Dear NICU Mama

This week’s podcast episode is Part 2 of Kamille’s motherhood journey and pregnancy with her son, Luuk! Two days before her first son Owen’s birthday, Kamille found out she was pregnancy with Luuk. Throughout this episode she shares vulnerably about what it was like to be pregnant again after the NICU, how she relied on her support system and prioritized her mental health throughout her pregnancy and postpartum period, and how she honors both of her boys’ stories and entrances into the world today.

No matter where you are on your family building journey, know that this sisterhood is with you.

To listen to Kamille’s part 1, head here!

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This week’s podcast episode is Part 1 of Kamille’s motherhood journey with her son, Owen! At 20 weeks, Owen was diagnosed with CDH. Throughout her pregnancy, she was closely monitored until his arrival at 38 weeks. Four days after delivery, Owen underwent surgery to repair his diaphragm and move his stomach and intestines out his chest, and he spent a total of 23 days in the NICU! Owen is a thriving 3 year old and big brother to Luuk, who we will get to hear more about in part 2.

Our hope is that the mamas in our community who are either coming to terms with a new diagnosis or navigating a high-risk pregnancy would feel seen, heard, and validated through that episode. You are never ever alone!

To get connected with DNM:

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This week, we have the privilege of speaking with Katie Taylor from Child Life On Call! One of the most commonly asked questions in our support forum is how to not only balance being a mom to kids at home and in the NICU, but also how to include their older kids with their new sibling’s NICU journey in a way that feels safe and easy to comprehend. And we couldn’t think of a better guests to talk about this today than Katie!

In this episode we cover:

• What are some ways we can talk to our kids about their sibling being in the NICU without scaring or overwhelming them?
• What encouragement would you offer families that are struggling with splitting time between their kids at home and their child in the NICU?
• What are ways that parents can encourage and establish a bond between siblings while in the NICU?
• When possible, how can families prepare their older children to visit their new sibling in the NICU?
• How can they introduce the new baby into the family at home and reassure their older children of all the new changes, especially if their new sibling requires ongoing medical attention or care?

We hope this conversation affirms that NICU mama, you are the best mother to ALL of your children, and your love is and will always be more than enough. 💕

Katie Taylor is a certified child life specialist, podcast host and CEO + Founder Child Life On Call.  With the expertise of a child life specialist and the heart of a momma, Katie's passion is supporting parents, kids and the care team with the tools they deserve so they can transform from overwhelmed to empowered during medical experiences. With over a decade of in-hospital experience, Katie has helped hundreds of families cope with and navigate challenging life events.

Katie graduated from the Pennsylvania State University and has studied and worked at facilities like Children's National Medical Center, Inova Children's Hospital, Dell Children's Medical Center and St. David's Children's Hospital. She authored her first children's book, Super Silly Wash Your Hands Dance, in early 2020 and has been featured in the media as a child development expert. When she's not doing all things Child Life On Call, she loves spending time in the great trails of the Hill Country with her husband and two children, listening to audiobooks and visiting local Austin breweries.

To get connected with Katie:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Child Life On Call Podcast

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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On this week’s podcast episode, we have the honor of hearing the miraculous NICU journey of Sully! Sully was born at 31 weeks during the height of the pandemic due to Paige developing severe preeclmapsia. While in the NICU, he developed NEC, which led to three surgeries, a G-tube, and a 131 day NICU stay. Sully is now two years old, G-tube free, and the happiest toddler in the world!

To the G-tube and medical mamas in our sisterhood, we hope you feel heard and celebrated throughout this episode. This sisterhood honors not only your child’s resilience, but also yours NICU mama.

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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This week, we are excited to release another roundtable episode! As we continue our theme of growing our families after NICU, we invited Ebony and Carrita back on the podcast as they are both expecting after loss and NICU stays.

Ebony and Carrita share their personal family building journeys, how they have savored each moment of their pregnancies, and words of encouragement they would offer other NICU mamas who find themselves pregnant after the NICU! They also share vulnerably about how they have advocated for perinatal and postpartum care as Black mothers and women.

Our hope is that if growing your family via pregnancy is something you desire, that you would feel empowered and equipped on your journey as you listen to this episode!

Ebony Ford is the CEO & founder of Miracle Mamas, a diversity and inclusion firm that provides consultations to organizations looking to aid in the maternal health crisis and provides resources to families of the premature, medically fragile, and disabled to ensure that their physical, socio-economic and emotional needs are met. She is a maternal health advocate, a National Ambassador for March of Dimes, a patient family partner for the Preeclampsia Foundation and serves on the Maryland Maternal Mortality Review Board. She survived a near-miss related to the birth of her first child caused by severe sudden-onset preeclampsia and Class I HELLP Syndrome resulting in pulmonary edema, multi-organ failure and requiring an emergency c-section, intubation, dialysis and admission to the ICU at just 26 weeks pregnant.  Ebony now shares her story to raise awareness about prematurity, preeclampsia, HELLP Syndrome, birth trauma, the maternal health crisis as well as the need for self-advocacy, doula or midwifery services for those most affected by the maternal health crisis.

Connect with Ebony:

Instagram

Caritta is a young woman who exudes strength and grace. She can also be described as a true victor and an example to many women. Carita is an angel mom time three. After experiencing her first two losses, she was led by God to begin sharing her story publicly. Her motivation for sharing this journey was to remind other women that they were not alone. She also wanted to make it known that child loss and infertility did not only happen to certain groups of women. Anyone could find themselves in this seat. Most recently Carrita has created Love Always, Carrita. This was created to shine a light on the healing abilities of writing. Carrita began writing and published her first in 2019. Carrita found writing to be therapeutic and healing for her and began encouraging others to write daily as well, even if it is a simple journal entry. Writing heals. Carrita is a published author, NICU advocate, and inspirational speaker and overall supporter of women.

Connect with Carrita:

Instagram

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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This week’s podcast episode is a replay from a former season of the Dear NICU Mama podcast! As we continue our conversation of growing our families after the NICU, we couldn’t think of a more valuable series of episodes to share than our Sex & Intimacy after NICU and/or Birth Trauma series. We know that connecting with our bodies after the NICU is a lifelong healing journey, especially when it comes to connecting to our partners physically, but we hope that this episodes offers your heart some practical and tangible steps to finding peace in your body post trauma.

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Welcome to part 2 of our sex after birth and/or NICU trauma series! On this week's episode we talk exclusively about the physical aspects of healing after trauma with physical therapist Jill Ehrmantraut of Apex Wellness!

 In this episode we cover:

• What is the pelvic floor?
• Is pain during sex normal? If not, what can we do to treat it?
• What are the different changes physically that occur within the body with a vaginal delivery vs a cesarean delivery?
• When is too late to receive therapy from a physical therapist? (Hint - it’s never too late!)
• Where in our bodies do we hold trauma? Is an emotional response during therapy normal?

We hope this episodes offers insight into the physical aspects of healing after birth and/or NICU trauma. Your body has done so much to protect you, and unlocking therapies like physical therapy can be a wonderful asset in your healing journey.

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:

  Website | Instagram

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.

Support the show

This week’s podcast episode is a replay from a former season of the Dear NICU Mama podcast! As we continue our conversation of growing our families after the NICU and approach the Valentine’s Day holiday, we couldn’t think of a more valuable series of episodes to share than our Sex & Intimacy after NICU and/or Birth Trauma series. We know this conversation can be a tender one, but we hope that these episodes leave you feeling encouraged and empowered as you reconnect with your partner post trauma.

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Yep, you read the title of this episode right! On this week's episode, we are talking about sex. Specifically sex after NICU and/or birth trauma. And we couldn't think of a more compassionate voice to chat about this with than the one and only Natalie Reiter with Prairieland Counseling.

It's no secret that so many things shift and change in our bodies both physically and emotionally postpartum. Add on a traumatic birth and/or traumatic NICU stay, and your feelings and desires for and about sex may have changed drastically. But you are not alone in those feelings mama, in fact it's very normal!

In this episode we cover:

• What changes emotionally in our bodies postpartum?
• Is it normal to not want to have sex anymore, and is there anything we can do to desire to have sex again?
• How can we be present in sex without worrying or fearing a potential pregnancy?
• How can we communicate our honest concerns with our partner?
• What are some practical ways we can connect with our partner that make sex enjoyable again?
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We hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone and also gently reminds you that sex with your partner is designed to be pleasurable and fun. It may take time to heal and get there - but you can and you will.

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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We have the honor and privilege of welcoming back Parijat Deshpande back to the Dear NICU mama Podcast! And today we have a gentle and trauma informed discussion about high-risk pregnancy after NICU.

In this episode we cover:

• How do we know if we are ready for another pregnancy? What questions can help couples answer this for themselves?
• What does it mean to have a high-risk pregnancy?
• Will stress and anxiety during pregnancy cause a mother to go into early labor?
• Is it possible to have a more “normal” pregnancy?
• How do we listen to our bodies while at the same time exploring our options when it comes to growing our families after NICU?

We hope this episode reminds you that no matter where you are on your family building journey, that you are worthy of the time and space it takes to heal and honor your heart. You are never alone.

Parijat Deshpande is author, speaker, and the CEO of a global, boutique company dedicated to reducing pregnancy complications and ending preterm birth. They do this through concierge level private client services focused on trauma-informed, neurobiological approaches to reproductive health. Parijat and her team also offer trauma-sensitive professional trainings for providers and practitioners. They also partner with hospitals, clinics, and maternal health organization to add a missing piece to the puzzle of ending prematurity and improving pregnancy outcomes worldwide.

Parijat is the author of bestselling book Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy. And she is the host of the popular podcast Delivering Miracles®️, that discusses the real, raw side of family-building including infertility, loss, high-risk pregnancy, bed rest, prematurity and healing once baby comes home.

To get connected with Parijat Deshpande:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Delivering Miracles® Podcast

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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This week’s podcast episode is a replay from a former season of the Dear NICU Mama podcast! As we continue our conversation of growing our families after the NICU, we wanted to make sure to re-share this episode as we know that many of us in this community find ourselves as one-and-done families. We hope that this podcast episode affirms the NICU mamas in our sisterhood that have decided or are making the decision to be a “one and done” family that your family building journey is celebrated and honored. At the end of the day you know what is best for your family and that is enough.

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For many NICU mothers, the decision on how and if to grow their family after NICU or birth trauma can be complex. And for some, the decision on whether or not they are able to grow their family via pregnancy was made for them due to emergency medical procedures or interventions. This decision can feel additionally complex when questions such as “When are you going to give your child a sibling?” arise in daily conversation, and outdated social assumptions made about only children still exist. But because of the work of communities like “Only You Podcast”, these social norms are changing!

In this episode, Jess shares about her own preeclampsia journey, her daughter’s PICU and medically complex journey, and how her and her husband decided together to be a “one and done” family. She also debunks many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding having an only child and hint - they thrive!

About Jess: Pre-eclampsia survivor, NICU mama, co-host of Only You: A One and Done Podcast and mother of a two year old. Advocate for one child families and empowering parents with the right to choose.

To get connected with Jess:

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.

To purchase and send a virtual Valentine’s telegram, head here!

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On today’s podcast episode, we have a roundtable discussion about growing our families after NICU! Co-hosts Martha and Ashley and team members Sara and Kendra take turns sharing about their own personal journeys to either deciding to be done carrying children, their journey to becoming pregnant again, or how they currently find themselves in the middle of the decision making process.

No matter where you find yourself in your family building journey, or if the decision of growing your family has been taken away from you, know that you are not alone and there is a sisterhood here who understands these tender and complex feelings.

To purchase and send a virtual Valentine’s telegram, head to: https://www.dearnicumama.com/shop/virtual-valentines-telegram!

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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

Support the show