Beyond the NICU

Britney Dehnert describes her NICU experience with the birth of her daughter, how journaling and poetry helped her through her NICU journey, and how different art forms can allow us to participate in self care.

Nashville-based singer and songwriter JJ Heller joins Kelli to discuss her popular lullaby Hand to Hold and how it is soon launching as a beautifully illustrated children's book. 

Nakeenya discusses her own traumatic birth experience and how that led to PTSD and PPD. She talks about how she got involved with Black Mamas ATX and the services the nonprofit offers. She also discusses the statistics surrounding black mothers and PPD.

Catherine discusses the experience of losing her first child and having a high-risk pregnancy with her second. She talks about her NICU experience and how that affected her emotionally. She also discusses the PPD symptoms she experienced and how she sought help.

Kelli and Media discuss what diaper dermatitis is and how it affects premature babies. They talk about the best practices to prevent it, including feeding and diaper changes.  

Shifra describes her own experience with postpartum depression. She discusses how this experience led her to begin Eim Leah and talks about what the organization offers to new moms.

Rhiannon discusses her preeclampsia and how that led to the premature birth of her son. She describes her NICU experience and how that led to her postpartum depression diagnosis.

Kelli and Lexi discuss why maternal mental health is an issue we need to pay attention to and how becoming a mother is a transition that deserves care and consideration. What are the symptoms of PPD and where do you go if you need help with those symptoms?