Dear NICU Mama

Welcome to Season 8 and Happy Valentine’s Day, beautiful mamas! We hope you are all having a cozy winter and that your 2024 is off to a wonderful start. We are so excited to be back on the podcast with you all and share a Mamas Call In episode! This week’s prompt was, “What is a fun date night you and your partner did in the NICU, or a fun memory you have with your partner in the NICU?”

We are excited to be kicking off another season of the podcast with you, and we can’t wait to share amazing expert interviews, round table discussions, and NICU motherhood stories with you throughout this season. Thank you to each and every one of you for being here with us and for making this sisterhood so special!

For the Instagram post mentioned in the episode, head here.

To get connected with DNM:

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For the episode transcription, head here. (Please note that it is computer generated and not perfect!)

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Today’s episode is very bittersweet as we say farewell to Season 7 of the Dear NICU Mama Podcast! We will never be able to fully express the honor and joy that it is to connect with each of you through this podcast and what it means to us to have you listen each and every week.

To those of you who are celebrating this holiday season, we wish you a very gentle holidays and a gentle beginning of 2024! Know that in your grief and in your joy, this sisterhood is with you. You are never ever alone!

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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As NICU mothers, our breastfeeding journeys often times look different than the ones we may have envisioned. It’s not uncommon to first be hooked up to a breast pump, and it can be days, weeks, or months before we have the chance to try feeding our babies at the breast. As we continue talking about feeding, we wanted to publish an episode for NICU mothers that long to pump or breastfeed, and we are so excited to have Bethany Hill, RN, IBCLC of Fargo Milk Market on the podcast today to share all about pumping and breastfeeding in and out of the NICU!

In this episode we cover:

• Why pumping consistently after delivery is delivery is important for milk production
• The importance of kangaroo care and prioritizing holding your baby when you and your baby are able to
• Gentle advice for a successful pumping journey and for transitioning from the pump to the breast
• Permission to wean or stop pumping and breastfeeding if your mental health is suffering

We hope any NICU mother navigating the journey of breastfeeding feels encouraged throughout this episode. At the end of the day, you are enough and fed is best. You are not alone!

About Bethany Hill, RN:

Bethany Hill is an RN, IBCLC. Bethany has spent her career working in the hospital setting as a Registered Nurse. She has worked as a NICU RN for 7 years and another 8 years specializing in lactation in the NICU. She recently founded the Milk Market in Fargo, ND. With plenty of product available at big box stores and online, the piece that was missing was someone to educate on the product prior to purchase. So, the Milk Market was born. A comprehensive one stop retail store with educated staff to help you purchase items to help you in your feeding journey.

Bethany resides in Hawley, MN with her husband and 3 daughters. With personal and professional experience in lactation Bethany is passionate in providing support to lactating parents in the Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding areas.



** 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 Bethany + Fargo Milk Market:

Website 

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Head here for the episode transcription.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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As we approach the holiday season, we thought it would be timely to talk about feeding and eating! As NICU parents, we know that our child’s feeding journey begins in the NICU, but it certainly doesn’t end there. Which is why we are really grateful to have such a gentle and informative conversation with two special guests from the organization Feeding Matters, CEO Jaclyn Pederson and Director of Programs (and NICU mom herself!) Jen Lambert!

In this episode we cover:

• What is a Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)
• What types of interventions can be done for PFDs and how would parents begin the process of being evaluated
• How parents can advocate and support their child who has been given a failure to thrive diagnosis
• Gentle advice for moms of NICU grads who are navigating feeding struggles
• How to find or work with an existing support team are team that supports parents and their child on their feeding journey
• How to prepare both you and your NICU grad for discussions around the holiday surrounding food and eating
• Feeding Matters Resources: Website | Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire© | Power of Two Parent Mentor Program PFD Alliance App | Provider Directory | Roadmap for Family Support

We hope any NICU parent navigating their child’s feeding journey feels validated and empowered throughout this episode. You are not alone!

About Feeding Matters:

Established in 2006, Feeding Matters is the first organization in the world uniting the concerns of families with the field’s leading advocates, experts, and allied healthcare professionals to improve the system of care for pediatric feeding disorder through advocacy, education, support, and research. Learn more about Jen + Jaclyn by heading 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.

Head here for the episode transcription.

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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It's spooky season! And this week we are sharing a replay of an amazing episode we had the pleasure of recording with Natalie Reiter of Prairieland Counseling back in season 5 all about "spooky" or intrusive thoughts.

In this episode we cover:

• What are intrusive thoughts and how can we identify them?
• What are common intrusive thoughts that NICU parents might experience?
• What are some practical things NICU moms can do when intrusive thoughts are becoming more frequent and/or more consuming?
• Am I a bad mom if I experience intrusive or spooky thoughts?

We hope this episode reminds all NICU mamas listening that no matter the thoughts you may find yourself experiencing, that you are and always will be the best mother for your baby. You are not alone!

For the book “Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts: Breaking the Cycle of Unwanted Thoughts in Motherhood” mentioned in the episode, head here, and for the book “Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts”, head here!

Head here for the episode transcription.

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 Natalie:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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As NICU parents, we are trained to track milestones and be hypervigilant about our child’s development. And as we enroll our NICU grads in school, it can feel vulnerable to trust other individuals to be as vigilant as we are! Which is why we are really excited to have an in-depth conversation with Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed of Master IEP Coach about Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and how to partner with our child’s teachers and education professionals.

In this episode we cover:

• The basics of an IEP and why they are important
• Early signs or signals that parents of NICU graduates can be on the lookout for, which might suggest their child could benefit from having an IEP
• Tips on how parents can communicate effectively with schools and advocate for their child's needs
• Common challenges or misconceptions that parents often face when it comes to IEPs, and how can they overcome these obstacles
• Encouragement for NICU families who might be navigating the world of IEPs for the first time

We hope any NICU parent feeling overwhelmed about navigating the educational system feels empowered and encouraged throughout this episode. You can do this!

Head here for the episode transcription.

About Catherine Whitcher M.Ed and Master IEP Coach

Catherine Whitcher, MEd, founder and CEO of Master IEP Coach®, experienced the struggles of the Special Education system both as a certified teacher and as a sister to a wonderful man with Down syndrome. For the past 25 years, she has been creating nationwide change in special education by assisting parents and teachers in developing IEPs that work in the real world. Catherine currently leads the largest independent organization nationwide of parents and teachers working together to build better special education outcomes for the real world. She’s an expert in conflict resolution and leadership at the IEP table while always keeping the focus on preparing every child for further education, employment, and independent living.

** 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.

Master IEP Resources:

Website | Podcast | Email

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Head here for the episode transcription.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Happy Thursday, beautiful sisterhood! If you are a frequent listener of the DNM Podcast, you may have noticed that we are a day late in posting this week’s podcast episode due to technical issues. BUT we are just as excited to share this week’s mini episode with you all today!

In September we launched our “There is Goodness Ahead” collection. And on today’s podcast episode, Ashley shares a bit about the meaning and hope for this new collection, as well as a fun podcast exclusive shop discount code! We also have two letters read aloud from Allie and Danielle, and we hope these letters provide hope and encouragement to you today. Read Allie’s letter here, and Daniell’s letter here!

Thank you to each and every one of you for being a special part of this community! We are so grateful for each of you.

Head here for the episode transcription.

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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On this week’s podcast episode, we have the honor of hearing DNM team member Jess’ NICU journey with her twin boys, Jamie + Morgan! Jess was admitted to the hospital at 30 weeks and 2 days due to preterm premature rupture of the membrane (PPROM). After 2 days in the hospital, Jess went into a very quick labor and delivered her boys via an emergency c- section. Jamie was discharged after 41 days, and Morgan was discharged after 60 days. Throughout the episode Jess shares openly her high-risk pregnancy and her boy’s early delivery, what it was like to journey through the NICU during the Covid pandemic, and how her boys are thriving today.

To twin and multiples mamas in our sisterhood, we hope you feel heard throughout this episode. This sisterhood honors not only your children’s resilience, but also yours NICU mama.

Head here for the episode transcription.

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the show

This week’s podcast episode is all about fevers and illness after NICU! (Cue the tears.) As we enter into what is formally known as cold and flu season, we wanted to have a conversation with a pediatrician who can help us understand some truths and misconceptions about illness. We are so excited to have this conversation with Dr. Jess Daigle of Mom & Me MD! Not only is Dr. Jess a board certified pediatrician, but she is also a NICU mom herself and comes to this conversation with empathy for NICU families that find themselves dreading this time of year.

In this episode we cover:

• Information that can empower NICU parents to feel more confident to navigate the top common illnesses
• How to “think like a doctor” when it comes to illness and communicating your child’s symptoms to your pediatrician
• The basics of fevers and what is considered safe and when we should seek out additional care
• Encouragement for parents trying to strike a balance between engaging in the world, outings, social activities, etc. AND feeling like they are doing whatever they can to protect their kids
• How to combat mom guilt when our kids to get sick

We hope any NICU parent feeling overwhelmed or anxious about cold and flu season find hope and practical wisdom throughout this episode. You can do this!

About Dr. Jess:

Dr. Jess Daigle is a board-certified pediatrician, neonatal/pediatric hospitalist, and the Founder/CEO of Mom & Me LLC. She offers life coaching for NICU moms to help them navigate their NICU journey and be the confident mom they want to be. She also has a concierge medical practice in Atlanta, GA that provides in-home/virtual care services to newborns (with focus on NICU babies) and support for their mothers to make the transition home easier and less overwhelming. She is a wife and the proud mother of 2 kids both born prematurely, with 1 staying in the NICU for 5 weeks. She believes moms and their babies should thrive, not just survive on their postpartum journey and onward. She can be found on IG at @momandme_md.

** 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the show

This week’s podcast episode is a special back to school roundtable episode with co-hosts Martha and Ashley, and team members Kendra and Sara! Throughout this episode we hear about their own personal experiences of sending their kids to school, how they advocate for their kids alongside the school system, and some of the triumphs and challenges they’ve experienced along the way.

We hope any NICU mothers that find themselves sending their NICU grads to school, or who have anxiety about sending their kids to school, hear this episode and feel seen, heard, and reminded that you can do this and your kids will thrive!

For episode transcription, head here!

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the show