In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neill speaks with Brian, author of 'Breathe, Eat, Poop and Grow,' about his profound journey to fatherhood, the challenges faced during his wife's pregnancy, and their son's premature birth. Brian shares his emotional experiences navigating the NICU, the importance of community support, and the role of faith in overcoming adversity. He emphasizes the need for advocacy in the NICU and reflects on his son's progress, offering...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Christina, a NICU nurse who shares her emotional journey and experiences in the NICU. They discuss the unique challenges faced by NICU families, the importance of parental involvement in care, and the support services available. Christina also shares her personal pivot during COVID-19, which led her to launch a clothing line specifically designed for preemies, Luxie Charm.  Her mission is to provide comfort and...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Kellye, co-owner of Holy City Pediatric Therapy Center, about intensive therapy programs for children. Kellye shares her journey of becoming an occupational therapist, the formation of her therapy center, and the importance of intensive therapy programs. The conversation covers who would benefit from attending an intensive therapy program, the process of pairing therapists with clients, and how families can afford...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Jessica, founder of We Are Brave Together, about her journey as a caregiver for her son with Prader-Willi syndrome. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, the importance of community support, and the release of Jessica's book, Becoming Brave Together (an anthology). The conversation highlights the emotional rollercoaster of receiving a diagnosis, coping strategies, and the need for self-compassion among...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Rikki about her unexpected NICU journey with her daughter who was born full-term.  Rikki shares the emotional complexities of experiencing joy and grief simultaneously, as her father passed away just before Leah was discharged.  Rikki emphasizes the importance of advocacy in healthcare, the need for support, and the lessons learned through her experiences. She reflects on daughter’s progress and offers advice to...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Jade about her profound journey through pregnancy loss, including multiple miscarriages and the stillbirth of her son. Jade shares her emotional experiences, the impact on her relationship with her husband, and the importance of support and presence during grief. She discusses the challenges of navigating a subsequent pregnancy and the complexities of raising a child while honoring the memory of another. Jade...

Welcome to the third episode of Season 2 of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU Related. In today’s episode titled, “Change Your View,” I am joined by Amanda.  Amanda had a high-risk pregnancy due to her son developing a rare disease called hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn or HDFN. Her son was born at 35 weeks gestation and spent 37 days in the NICU.  Amanda shares her heart during this episode.  She talks about how her faith carried her through...

Welcome to the Second episode of Season 2 of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related.  In today’s episode, titled “Things I Want You to Know: Insights from a Nurse,” I’m joined by Dorret, a dedicated perinatal nurse who works in both postpartum and the NICU. Throughout this episode, she guides us on how to empower parents during their baby's NICU journey. Dorret discusses her approach to preparing parents for discharge and what life looks like...

Welcome back to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In the first episode of season 2, titled “All of the Emotions,” I want to explore the wide range of feelings we experience both during and after our time in the NICU. Often, we struggle to process the trauma associated with having a baby in the NICU or caring for a child with complex medical needs. As parents, we frequently lose sight of ourselves while caring for our children and families. In...

Welcome to the season finale of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related.  In today’s episode titled A Season in Review, I share what I have learned (and what I hope you all have learned) from each of my 19 guests from this season.  I am beyond grateful for every guest who shared their NICU journey with us.  I am also grateful for everyone who took the time to listen to this podcast.  Your time is precious, and I do not take it lightly. I am taking the...

Welcome to the 26th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In today’s episode titled “Journey to Gratefulness” I am joined by Jameeka.  Jameeka delivered her daughter at 27 weeks gestation after being hospitalized for several weeks.  Her daughter was in the NICU for 340 days and was discharged with a trach, gtube and VP shunt.  Jameeka is so raw and authentic during this episode.  She shares the highs and lows of raising a medically complex...

Welcome to the 25th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In today’s episode, titled Surrender, I am joined by Katie.  Unlike many NICU moms, Katie learned at her 20-week ultrasound that her son would require a NICU stay after birth.  Throughout this episode, Katie walks us through how she coped with having anticipatory grief, how she established boundaries with family and friends, finding her people, and how she balanced working while her...

Welcome to the 24th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related.  In today’s episode, titled Purpose in the Pain, I am joined by Jenna.  She gave birth to her eldest child at 36 weeks and 5 days gestation who went on to spend 3 weeks in the NICU.  Jenna very vulnerability opens up about her journey of being diagnosed and treated for postpartum OCD.  She walks us through the period where she was really struggling and decided to reach out for...

Welcome to the 23rd episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In today’s episode titled, “Abundant Blessing,” I am joined by Gena.  Gena bravely opens up about her journey of delivering her son at 23 weeks gestation who went on to have 143-day NICU stay, was discharged and readmitted a week later for another 20 or so days.  Gena stresses the importance of showing up in the NICU as much as possible, learning how to advocate for your baby and...

Welcome to the 22nd episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In this special Father’s Day episode, titled “A Father’s Love,” I am joined by Adam Wood who bravely shares his NICU journey.  His wife gave birth to their son at 25 weeks gestation, and they went on to have a 135-day NICU stay. We often hear NICU journeys through a mother’s perspective, so it was nice sitting down with Adam to see it through a father’s eyes.  He touched on so many...

Welcome to the 21st episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we discuss all things NICU related. In today’s episode titled, “Just Hold On,” I am joined by Kristianna. Kristianna courageously opens up about her journey through experiencing a stillbirth with her daughter and later giving birth to her son at 34 weeks gestation, who then spent 34 days in the NICU. She stresses the significance of advocating for yourself during pregnancy and for your child throughout their NICU stay and...

Welcome to the 20th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we discuss all things NICU related. In this episode titled, “Tiny Steps,” I am joined by Kristina who courageously shares her journey of delivering her daughter at 25 weeks gestation, who spent 100 days in the NICU.  Kristina shares how her own autoimmune disease contributed to her daughter’s premature birth.  She shares how her personal history of medical trauma affected her during her NICU journey.  And she shares how her...

Welcome to the 19th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related.  In today’s episode titled, “Grace,” I am joined by Katonya.  Katonya bravely shares her journey of delivering her son at 22 weeks gestation while at home alone.  Her son was in the NICU for 180 days (6 months) and faced several complications.  Katonya was told on more than one occasion that her son may not live through the night. During this episode, Katonya shares her 2024 goals...

Welcome to the 18th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In today’s episode titled, “Keep the Faith,” I am joined by Nicole. Nicole courageously shares her NICU journey, she went from having a routine pregnancy and delivery at 41 weeks, to learning that her daughter had Gestational Alloimmune Liver Disease (GALD).  Like many of us NICU mamas, Nicole questioned if there was something she did that caused her baby to have to be in the NICU....

Welcome to the 17th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In this episode titled, "It's About Getting Back Up," I am joined by Jodi. Jodi openly shares her journey of giving birth to her daughter at 28 weeks gestation due to developing preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She walks us through the first few days after giving birth and how she felt when she was finally able to hold her daughter for the first time. She emphasizes the importance...

Welcome to the 16th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU Related. In today’s episode titled “Finding Joy Through the Journey,” I am joined by Naomi. Naomi openly shares her journey of giving birth to her son at 26 weeks gestation, who spent 153 days in the NICU. She talks about how her doctors failed to listen to her concerns while she was pregnant. She shares how she has had to fight to get Noah the care that he both needs and deserves. She...

Welcome to the 15th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. Today, in honor of International Bereaved Mother’s Day, I have a special episode for you. In this special episode titled “A Dash of Spice: Remembering Catherine,” I am joined by Amber.  Amber very bravely shares her story of struggling through years of IVF, learning that her daughter would require a NICU stay while she was still pregnant, and her daughter passing away at day 20 of...

Welcome to the 14th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related.  In this episode titled, “Enjoy the Little Wins,” I am joined by Rose.  She openly shares her journey of giving birth to her daughter at 27 weeks gestation, who spent 124 days in the NICU. She talks about her daughter developing bilateral brain bleeds, hydrocephalus and the emotional challenges of her daughter’s discharge date being postponed unexpectedly.  She empathizes the...

Welcome to the 13th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In this episode titled “A Beautiful Journey that I Would Not Wish on Anyone,” Collette joins me.  She candidly shares her experience of giving birth to her daughter at 30 weeks gestation. Her daughter was diagnosed with Type C Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Tetralogy of Fallot, and underwent multiple surgeries during her 103-day stay in the NICU. Collette emphasizes the significance...