NICU Alumni Podcast

NICU Alumni
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NICU Alumni Podcast

Welcome to the NICU Alumni Podcast. Your baby has graduated from the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), and you're finally home! Now what? We know that the end of the NICU journey is the start of a whole new experience. So, we're dedicated to supporting families as they navigate life after the NICU. We're so glad you're here!

  1. MAY 6

    Healing Through Story: Jen Mansfield on Grief After the NICU

    In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Hickson speaks with Jen Mansfield, a licensed professional counselor and mother, who shares her profound journey through the NICU and the loss of her son, Adam, born at 24 weeks. Jen reflects on the overwhelming experience of the NICU, the meaningful connections with the staff, and the support from her community. She discusses the challenges of transitioning home after Adam's passing and the healing practices that helped her navigate grief, including narrative therapy. Jen's story is one of resilience, love, and the importance of community support during difficult times. Content note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss and may be emotionally triggering for some listeners. Please care for yourself as you listen. Find information from the full episode here. Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast! You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

    39 min

  2. FEB 4

    Honoring a Legacy: Advocacy and Support After the NICU with Misti Staley

    In this heartfelt episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, Misti Staley shares her profound journey as a mother who faced unimaginable challenges with her son Freeman, who spent significant time in the NICU and PICU.   After losing Freeman, Misti transformed her grief into advocacy, creating the Freeman Foundation and developing innovative solutions for families facing similar struggles. Our conversation explores the emotional rollercoaster of NICU life, the importance of community support, and the healing power of connection during times of loss. We discuss the profound impact of grief, the balance between supporting others and caring for oneself, the significance of community engagement and advocacy in healthcare, and the creation of meaningful legacies through action. Misti shares her journey of creating the Freeman Playground, and then later, establishing the Free Arm. She shares about the importance of raising awareness for tube feeding, finding joy amidst grief, and offers valuable insights and advice for parents experiencing loss. Quick Notes from the Episode: The emotional toll of NICU life is profound, with many ups and downs.Transitioning home from the NICU can be daunting, especially with medical complexities.Therapy played a crucial role in helping Misti navigate her challenges and equipping her to advocate for herself and for Freeman's needs.Connection with other families that are in the NICU or PICU can provide comfort and understanding during tough times.Grief is a journey. Finding joy amidst grief is possible, take things at your own pace even if it feels like a small step.Remember you're not alone in that journey.Tube Feeding Awareness Week - occurs every FebruaryFollow Free Arm on InstagramCheck out The Blend MagazineOther Helpful Links!Free Arm Friends PageLet's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast! You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

    50 min

  3. JAN 14

    Preparing for Parenthood After the NICU with Ashli The Mama Coach

    In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Hickson speaks with Ashli Daly, a registered nurse and baby coach, about her journey from working in the NICU to supporting families as they transition home. Ashli shares her experience working in various NICUs, the importance of seeking help, and how her background informs her current practice as Ashli The Mama Coach. The discussion also covers practical advice for new parents, including the importance of giving oneself grace and persevering as you seek answers. Quick Notes from the Episode: Support from healthcare professionals is crucial for NICU families.Families should think about how they can prepare for life after the NICU.Postpartum doulas can play a role in supporting new families post-NICU.Ashli emphasizes the need for a supportive village for new parents. Don't isolate yourself.NICU experiences can significantly impact breastfeeding relationships.Every baby is unique, and care should be tailored to their needs. Feeding challenges are common and require a mindset shift and some patience.The transition from NICU to home can be overwhelming, building a support system is essential for new parents.Give yourself grace during the postpartum period, parenting is a journey of learning and growth for both baby and parent, and postpartum recovery does not have a set timeline.Trusting your gut as a parent is crucial, advocating for your baby is important in healthcare settings.If you don't get the answer that you want, keep going!NICU Alumni ResourcesGrad GuideAshli The Mama Coach Free Resources: Safety Guide - This free guide covers critical topics like safe sleep, car seat safety, drowning prevention, and choking prevention.The Baby Sleep Formula - This free guide helps families establish nap times, bedtimes, and handle nap transitions as their baby grows. For preemie families, Ashli always recommends using adjusted age for sleep schedules rather than actual age.Ashli posts a lot of helpful tips and guidance for parents on Instagram (@ashlithemamacoach), where she focuses on sleep, feeding, and newborn care.Newborn Blueprint Preview - Ashli’s Newborn Blueprint walks families through the first 12 weeks with their newborn. LINK TO PURCHASELet's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast! You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

    31 min

  4. 12/17/2024

    I Know Newborns: Advocacy and Support with Chelsea Samms

    In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Hickson sits down with Chelsea Sams, MSN, RN, CPST, perinatal nurse educator, and founder of I Know Newborns.   With over eight years of NICU experience, Chelsea shares her journey from bedside care to empowering NICU families through education and advocacy. Together, they discuss the unique challenges NICU graduates face after discharge, including health risks, navigating pediatric care, and finding essential community resources. Chelsea highlights the black infant mortality crisis, the importance of vaccination, and the critical role parents play in advocating for their children’s well-being. This episode is packed with practical advice and resources to support families transitioning home from the NICU. Quick Notes from the Episode: “You know your baby best.” Parents should trust their instincts when it comes to their child’s health.“Hand washing, hand washing, hand washing.”NICU graduates often face higher risks for health complications and readmissions.Vaccination is essential for NICU babies, take into consideration, especially during flu and RSV seasons.Developmental delays are common but often temporary—don’t be discouraged, babies can catch up with time.Choosing a pediatrician with NICU experience is vital for post-discharge care.Community support groups are invaluable for navigating the NICU journey and beyond.Advocacy isn’t just for the NICU—it's a skill parents will use throughout their child’s life.Resources from Chelsea:Chelsea can be reached at hello@iknownewborns.com and on instagram.eBooks available for purchase, two of Chelsea’s favorites: NICU Parent Glossary, NICU Parent Advocacy Script, Free Resources Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast! You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

    30 min

  5. 10/08/2024

    All Things Insurance with Vanessa de la Llama

    In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, Andrea Hickson speaks with Vanessa de la Llama, a licensed mental health counselor, about the complexities of navigating insurance and healthcare for families with NICU graduates.  They discuss the importance of being proactive in seeking appointments, understanding insurance coverage, and the necessity of mental health support for parents. Vanessa emphasizes the need for self-care and especially for planning for post-NICU care. Their conversation also touches on the importance of early intervention services, the occasional need for letters of medical necessity, and effective communication with insurance providers. Quick Notes from the Episode: Insurance is a major concern for families post-NICU.Finding the right specialist is crucial for ongoing care.Proactive planning when possible can ease the transition home.Early intervention services can significantly benefit children.Understanding insurance coverage can prevent unexpected bills.Use online tools like Psychology Today to find detailed listings for mental health professionals in the United States.Additional Resources from Vanessa: Understanding Anxiety in AdultsUnderstanding Depression in AdultsUnderstanding Anxiety in Children and TeensUnderstanding Depression in Children and TeensMindfulnessYou can reach out to Vanessa through her instagram. Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast! You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

    41 min

  6. 09/17/2024

    Empowering NICU Parents with Nicole Nyberg a NICU NP and NICU Mom

    Nicole Nyberg is the proud mother of a former 23-weeker and a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. With her unique perspective as both a clinical expert and a micropreemie mom, she’s dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experience. Nicole is the Founder and CEO of Empowering NICU Parents, providing education, support, and empowerment for parents and clinicians, focusing on how parental involvement in the NICU positively impacts an infant's long-term development. She's also a podcast host and author of Our NICU Roadmap, a daily NICU journal that guides and empowers parents through their NICU journey. In this episode, Nicole shares her personal NICU experience and the emotional challenges of her high-risk pregnancy. She highlights the critical role of parental involvement in the NICU and the mental health challenges parents face, even after discharge. Nicole also talks about her role at Angel Eye Health, a company enhancing family engagement in the NICU through technology, and provides insights on her work supporting their NICU2home program, the importance of self-care, and seeking mental health support. Quick Notes from the Episode: Parental involvement in the NICU significantly impacts both the infant’s and family’s long-term trajectory.NICU parents often face ongoing mental health challenges post-discharge, making support and understanding vital.Self-care is essential for NICU parents to manage emotional stress and maintain well-being.Experience in the NICU, even as a professional, doesn't lessen the emotional toll or trauma for parents.Seeking mental health support and building a community of other NICU parents can offer valuable empathy and understanding.Showing yourself grace during the transition from the NICU to home is crucial for both emotional recovery and family well-being.You can reach out to Nicole through instagram @empoweringnicuparents. Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast! You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

    42 min

  7. 08/06/2024

    Family-Centered Care in the NICU and beyond - Cristal Grogan

    Cristal Grogan shares her experience of her son's NICU stay overseas in Spain and the challenges they faced. She discusses the language barriers, socialized medicine, and lack of family-centered care in the NICU. Cristal emphasizes the importance of parent advocacy and education, as well as long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. She also highlights the need for support and resources for families, especially those with children with complex medical and mental health needs.  Cristal's journey has led her to become an advocate for NICU parents and children with special needs. In this conversation, Cristal Grogan shares her journey as a parent advocate for NICU families and the importance of parent voices in healthcare. She discusses her involvement with NICU Parent Network and National Perinatal Association, as well as her work with Prolacta Bioscience.  Quick Takeaways from the Episode: Parent advocacy and education are crucial in the NICU and beyond.Family-centered care is essential for the well-being of NICU families.Access to support and resources is vital for families with children with complex medical and mental health needs.Parent advocacy is crucial in improving care for NICU families.Cristal emphasizes the need for parents to ask questions, advocate for their children, and seek out resources and support. Dealing with health insurance can be so difficult to navigate and can be another big factor after the NICU.Cristal’s NICU Alumni  Grad Guide Cristal encourages parents to trust their instincts and not be afraid to challenge healthcare professionals as it can lead to better outcomes.Take a look at parent-led organizations like NICU Parent Network and National Perinatal Association provide valuable support and resources.The Autism Community in Action provides education, support and hope to families living with autism.The Center for Men's Excellence out of California has great resources on their site for dads.Don’t forget, take a breath and enjoy today!Overall, the conversation highlights the power of parent advocacy and the impact it can have on improving care for NICU families. Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast! You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

    48 min

  8. 05/28/2024

    The Baby Steps Program: A Transition of Care Model Supporting Families After the NICU

    Dr. Danielle A. Cierak and Flor Tena discuss their work in the NICU and the challenges families face after leaving the hospital. They developed the Baby Steps transition of care model to support NICU patients and families during the difficult period after discharge. The Baby Steps program provides support to families after their NICU stay, helping them transition to home and navigate the challenges of caring for their baby. The program starts when a dedicated telehealth NICU nurse meets with families before discharge and then continues with a virtual call post-discharge where a nurse can help troubleshoot or schedule follow-up visits after they go home. During the televisit, the nurse can provide reassurance, answer questions, and address concerns. They can also assess the family's environment, review discharge instructions, and reconcile medications. The program reduces the burden on families by eliminating the need for travel to appointments and provides an extra layer of comfort knowing that help is just a phone call away. It empowers families to be advocates for their babies and provides a sense of companionship and support through connections with other families who have gone through similar experiences. Quick Notes from the Episode:  💛 Check out this video that has more info on Baby Steps with a family perspective. 💛 Check out the Baby Steps webpage. 💛 Check out this feature written about Baby Steps after they received the acclaimed Edge Runner award. 💛 You can reach out to Danielle and Flor through LinkedIn.   Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast! You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

    35 min
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About

Welcome to the NICU Alumni Podcast. Your baby has graduated from the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), and you're finally home! Now what? We know that the end of the NICU journey is the start of a whole new experience. So, we're dedicated to supporting families as they navigate life after the NICU. We're so glad you're here!

Information

  • Creator
    NICU Alumni
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 NICU Alumni Inc
  • Show Website
    NICU Alumni Podcast

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