by an altered inflammatory host response.
On this episode, you will learn what factors place infants, especially premature infants, at an increased risk to develop NEC. The common clinical symptoms that infants present with once they develop NEC will be reviewed as well as when they are most likely to occur. Additionally, we touch on some of the subtle behavioral changes infants may display at the onset of the disease that are often most obvious to the parents. Next, the diagnostic tests and labs that are typically done once NEC is suspected will be reviewed followed by a description of the Bell staging system which is used to provide a more uniform clinical definition for NEC. The typical management for NEC will also be discussed, followed by a review of some of the common preventative measures that have been put into place in NICUs today to continue to decrease the incidence of NEC. We close out the episode discussing what the prognosis and mortality rate is for infants who have been diagnosed with NEC.
The episode is a great overall review of NEC that will be beneficial for NICU parents and clinicians. Start listening now and get ready to be empowered!
Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/
NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/
NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/
Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/
Episode 49 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode49
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The Composition of Human Breast Milk: How Does Preterm, Term, and Donor Milk Vary?
Maternal human milk is the absolute best food for newborn nutrition that supports all of their accelerated growth in the first year. And although we have a basic understanding of the composition of human milk, every woman’s breast milk has a different complexity when it comes to the nutritional content. But, you may be wondering, what exactly is breast milk composed of?
For our 48th podcast episode, I review the general composition of human breast milk and what the variations are between preterm, term, and donor breast milk. I also discuss some of the anti-infective protective properties in maternal breast milk and how a preterm mother’s milk has unique and complex properties that are lacking in donor breast milk. I discuss human milk fortification, the different formulations available, and why it is so important in our preterm population. I share why donor breast milk is used in preterm infants over formula and explain its protective mechanisms against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Finally, I discuss how the pasteurization process, although important, impacts the composition of donor breast milk.
I share why it is so crucial that mothers feel supported and are educated. Building trusting partnerships with NICU mothers will help to promote their milk expression, establish breastfeeding, and nurture the feelings of motherhood. A supportive environment coupled with education, has the potential to positively impact the mother’s milk production in the NICU and beyond. The episode is full of valuable, updated information for both NICU Parents and clinicians, so start listening now, or consider sharing the episode with someone who will gain some value from it!
Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/
NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/
NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/
Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/
Episode 48 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode48
Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/
Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents
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Breaking Down the Milk Expression and Breastfeeding Barriers Common to NICU Mothers
For our 47th podcast episode, I review some of the general benefits of maternal breast milk and why it is so important for all infants, but especially those who are critically ill and in the NICU, to receive maternal milk. Human milk, often referred to as liquid gold, is considered the gold standard feeding plan for all infants. Maternal human milk provides many nutritional advantages for infants, but it is also advantageous in non nutritional aspects as well.
Unfortunately, NICU mothers face additional barriers that make it more difficult for them to effectively express their milk and ultimately breastfeed. Data has shown that for all NICU infants, whether preterm and/or critically ill, receive less than 20% of their own mother’s milk at 6 months of age, most commonly due to insufficient maternal milk production. Mothers whose infants are admitted to the NICU are faced with both physical, emotional, mental, and social inhibiting circumstances that make it much more difficult for them to not only establish their milk supply, but also maintain it. There are also significant racial disparities that exist and human milk provision is lowest among non-Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations.
It is the standard of care for most NICUs to utilize Donor Human Milk (DHM) as an alternative or to help bridge the gap for infants when the mother’s breast milk is either not available or there is insufficient volume. Although donor breast milk is a great option that is beneficial, it does not have the same overall protective mechanisms and bioactivity as the mother’s milk.
In the episode, we review what some of the common barriers are for NICU mothers in their physical ability and desire to provide breast milk for their infant. I share recommendations on what we as NICU clinicians can do to educate, support, and guide all mothers in a culturally sensitive and supportive manner. By recognizing the common and individualized barriers for NICU mothers, we can share our knowledge in an empathetic and holistic manner. Therefore, mothers and their care partners are able to make an informed decision and one that has the potential to impact their infant while they are in the NICU and in the months and years that follow!
Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal:
https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/
Finn + Emma: http://shrsl.com/2py7d
NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/
NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/
Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/
Episode 47 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode47
Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/
Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents
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A Review of the Infant-Driven Feeding Program in the NICU
Infants in the NICU, especially those born prematurely, encounter the challenge of effective bottle feeding and/or nursing due to their maturational development. Recently, to support their development, there has been a shift in the paradigm to move away from volume-driven feedings in the NICU to a cue-based approach. The practice of cue-based feedings, specifically the The Infant-Driven Feeding™ Program (IDF™), begins with a neurodevelopmental foundation and promotes positive feeding experiences from the first day of life. The IDF™ program is a developmentally supportive, individualized, cue-based feeding program offered by Dr. Brown’s Medical.
For our most recent podcast, I sat down with a former colleague of mine, Lisa Kleinz. Lisa is a Speech Pathologist and a Developmental Care Specialist who is currently the Director of Education for Dr. Brown’s Medical. She is an expert on the The Infant-Driven Feeding™ Program and explains how the program supports the infant’s development, promotes consistent feeding practices, encourages parental involvement, and has resulted in improved breastfeeding rates.
The evidence-based research supports the IDF™ program and has shown a reduction in time to full oral feedings, a reduction in the length of hospital stay, reduced hospital costs, improved breastfeeding rates, and increased parental involvement including kangaroo care. The IDF™ program is beneficial for clinicians, parents and the infant. Once staff is educated, more consistent feeding methods are practiced which results in a positive feeding experience for the infant and caregiver.
Learn more about all of the benefits of the the The Infant-Driven Feeding™ Program and how it can be implemented in your hospital. After listening, NICU clinicians will learn why it is so crucial to provide positive oral experiences from day one to the infant and how it will impact their future neurodevelopmental outcomes. Parents will learn specific ways that they can be involved with their infant that will positively impact their oral experiences from the moment they arrive into the NICU.
Although we are unable to completely eliminate all of the negative experiences in the NICU, caregivers, including parents can make an effort to intentionally protect and support infants throughout their time in the NICU and beyond and the ability to create positive feeding experiences is a key component to that support.
Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/
NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/
NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/
Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/
Episode 46 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode46
Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/
Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents
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A Review of Cue-Based Feeding in the NICU
For infants in the NICU, especially those born prematurely, breast or bottle feeding effectively can oftentimes be a challenge. Maturational and developmental issues impact a premature infant’s ability to adequately coordinate their sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Yet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), attainment of adequate oral feedings that fully support growth without physiologic instability is a skill that needs to be fully established prior to an infant’s discharge from the NICU.
But, what is the best way to achieve full oral feedings in a developmentally supportive manner? For this podcast, we review cue-based feeding programs and why there has been a recent shift in the paradigm to move away from volume-driven feedings in the NICU. We discuss what places NICU infants, especially those born prematurely, at an increased risk for oral aversion and how we as caregivers and parents can minimize the risk. We discuss the benefits of cue-based feedings including how it promotes a more positive feeding experience for the infant and caregiver, its ability to support an infant’s neurodevelopment, as well as findings from some recent research studies that have focused on cue-based feeding.
If you are a clinician and curious about implementing a cue-based feeding program into your NICU, then stay tuned to hear all of the potential benefits. And for my parents who are listening, you will learn how beneficial it is to learn your infant’s behavioral cues which will ultimately support your infant’s development in the NICU and at home. You will not want to miss it, so stay tuned!
Solly Baby: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/solly/
Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/
NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/
NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/
Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/
Episode 45 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode45
Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/
Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents
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A Review of the WHO Recommendations for the Care of Preterm or Low-Birth-weight Infant - Part III
For our most recent episode, I continued to summarize the updated recommendations for care of the preterm and low birthweight infant from the World Health Organization (WHO) that were just released on November 15, 2022. The World Health Organization reviews the most up-to-date research findings and they develop global guidelines that are meant to help end-users or clinicians make informed decisions on whether, when, and how to undertake specific actions such as clinical interventions, diagnostic tests, or public health measures with the aim to achieve the best possible individual or collective health outcomes. Their goal is that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.
The updated recommendations are relevant to national policy makers, NICU supervisors, managers, Neonatologist, NNPs, and NICU nurses. I think it’s extremely important for anyone who works with the preterm and low birthweight population to be aware of the updated recommendations by the World Health Organization. I also believe that it is important that parents of preterm or low birthweight infants have some idea of what the recommendations entail and how it may impact the care given to their infant. So I will finish up discussing the recommendations today spotlighting the most pertinent points.
Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/
NeoTech:https://www.neotechproducts.com/product/neoglo/
NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/
NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/
Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/
Episode 44 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode44
Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/
Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents
Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH
Customer Reviews
Awesome info for NICU parents
A great resource to have throughout the NICU journey. I like being able to listen to episodes on specific topics as we encounter those issues.
What all NICU mamas need
Thank you so much for this podcast. It makes the NICU journey feel less lonely