In this episode, Mary hosts Dr. Malathi Balasundaram, a passionate neonatologist and the founder of the Family Centered Care (FCC) Task Force. Malathi shares her inspiring journey from her upbringing in a small town in southern India to her influential role at Stanford University. She discusses her transition to neonatology, her work in improving family-centered care in NICUs, and the formation of the FCC Task Force, which has grown to over 1,200 members globally. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating family-centered care and trauma-informed approaches in medical training and practice, and the collaborative efforts needed to make impactful changes in patient care.

00:00 Introduction to Malathi Balasundaram

00:50 Malathi's Early Life and Education

02:34 Journey to Neonatology

04:46 Founding the Family Centered Care Task Force

09:48 Expanding the FCC Task Force

15:25 Impact and Future Vision of FCC Task Force

19:49 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

26:15 Final Reflections and Wisdom

LinkedIn Malathi Balasundaram Stanford profile link - https://profiles.stanford.edu/malathi-balasundaram?tab=bio

Twitter @Malathineo  

FCC TASKFORCE Website: www.Fcctaskforce.org

In this episode, Mary interviews Marsha Campbell-Yeo, a leading neonatal nurse practitioner and academic from Canada. Marsha shares her extraordinary journey of over 37 years in neonatal care, detailing her transitions from being a bedside nurse to a neonatal nurse practitioner, and then to a full professor and researcher. She highlights her pioneering efforts in neonatal-pediatric transport, nurse practitioner legislation advocacy, and establishing the Mom-Link-Lab at Dalhousie University. Major themes include the importance of family engagement in neonatal care, trauma-informed practices, and the critical role of parents and nurses in pain management for infants. Marsha underscores the value of being a risk-taker and advocate, and emphasizes the impact of open communication, parental involvement, and evidence-based practice in improving neonatal outcomes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:38 Marsha's Career Journey

02:42 Transition to Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

04:06 Research and Innovations in Newborn Care

07:43 The Importance of Family Involvement

12:11 Challenges and Misconceptions in Pain Management

25:35 Trauma-Informed Care and Communication

36:07 Advocacy and Passion in Nursing

43:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Conference

Follow Marsha on X @DrMCampbellYeo @momlinclab

Follow Marsha on Twitter @DrMCampbellYeo

In this episode of the Care Out Loud podcast, host Mary welcomes Nicole Nyberg, a passionate neonatal nurse practitioner and mother, who shares her inspiring journey. Nicole discusses her path to becoming a NICU nurse and the life-changing experiences she faced when her son William was born prematurely at 23 weeks. Nicole talks about the trauma of her NICU journey, the critical importance of family-centered care, and advocating for trauma-informed support for NICU parents. She also highlights her work in creating the Empowering NICU Parents Podcast and her role in the NICU to Home project with Angel Eye Health, aiming to support families both during and after their NICU stay.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Nicole Nyberg

00:23 Nicole's Journey to Becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

02:00 Personal Challenges and Pregnancy Complications

03:21 William's Birth and NICU Experience

05:38 Returning to Work and Balancing Roles

07:48 The Impact of Trauma and Seeking Support

12:39 Creating the Empowered Parent and NICU Journal

18:19 Current Work and Future Aspirations

19:47 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

28:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Biography

Nicole Nyberg received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Psychology from Purdue University. She worked as a NICU nurse for over 10 years before she pursued her MSN from Rush University and became a board-certified NNP in 2013. Over the last 10 years, she has practiced as an NNP at Level I—IV NICUs. 

After her son was delivered at 23 weeks and spent 91 days in the NICU, she has devoted herself to supporting, educating, and empowering NICU parents and clinicians with a particular focus on bringing awareness to the positive effects parental engagement and family-integrated care have on the infant’s long-term trajectory and the family’s overall well-being. With her unique perspective, Nicole shares her passion through the organization she founded, Empowering NICU Parents. She provides invaluable support and education through the Empowering NICU Parents’ Podcast, a resourceful website, active social media platforms, influential speaking engagements at national conferences, and her NICU Journal, "Our NICU Roadmap."

As the Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Family-Centered Care Task Force, she actively advocates for parents to be considered essential members of the care team rather than “visitors.” She is a Clinical Product Specialist at AngelEye Health, currently focusing on their new NICU navigation and discharge coordination solution, NICU2Home.  

Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, their son William, who is now a healthy, funny, witty, and smart 10-year-old, and their pup, Rudy. They love to travel and currently live in North Carolina. They spend their days soaking up the lake life by boating, fishing, and taking walks. 

Website: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/256736665671416

Kickoff Episode: The Science and Soul of Trauma-Informed Care in the NICU
In this inaugural episode of the CARE OUTLOUD Podcast's Season 3, host Mary Coughlin, president and founder of Caring Essentials Collaborative, recaps her recent webinar titled 'The Science and Soul of Trauma-Informed Care.' She delves into the principles and impact of trauma-informed care, particularly in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Mary discusses the paradigm’s historical roots in behavioral health, its significance in addressing both physical and mental health aspects of patients and families, and the importance of creating a safe, empowering, and collaborative environment. The episode emphasizes the necessity for healthcare professionals to also care for themselves to effectively support families in crisis. Lastly, she invites listeners to register for the 4th Annual Conference on Trauma-Informed Developmental Care (aka Science & Soul 2024) being held in Boston MA October 13-15, 2024.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

JUNE 28, 2024 WEBINAR REPLAY

Stay Connected with All Things Caring Essential!

In this final Season 2 episode of the Care OutLoud podcast Debra Bingham, the CEO of the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement shares her rich background in nursing, leadership, and quality improvement across various healthcare settings. She discusses her journey from being a nurse to obtaining her doctorate in public health and becoming the first executive director of the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. This episode particularly focuses on Debra's commitment to utilizing quality improvement tools and methods to tackle preventable perinatal deaths and injuries as well as racial and ethnic disparities in perinatal care. She elucidates the significance of systemic and structured approaches to addressing these complex issues, including the development of the 'SPEAK UP' program designed to empower healthcare professionals with practical solutions for enhancing care quality and equity. The conversation also touches on the importance of community, continuous learning, and empathy in advancing perinatal health care. Debra and Mary discuss the challenges and rewards of striving for equitable and just healthcare, highlighting Debra's insights on fostering a supportive and transformative care environment.

You can follow/find Dr. Bingham:

Instagram, Facebook, YouTube: @perinatalQI

SPEAKUP PROGRAM

Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement Website

LINKEDIN PROFILE

Join Mary and the star-studded faculty at Caring Essentials' 4th Annual Trauma Informed Developmental Care Conference, October 13-15, 2024 taking place at the iconic Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston MA, USA.  LEARN MORE

Caring Essentials' is all about helping health and human service professionals cultivate meaningful practices and routines to live their best selves and serve at their highest potential.

Join us to discover the transformative nature of trauma-informed care through education, reflective processing and tapping into the wisdom that emerges through community - BECOME A TRAUMA INFORMED PROFESSIONAL TODAY! 

In this podcast, the guest Chantel Morin, a former preterm baby turned neonatal nurse, shares her incredible journey and dedication to improving neonatal care. Born prematurely in 1980, Chantel faced numerous challenges but grew up determined to give back to the NICU community that saved her life. Her personal and professional experiences drive her passion for trauma-informed care, education, and advocacy. Chantel's stories highlight the importance of family-centered care, the impact of developmental and trauma-informed practices, and her ongoing efforts to bring positive changes to neonatal care in Canada. Through her journey from a NICU baby to a neonatal nurse educator and advocate, Chantel exemplifies resilience, compassion, and the desire to improve outcomes for premature babies and their families.

Website: https://sddsenc.com/en/ 

LinkedIn Profile

Join Mary and the star-studded faculty at Caring Essentials' 4th Annual Trauma Informed Developmental Care Conference, October 13-15, 2024 taking place at the iconic Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston MA, USA.  LEARN MORE

Caring Essentials' is all about helping health and human service professionals cultivate meaningful practices and routines to live their best selves and serve at their highest potential.

Join us to discover the transformative nature of trauma-informed care through education, reflective processing and tapping into the wisdom that emerges through community - BECOME A TRAUMA INFORMED PROFESSIONAL TODAY! 

This script captures an engaging conversation between the host, Mary Coughlin, and special guest Isabelle Milette, a nurse practitioner and entrepreneur from Quebec. Isabelle shares her profound journey in healthcare, transitioning from aspiring to be a doctor to becoming a passionate nurse and ultimately a nurse practitioner with a focus on neonatology and developmental care.

She discusses the challenges and transformations in her career, including her pivot to founding Les Soins du Developpement, driven by her realization of the importance of developmental care and family-centered approaches in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Along the way, Isabel emphasizes the significance of trauma-informed care, the impactful role of education and advocacy in her field, and the creation of guidelines and training programs to improve care practices.

Her mission is to foster compassionate, trauma-informed developmental care environments for the wellbeing of babies and their families, not just in Quebec but also across Canada and potentially worldwide.

Join Mary and the star-studded faculty at Caring Essentials' 4th Annual Trauma Informed Developmental Care Conference, October 13-15, 2024 taking place at the iconic Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston MA, USA.  LEARN MORE

Caring Essentials' is all about helping health and human service professionals cultivate meaningful practices and routines to live their best selves and serve at their highest potential.

Join us to discover the transformative nature of trauma-informed care through education, reflective processing and tapping into the wisdom that emerges through community - BECOME A TRAUMA INFORMED PROFESSIONAL TODAY! 

In a world where medical practices can often feel clinical and distant, there are individuals like Becky Chuffo Davila who embody the essence of caring out loud. In a heartfelt conversation with Mary Coughlin, Becky shares her remarkable journey from a NICU nurse to a trauma-informed professional, highlighting the importance of including families in the care of their precious babies. 

Becky's story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that listening and compassion can have in healthcare. As we navigate the complexities of neonatal care, let us heed her call to prioritize human connection, empathy, and understanding in every interaction. By embracing family-centered approaches and trauma-informed care, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for families in crisis.

Join Becky and Mary and the star-studded faculty at Caring Essentials' 4th Annual Trauma Informed Developmental Care Conference, October 13-15, 2024 taking place at the iconic Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston MA, USA.  LEARN MORE

Caring Essentials' is all about helping health and human service professionals cultivate meaningful practices and routines to live their best selves and serve at their highest potential.

Join us to discover the transformative nature of trauma-informed care through education, reflective processing and tapping into the wisdom that emerges through community - BECOME A TRAUMA INFORMED PROFESSIONAL TODAY! 

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Emily Spaeth, detailing her professional evolution from a physical therapist in a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) to the founder of Be Well Baby PDX. Emily shares her early career experiences, including how she recognized the need for and successfully advocated for more physical and occupational therapists in the NICU. She delves into how her background in yoga and massage therapy enriched her NICU work, particularly through introducing infant massage. Facing personal and professional challenges, including navigating her own pregnancy while working in the NICU, Emily realized the impact of empathy and the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. This realization prompted her to further her education in trauma-informed care, leading to a pivotal career transition during her maternity leave. Emily's entrepreneurial venture, Be Well Baby PDX, combines her skills in physical therapy, yoga instruction, massage therapy, pelvic floor health, and lactation consultancy to offer a holistic service to pregnant and postpartum individuals and their babies. The podcast also touches on the concept of 'matrescence,' the transition into motherhood, and the significance of community connection, nervous system regulation, and the therapeutic use of touch. Emily emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful connections and fostering a supportive community as both a professional strategy and a personal philosophy.

Links:
FREE 8-minute Yoga Sequence
Be Well Baby - Parent Centered Online Courses
@bewellbabypdx on Instagram and Facebook

Join Mary and the star-studded faculty at Caring Essentials' 4th Annual Trauma Informed Developmental Care Conference, October 13-15, 2024 taking place at the iconic Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston MA, USA.  LEARN MORE

Caring Essentials' is all about helping health and human service professionals cultivate meaningful practices and routines to live their best selves and serve at their highest potential.

Join us to discover the transformative nature of trauma-informed care through education, reflective processing and tapping into the wisdom that emerges through community - BECOME A TRAUMA INFORMED PROFESSIONAL TODAY! 

In this engaging discussion, Lindsay Hardy, an accomplished occupational therapist from the UK with extensive experience in child health, sensory processing, and sensory integration, delves into the influence of sensory processing on child development and societal integration. She emphasizes the crucial role of parents and societal structures in shaping a child's development through sensory experiences.

Lindsay also discusses the importance of creating a sensory-informed world and how this approach can support children with developmental challenges, such as cerebral palsy, in early intervention services. The conversation further explores the intersection of trauma-informed care and sensory processing, highlighting the need for empathy, understanding, and support in both healthcare settings and broader social contexts to nurture safe and empowering environments for children and their families.

She is the co-founder of Sensory Beginnings, an education and training company dedicated to creating a sensory informed world. Lindsay, along with her Sensory Beginnings co-founder partner Emily Hills are invited faculty to the 4th Annual Trauma Informed Developmental Care Conference hosted by Caring Essentials and being held at the iconic Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston MA October 13-15, 2024.  

If anyone is interested in learning more about Sensory Beginnings and becoming Sensory Informed please visit:

https://sensorybeginhttps://sensorybeginnings.com

Lindsay and Emily will be offering a masterclass in Boston following the 4th Annual Trauma Informed Developmental Care Conference.  To learn more, check out the link below:

https://sensorybeginnings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Boston-NANT-advert-3-1.pdf

Check out their neonatal journal and celebration cards for purchase at the following link: 

https://sensorybeginnings.com/shop/

Join Lindsay and Mary along with the star-studded faculty at Caring Essentials' 4th Annual Trauma Informed Developmental Care Conference, October 13-15, 2024 taking place at the iconic Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston MA, USA.  LEARN MORE

Caring Essentials' is all about helping health and human service professionals cultivate meaningful practices and routines to live their best selves and serve at their highest potential.

Join us to discover the transformative nature of trauma-informed care through education, reflective processing and tapping into the wisdom that emerges through community - BECOME A TRAUMA INFORMED PROFESSIONAL TODAY!