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. A Chance to Know Her with Katelyn

    15h ago

    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

    41 min
  2. A Long Hard Road with Nate

    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

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

    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

    56 min
  4. Inside the NICU: An Occupational Therapist’s Perspective with Jenn

    May 5

    Inside the NICU: An Occupational Therapist’s Perspective with Jenn

    In this Season 4 premiere of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Jenn Oseroff, MS, OTR/L, a NICU occupational therapist with nearly 30 years of experience caring for some of the hospital’s tiniest patients. Jenn shares valuable insight into the critical role occupational therapists play in the NICU, how they support infant development and feeding, and the ways they help families navigate complex medical journeys. Together, Ashley and Jenn discuss early intervention, developmental care, and the importance of empowering parents during and beyond a NICU stay. This conversation is filled with compassion, education, and hope for NICU and medical families alike. 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 andmedical family. 📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠ and @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

    33 min
  5. What We Want You to Know

    12/09/2025

    What We Want You to Know

    In the Season 3 finale of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O’Neil offers a heartfelt reflection on the grief, growth,and transformation that shape the lives of NICU families. She speaks candidly about the lasting impact of loss, the complexities of life after the NICU, and the often unseen support parents need long after discharge. Ashley shares how family and friends can best support thosenavigating grief, whether from child loss or the trauma of a NICU stay, emphasizing the importance of understanding, compassion, and grace. She encourages loved ones to recognize that NICU parents are forever changed by their experiences, and that their healing deserves patience and tenderness. This episode gently explores what it means to honor ourbabies’ memories, care for our own hearts, and seek peace during seasons that can feel especially heavy—especially the holidays. Ashley also expresses deep gratitude for the incrediblecommunity that has grown around this podcast and looks forward with hope to the meaningful conversations still to come. 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.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

    18 min
  6. I Believe in Her with Mahaley

    12/02/2025

    I Believe in Her with Mahaley

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Mahaley Patel, who shares her journey through pregnancy, the traumatic birth of her daughter Saachi, and the challenges faced during their NICU stay. She discusses the emotional complexities of child loss, the importance of processing trauma, and how she found purpose in her grief. Mahaley also highlights the significance of support systems for NICU families and the unique perspectives of partners during such experiences. This conversation culminates in a discussion about her book, 'Your NICU Story', aimed at helping families navigate their NICU journeys. You do not want to miss this episode! The season three finale airs next week! Interested in connecting with Mahaley? Instagram: mahaleyhpatel  Website:  Mahaley Patel Therapy  Email: yournicustorybook@gmail.com   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

    43 min
  7. I Had to Let Go With Michelle

    11/25/2025

    I Had to Let Go With Michelle

    In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast,host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Michelle Ross who opens up about her powerful journey through pregnancy complications, the heartbreak of losing a child, and the complexities of navigating the NICU with her daughter, Brielle. She reflectson the vital role of support systems, the weight of mental health during such vulnerable seasons, and the ways she’s learned to embrace self-care and healing. Michelle also introduces Elevated Hope Coaching, her company that is dedicated to walking alongside NICU parents. This conversation highlights resilience, the strength found in community, and the importance of prioritizing one's own well-being while navigating the challenges of motherhood.  You do not want to miss this episode.   Interested in connecting with Michelle? Instagram: ⁠myelevatedhope⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠Michelle Ross LinkedIn⁠  Email: ⁠info@myelevatedhope.com⁠   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 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’sa 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 anotherNICU parent or healthcare providerFollow the show on Instagram: ⁠⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠⁠Leave a reviewInterested in sponsoring anepisode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

    44 min
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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