Beyond Beeps & Hums

Anande Ferreira
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Beyond Beeps & Hums is a podcast created to support and empower families on their NICU journey — and in the life that follows. Hosted by Anandé Ferreira, a two-time preemie NICU mama and pediatric occupational therapist from @playmoreot. Each episode explores the complexities of life in and beyond NICU doors. You’ll hear conversations that validate, inform, and connect — helping parents and professionals find understanding, hope, and healing. Launching 2026. No NICU journey should be faced alone.

Episodes

  1. Supporting Your Baby After NICU: A Look at Chiropractic Care - with Dr Jasmine Lloyd

    8 HR AGO

    Supporting Your Baby After NICU: A Look at Chiropractic Care - with Dr Jasmine Lloyd

    In this episode, we explore what gentle, supportive care can look like for babies after a NICU journey. Many parents leave the NICU feeling both relieved and uncertain, wondering what support their baby might need, and when to seek it. In this conversation, we unpack what paediatric chiropractic care involves, how gentle it is, and how it may support NICU babies. I’m joined by Dr Jasmine Lloyd, a paediatric chiropractor based in Paarl and Somerset West. She is part of the team at Drs Else and Robertson Chiropractors and Wellness. Dr. Lloyd is passionate about supporting the health and development of babies, children, and families through gentle chiropractic care. Together, we explore: ​What paediatric chiropractic care looks like for babies​Common concerns around safety and treatment​How early NICU positioning and experiences may influence movement and feeding patterns​Signs parents might notice at home that could indicate a need for additional support​When it may be helpful to explore gentle, hands-on careThis episode is designed to offer clarity, reassurance, and practical insight — so you can make informed decisions about what support feels right for your baby. You can reach out to Dr Lloyd and the team of chiropracters at Drs Else and Robertson Chiropractors here: www.familychiropractic.co.za @family_chiropractors Drs. Else and Robertson Chiropractors  In the podcast I refer to the following two episodes: Episode 2: If Someone You Love Has a Baby in NICU, Start Here Episode 6: When the Outside World Arrives Too Soon Beyond Beeps and Hums is a podcast exploring the emotional, developmental and human side of NICU journeys. Through stories, conversations and practical insights, the podcast supports families navigating life in the NICU and beyond the beeps and hums. If you are enjoying this podcast, following or rating the show helps more families find these conversations.@beyondbeepsandhums

    21 min
  2. When the Outside World Arrives Too Soon

    14 APR

    When the Outside World Arrives Too Soon

    In the womb, the environment is carefully buffered, movement is rhythmic, sound is filtered, light is dim, and babies experience constant containment and gentle pressure. But in the NICU, many of these sensory experiences shift dramatically. Bright lights, alarms, alerting, painful touch and medical procedures can introduce sensory input far earlier and more intensely than the developing nervous system expected. In this episode, we explore how premature birth and NICU admissions can shape early sensory experiences and what this may mean for a baby’s nervous system as they transition home. We also talk about the concept of the window of tolerance, why many premature and full-term NICU babies can become overwhelmed within their home environments. In the month of May there will be episodes dedicated to unpacking why regulation can be challenging within the NICU space as well as practical ideas on how to support down regulation of both babies and parents' nervous systems once they graduate home. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review or share it with a fellow NICU family. Follow @beyondbeepsandhums

    15 min
  3. “We’re Going home” – The Joys, Fears and What Family and Friends Should Know

    7 APR

    “We’re Going home” – The Joys, Fears and What Family and Friends Should Know

    Leaving the NICU is often described as a “graduation.” But for many families, coming home brings a complex mix of joy, relief, fear, and uncertainty. After weeks or months of living in survival mode, surrounded by monitors, alarms, and medical teams, stepping into life at home can feel both freeing and overwhelming. In this episode of Beyond Beeps and Hums, I reflect on the transition from NICU to home and unpack why this moment can feel so disorienting for parents and families. I also share insights gathered from my community about how loved ones can best support NICU families during this delicate transition. We talk about: • Why leaving the NICU can feel both joyful and terrifying • The lingering stress responses many NICU parents experience after discharge • How your baby’s nervous system is still adjusting to the outside world • Five helpful do’s and don’ts for family and friends visiting a NICU graduate • Simple ways loved ones can offer meaningful support during this transition Because coming home isn’t just a transition for your baby, it’s also a transition for your nervous system, your identity as a parent, and the rhythm of your family. If you are a NICU parent, or someone who loves a NICU family, this episode will help you understand this important chapter with greater compassion and care. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it. Follow us on @beyondbeepsandhums Click here to read the full Substack piece I referred to in this episode. Click here for the message you can share with your family and friends.

    24 min
  4. From Surviving NICU to Thriving: Why Supporting Mothers Matters

    31 MAR

    From Surviving NICU to Thriving: Why Supporting Mothers Matters

    In this short reflection episode, I share a personal perspective following my conversation with Tasmin Bota on kangaroo care. I reflect on two very different experiences I had in two NICUs — one where kangaroo care and parental involvement were actively supported, and another where that support was far less present. These differences are not unique to my story; many mothers have shared similar experiences of how NICU practices can vary widely between hospitals. This conversation also builds on a quote shared in the previous episode: that the mental health aspect of NICU can often feel “unimportant.” In reality, the wellbeing of parents is deeply connected to the wellbeing of their babies.  In this episode we explore simply surviving NICU to thriving, and why supporting parents must be part of the conversation around neonatal care. @beyondbeepsandhums

    12 min
  5. Kangaroo Care, Advocacy & Support: Navigating NICU as a Parent

    24 MAR

    Kangaroo Care, Advocacy & Support: Navigating NICU as a Parent

    Kangaroo Care, Advocacy & Support: Navigating NICU as a Parent In this episode, I sit down with Tasmin Bota as we explore some of the most important and overwhelming parts of navigating a NICU journey as a parent. We unpack the power of kangaroo care and why skin-to-skin contact is more than just a moment, it’s a meaningful way to support both baby and parent in a highly medical environment. We also talk about advocacy in the NICU. When so much feels out of your control, how do you find your voice? What does it actually look like to ask questions, seek clarity, and be involved in your baby’s care? And finally, we explore the reality of mental health support, particularly within the South African context. With barriers to access being very real, we discuss alternative ways parents can be supported during and after their NICU journey. Meet Tasmin Bota, Founder and Executive Director of Preemie Connect- a Parent-Led Organisation that provides emotional support and evidence based knowledge for parents and care-givers of pre-term babies and raises awareness for those affected by prematurity and Founder of Preemie Baby World an online store that specialises in Preemie Baby Essentials. You can find out more here:https://preemieconnect.my.canva.site/ @preemieconnect@preemiebabyworld DM to find out more and join our support groups Beyond Beeps and Hums is a podcast exploring the emotional, developmental, and human side of NICU journeys. Through stories, conversations, and practical insights, the podcast supports families navigating life in NICU and beyond. Hosted by Anandé Ferreira If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, following or rating the show helps more families find these conversations. ⁠@beyondbeepsandhums

    44 min
  6. If Someone You Love Has a Baby in NICU, Start Here

    17 MAR

    If Someone You Love Has a Baby in NICU, Start Here

    When someone you love suddenly finds themselves in the NICU world, it can be difficult to know how to help. In this episode of Beyond Beeps and Hums, Anandé shares what NICU parents say they wish others understood about their experience—and practical ways friends and family can offer meaningful support. In this episode we explore: ​What parents wish others understood about NICU experiences​The emotional realities of becoming a parent in a medical environment​Common misconceptions about NICU journeys​Practical ways friends and family can support NICU families Read the full substack piece: To my boys - I wish I met you in calm here. Resources: A Practical NICU Support Guide Beyond Beeps and Hums is a podcast exploring the emotional, developmental, and human side of NICU journeys. Through stories, conversations, and practical insights, the podcast supports families navigating life in NICU and beyond. Hosted by Anandé Ferreira If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, following or rating the show helps more families find these conversations. @beyondbeepsandhums

    29 min
  7. You are Welcome Here

    17 MAR

    You are Welcome Here

    In this opening episode of Beyond Beeps and Hums, Anandé Ferreira introduces the heart behind the podcast and why conversations about the NICU experience matter. This space was created for parents, families, and caregivers navigating life in and beyond the NICU. If you have ever found yourself listening to the beeps and hums rhythm of monitors and wondering how to process it all, you are welcome here. In this episode we talk about: • Why conversations about NICU experiences matter • The emotional realities families face during and after NICU • What you can expect from future episodes of the podcast • The goal of creating a space for shared understanding and support Beyond Beeps and Hums is a podcast exploring the emotional, developmental, and human side of NICU journeys. Through stories, conversations, and practical insights, the podcast supports families navigating life in NICU and beyond. Hosted by Anandé Ferreira If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, following or rating the show helps more families find these conversations. @beyondbeepsandhums

    9 min

  8. TRAILER

    Launching 2026

    Here, we’ll laugh, cry, and grow side by side as we navigate NICU and life beyond the beeps and hums. Launching 2026 – No NICU journey should be faced alone. Follow the show so you’ll be first to listen when we begin this journey together.

    1 min

Trailer

About

Beyond Beeps & Hums is a podcast created to support and empower families on their NICU journey — and in the life that follows. Hosted by Anandé Ferreira, a two-time preemie NICU mama and pediatric occupational therapist from @playmoreot. Each episode explores the complexities of life in and beyond NICU doors. You’ll hear conversations that validate, inform, and connect — helping parents and professionals find understanding, hope, and healing. Launching 2026. No NICU journey should be faced alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Anande Ferreira
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anande Ferreira
  • Show Website
    Beyond Beeps & Hums

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