It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because it gives us the chance to hear from this remarkable sisterhood.

This month’s prompt was: “If you could go back in time and share a word of love with yourself while you were fresh in the NICU, what would you tell her?”

From reminders to breathe, to choosing patience, to giving yourself permission to rest, cry, and not have it all figured out, this episode is filled with the words we all needed then… and honestly, still need now.

Thank you to each of you who submitted voice memos and reflections! It is such a gift to hear your hearts and to hold space for these important reminders.

Our next month’s prompt is, “What would you tell a NICU mama who just received a new diagnosis for her baby or NICU grad? What is something you would want her to know?”

To call in and share your heart, head to our form here. We’d love to hear from you!

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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In this week’s podcast episode, Jessica shares the remarkable story of becoming a NICU mom through adoption. She opens up about her and her husband’s journey through foster care, infertility, and the unexpected call that would introduce them to their son, Noah. Just weeks before his birth, they learned he had a complex congenital heart defect, along with other medical concerns that left doctors unsure if he would survive.

Jessica vulnerably walks us through Noah’s early arrival, his emergency transfer to a Level IV NICU, a terrifying code event at one month old, and ultimately his open heart surgery at just four months of age. She shares what it felt like to hand her baby over at the operating room doors, how NICU nurses carried hope for her when she could not carry it herself, and the tension of learning to fully embrace her role as mom while honoring Noah’s birth mother. Jessica also reflects on the emotional transition home after 84 days in the hospital and what it looked like to slowly rebuild life and create new memories beyond survival mode.

Today, Noah is thriving and living a full, joyful life. His story is one of resilience, courage, and deep trust in the midst of fear!

As you listen to Jessica’s story, we hope that any heart mama, adoptive mama, or NICU mama in the thick of it feels seen and heard. You are not alone.

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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In this week’s podcast episode, we’re sharing a 2026 refresh of one of our most requested and revisited conversations, originally recorded in 2021. We’re joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Jill Ehrmantraut of Apex Therapy for an honest and affirming discussion about pelvic floor health, physical healing, and sex after the NICU and birth trauma.

Jill helps us understand how birth, trauma, and chronic stress impact the body, the nervous system, and the pelvic floor. Together, we talk about common but often unspoken changes after birth, including pain with sex, muscle tension, weakness, scar tissue from C sections, emotional release held in the body, and why pelvic floor therapy can be an essential part of healing for both vaginal and C section births.

This conversation gently demystifies pelvic floor therapy, addresses fears and misconceptions, and reminds moms that discomfort, pain, and changes after birth are common, but they do not have to be your normal. Jill shares practical insight, reassurance, and hope for moms navigating physical healing after the NICU.

As you listen, we hope you feel validated, empowered, and encouraged to seek care that honors both your body and your story. Healing is not linear, postpartum is lifelong, and you are never alone in this sisterhood! 
 
Jill is a Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist (WCS) with advanced training in pelvic rehabilitation for females, males and children. Jill graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND in 2010. She has advanced training in the treatment of pelvic pain, pregnancy and post-partum issues, urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, and neurogenic bladder in women, men, and children. She also has years of experience in treating female pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic floor dysfunction during or after cancer treatment, pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction, and post prostatectomy incontinence in males. She is the second physical therapist in the state of North Dakota to obtain a Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. Jill is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and a part of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. She is also certified in Functional Dry Needling Level 1 and Pelvic Floor dry needling/Level 2.

To get connected with Jill and Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness: https://apexptwellness.com/

This podcast episode is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide medical advice. All information, content, and material on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment.

To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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We are back!!! In this week’s podcast episode, we’re sharing a 2026 update and re-release of a conversation originally recorded in 2020, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. We’re joined by maternal mental health therapist Natalie Reiter for an honest and compassionate discussion about sex and intimacy after the NICU and birth trauma.

Natalie explores how trauma impacts our nervous systems, why intimacy and sex are not the same thing, and how fear, pressure, and survival mode can affect connection after the NICU. Together, we talk about rebuilding intimacy, navigating mismatched desire, fear of pregnancy after trauma, and the emotional and physical changes that can shape sex after birth.

As you listen, we hope you feel seen and validated, especially during a season when expectations around love and intimacy can feel tender. Healing is not linear, connection can be rebuilt, and you are never alone in this sisterhood, NICU mama.

Natalie specializes in reproductive mental health which includes peri-natal, post-partum, infertility, infant loss, paternal mental health, and the impact on couples. She has received specialized training in perinatal and post-partum mental health from Postpartum Support International, and was recently selected as the 2019 Outstanding Mental Health Counselor by the North Dakota Mental Health Counseling Association for my work with reproductive mental health. Her work as a child birth educator and her two children have sparked her passion of working with reproductive mental health!

To get connected with Prairieland Counseling: Website

This podcast episode is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide medical advice. All information, content, and material on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment.

To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down for a cozy end-of-year conversation to close out the 2025 podcast season. Together, they reflect on the stories, experts, and full-circle moments that shaped this year’s episodes, and share how the Dear NICU Mama sisterhood continues to impact their own healing journeys.

They also introduce something brand new to the community: our Right On Time Holiday Book Drive. After receiving more than 130 nominations from NICU moms across the country, six hospitals were selected to receive donated copies of Right On Time. This is a meaningful way for NICU families to give back to the places that cared for their babies so well!

During the episode, Ashley and Aisha walk through how the book drive works, why it matters, and how every donation helps sustain the mission of Dear NICU Mama—from this podcast, to our support groups, to the resources that meet NICU moms right where they are. $25 donates one book, and listeners can choose to gift a book to a specific selected NICU or to the general campaign.

As we wrap up another year of stories and connection, we hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone. Thank you, mamas, for being part of this sisterhood. We can’t wait to be back in 2026 with more stories of hope!

To donate to the Holiday Book Drive, head to: https://givebutter.com/dnmholidaybookdrive

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with two very special guests: Allie, a PA who cared for Ashley’s son during his NICU stay, and her husband, Troy—the illustrator of Right On Time, Dear NICU Mama’s first children’s board book. Together they share the full-circle story of how their NICU connection led to creating a book that honors and represents the diverse journeys of NICU families!

Ali reflects on her years in the NICU and her work in pediatric rehab, and Troy shares what it was like to illustrate a project so close to his family’s heart. You’ll also hear exciting updates on the book’s arrival, our successful pre-order campaign, and the upcoming Holiday Book Drive. 

We hope this episode reminds you of the power of connection, storytelling, and the extraordinary milestones our NICU babies achieve, each one right on time.

Order the Right On Time book here!

To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Connect with Troy: Website | Instagram | X | Email: [email protected] 

About Troy: It starts in New York Mills, MN where Troy was born and raised. After an affinity for drawing, comics and art - he graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a B.A. in Art and Communications. After a few stints in Minneapolis, Connecticut and Wisconsin he found himself back in the F-M area. Troy has been an illustrator, cartoonist and graphic artist for Forum Communications for nearly 18 years. Troy also served as an adjunct professor at MSUM from 2015-2020. The art continues in his home studio where he enjoys creating screen prints, comics and graphic novels. You can find his art in local exhibits and commissions across the upper Midwest.

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On this week’s episode, we welcome Dr. KC from Milestones & Motherhood — a pediatric physical therapist, early intervention specialist, and trusted guide for parents navigating developmental milestones. KC shares her own experience with late-preterm babies and how it shaped the compassionate, parent-centered approach she brings to her work.

We talk about what early intervention really is, why adjusted age matters, how to navigate comparison, and the power of celebrating the “mini-stones” along the way. KC offers gentle reassurance for NICU parents navigating developmental milestones post NICU.

Most of all, she reminds every parent listening that you are doing enough. Your presence and love matter, and it’s okay to take breaks, enjoy your baby, and lean on the support around you. You’re not alone in this journey!

Use code DNM10 for 10% off all courses at Milestones & Motherhood! Head here to find the courses.

Resources:
1. The Milestones & Motherhood Ministones Guide
2. Prematurity, NICU Stays & A Heart to Heart on Our Journey

Dr. KC Rickerd, PT, DPT, is a licensed pediatric physical therapist and founder of Milestones & Motherhood and Journey Through Milestones Physical Therapy. With over a decade of experience working with children from birth through age 21, she specializes in motor development, functional mobility and family education. KC’s mission is to make evidence-based developmental guidance accessible, empowering parents and caregivers to confidently support their child’s growth and reach their full potential.

Connect with KC: Instagram | Website

Pre-order Right On Time, our very first children’s board book, here!

To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

This podcast episode is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide medical advice. All information, content, and material on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with Dear NICU Mama co-founder Martha for a vulnerable and joy-filled conversation about the early days of the sisterhood and how it all began! From the first coffee date and color-coded binder to the launch of the podcast and the years of growth that followed, Ashley and Martha reflect on what it was like to build something so meaningful together.

They share openly about the pivots, challenges, and sacred moments that shaped Dear NICU Mama, from its local beginnings in Fargo to the national community it is today. Through laughter, nostalgia, and a few tears, they revisit the “Right On Time” moments that reminded them that even in the hardest seasons, healing and connection always unfold exactly when they’re meant to.

As you listen to this episode, may you be reminded that your own story, your milestones, your friendships, and your healing are all unfolding right on time!

Pre-order Right On Time, our very first children’s board book, here!

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Support the show

In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with their husbands, Ryan and Andy, for an intentional conversation about their experiences as NICU dads!

Ryan and Andy share vulnerably about the moments that shaped their journeys, from emergency deliveries and hospital stays to navigating grief, helplessness, and healing years later. They reflect on what it was like to support their partners through trauma, learn to surrender control, and find small ways to show up when so much felt out of their hands.

Together, they remind us that the NICU journey isn’t only lived by moms, and that every dad, partner, and support person plays an irreplaceable role in this story. This episode is a beautiful reminder that even when it feels like you can’t fix or control what’s happening, your presence matters more than you know.

Pre-order Right On Time, our very first children’s board book, here!

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Support the show

In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with NICU mamas Vilma and Sam for a vulnerable roundtable conversation about feeding journeys after the NICU, and what it’s like when a G-tube becomes part of your story.

They share vulnerably about the emotions that come with this transition, from the relief of finally going home, to the surrender that often follows. Together, they share about the realities of adjusting expectations, redefining milestones, and learning that every feeding journey looks different–and that’s okay.

This conversation is a reminder that whether your child eats by mouth, by tube, or both, you are doing an incredible job. Your baby’s journey is unique, and no matter what that timeline looks like, it’s is always right on time.

Pre-order Right On Time, our very first children’s board book, here!

This podcast episode is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide medical advice. All information, content, and material on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment.

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Support the show