Today’s guest shares her family’s NICU story and her beautiful book, Waiting for Max. She explains how the anxiety of a NICU stays with you for a long time and why she’s dedicated to helping other families. Her book supports parents AND siblings who are waiting for their NICU baby to join the family at home. Join us!

Emily Rosen is a mom, freelance creative director, copywriter, and children’s book author. She has built her career working for top advertising agencies and brands. Always striving to use her creativity for good, Emily empowers women, mothers, and kids, and her inspiration comes from her son Max’s time in the NICU. She wrote her first children’s book to help families going through experiences similar to hers. When she’s not writing, Emily loves going for a run in the neighborhood, singing karaoke with friends, and reading to her two kids. A proud native of Cleveland, she now lives in Los Angeles with her family. 

Show Highlights:

NICU statistics in the US: 10% of babies have a NICU stay

Emily’s NICU journey (16 days) with Max, born at 34 weeks in 2019

Reading books to Max in the NICU brought a sense of normalcy to what was otherwise a frightening experience.

Emily’s inspiration to write Waiting for Max – and how she found unexpected healing

Helping kids understand the NICU in age-appropriate language

Life after the NICU may look different for your child, but there is hope for a normal life.

Emily’s infertility journey to have a second child—and inspiration for a second book about infertility and surrogacy

Creativity as a way to process feelings and protect your mental health

Emily’s best strategies for parents to get through a NICU stay

What NOT to ask parents with a baby in the NICU

Resources:

Connect with Emily Rosen: Website, Instagram, and Waiting for Max

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov.

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. 

There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. 

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! 

If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. 

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