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. 6d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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. Jun 9

    A Chance to Know Her with Katelyn

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Katelyn Paz, who learned after a routine ultrasound that her daughter had Trisomy 18. She shares how she had to balance grief with hope and what it was like to constantly justify her decision to keep her daughter alive to her NICU team. She also opens up about finding herself back in the very same NICU two years later with her youngest daughter. This episode is about a mother’s love, finding hope, and advocating fiercely for your children through uncertainty, grief, and the NICU experience.  You do not want to miss this episode! Interested in connecting with Katelyn? Instagram: pazkatelyn 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

    A Chance to Know Her with Katelyn
  6. May 26

    A Long Hard Road with Nate

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Nathan (Nate) Wieser, who shares his and his wife’s 10-year journey to parenthood—a path marked by pregnancy loss, infant loss, and a 121-day NICU stay. Throughout this episode, one thing remains abundantly clear: Nate’s deep love for his wife, his family and friends, and his children - both the ones he holds in his heart and the one he is blessed to parent here on earth.  This episode offers deep insights into the emotional rollercoaster of the NICU experiences, loss, and hope.  You do not want to miss this episode. Interested in connecting with Nate? Instagram: nathanwieser Book: We Did It   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.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

    A Long Hard Road with Nate
  7. May 12

    Your Story is Your Story: Insights from a Physical Therapist with Dr. Kim

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Dr. Kim, a pediatric physical therapist with 25 years of experience. We discuss the importance of early intervention, parent advocating for their children, and navigating the transition from the NICU to home to receiving school-aged support services. Dr. Kim also shares insights from her new book, Move, Play, Grow, and the important role movement and play have in child development. This conversation is filled with practical advice and encouragement for parents and caregivers navigating complex medical and developmental journeys.  Interested in connecting with Dr. Kim? Instagram: ⁠babiesfirstptWebsite:  Move, Play & Grow – Kim Baugh 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 moreepisodes: 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

    Your Story is Your Story: Insights from a Physical Therapist with Dr. Kim
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

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