Dear NICU Mama

Happy New Year! While we are so grateful to have had some time to rest and recharge over the holidays, we have greatly missed connecting with you all here on the podcast!

Throughout this episode, Martha and Ashley share about their holiday moments with their families and their personal hopes for the upcoming year. We are so grateful for this community and we cannot wait to share upcoming interviews with experts and stories of remarkable NICU mamas around the world in 2022!

Thank you to Bonsie for sponsoring this week’s podcast episode! To browse their full collections and learn more about the benefits of skin-to-skin, head to www.bonsie.com!

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

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama)

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

Support the show

This week’s podcast episode is a replay of an episode from season 3 with Natalie Reiter with Prairieland Counseling! With the holidays approaching and with many of us having hard conversations with loved ones about boundaries, we wanted to share this episode as an extra boost of confidence.

This sisterhood believes in you, is so very proud of you, and is wishing you all a very merry holiday season. We can't wait to be back on the podcast with you all after the holiday break!

-----

Oh, boundaries. We all know we need them, but setting and defining them can feel really complicated! Especially when we are setting boundaries with the people we love most in our lives.

As we approach another holiday, we wanted to sure to have an open and honest conversation about boundaries that not only offers insight into what healthy boundaries can look like, but also offers helpful tools on how to implement these boundaries. We couldn't think of a better guest and teacher to have share about this on our podcast than the one and only Natalie Reiter with Prairieland Counseling!

In this episode we cover:

• What a healthy boundary is and how do define what a healthy boundary is for your family
• How to define and set these boundaries with loved ones without damaging the relationship
• How to navigate boundaries when your partner's boundaries may differ
• Conversational examples of how to verbally have the discussion about boundaries with family and close friends

Whether you are new to setting boundaries or have been doing this for years, we hope that this podcast affirms you and gives you courage as you define what healthy boundaries are for your family!

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

Support the show

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

Support the show

On this week's episode, we have the honor of sharing part 1 of Jules' motherhood journey with her daughter Juliana. Jules and her husband tried for 10 yrs to conceive a child, and on their last fertility treatment they became pregnant! At 21 weeks we found out that we were expecting a baby girl.

When Jules was 25 weeks pregnant, her and her husband were hit in a head-on collision by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. After a one hour ambulance ride and close monitoring at the hospital, they discovered that her placenta had abrupted 70 percent from the impact of the crash. Juliana was delivered 12 hours after the accident via emergency c-section.

When Juliana was 3 days old, an ultrasound confirmed she sustained a grade 4 brain hemorrhage, and at 8 weeks old (33 weeks) she developed hydrocephalus. Juliana received a
life-saving brain surgery to place a shunt and was critical for 72 hours after her surgery. Throughout her NICU stay, she continued to pull through as the fighter that she is and came home after 105 days in the NICU!

We hope that this episode affirms any NICU mama listening that no matter how close or far away you are from your NICU journey, that healing is lifelong. You are worthy of the time it takes to heal.

To get connected with DNM:
 Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama)

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

Support the show

On this week's episode, co-hosts Martha and Ashley share about their own personal healing journeys surrounding anniversaries, milestones, and big holidays. As we come down from a large holiday and prepare for an even larger one, we know that there can be significant emotional exhaustion. (On top of healing and processing through our children's big anniversaries and milestones!)

So throughout this episode, Martha and Ashley share candidly about what healing has looked like for them over the years, how they continue to honor and celebrate their children's milestones and big anniversaries, and how they care for their hearts throughout the holiday seasons.

Our hope is that any NICU mom listening would feel affirmed that healing is lifelong, and that with each and every passing year you will continue to become a stronger and more resilient woman. You are never ever alone.

To get connected with DNM:
Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama)

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

Support the show

On this week’s episode, we have the opportunity to interview Dr. Mona Amin of the PedsDocTalk Podcast! Dr. Amin is a Board Certified General Pediatrician and NICU mama herself, as well as the founder and educator of the organization PedsDocTalk. Through her platform and private practice her goal is to provide relatable and easy-to-digest educate the modern parent regarding the health and wellness of their child.

Throughout the episode, we talk about:

• Dr. Mona’s personal pregnancy, delivery, and NICU journey with her son 
• What it was like to experience an emergency delivery and NICU journey as a medical provider
• How to trust our guts and make the right decisions we are able to for our children and our personal health
• How can we be the best advocate for our children both in and out of the NICU

We hope that this episode empowers you to advocate for your children alongside your medical team and remind you that NICU mama, your voice matters. You can do this!

To get connected with Dr. Mona Amin:
Instagram | Website | The New Mom’s Survival Giude | The PedsDocTalk Podcast | Youtube

Dr. Mona Amin is a Board Certified General Pediatrician and mother. She has been featured on Parents.com, Romper, CondeNast Traveler, VeryWell Family, NBC News, and was named one of Insider’s Top Pediatricians to follow on social media for 2020. She works in private practice and her passions include: early childhood development, focusing on the impact of healthy sleep, a healthy relationship with food, and healthy coping skills in the first five years of a child's life.

 On her Instagram account (@pedsdoctalk), her podcast (The Pedsdoctalk Podcast), and YouTube channel (Pedsdoctalk TV), she shares educational information on parent's most common concerns (i.e. fevers, rashes, viruses, behavioral issues, etc.) including current events. Through her brand Pedsdoctalk, her goal is to provide relatable and easy-to-digest education for the modern parent regarding the health and wellness of their child.

She recently launched The New Mom’s Survival Guide, the first online digital e-course created by a Pediatrician and mom to guide you and your baby through their first year of life. With how-to-videos and motivational content, she educates and empowers new moms to make the best decisions for their babies.

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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama)

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

Support the show

On this week’s episode, we have the honor of sharing part two of Taylor’s motherhood journey with her son, Milo! Milo was born full-term and had a NICU stay of 188 days that included 2 ambulatory transfers and 3 hospitals. (To listen to part one, head here!)

Upon birth, Milo was diagnosed with Vacterl association after being born with a VSD, TEF, and an ectopic kidney. He underwent his first of 3 TEF repairs at 3 days old, 2 of those repairs included opening up his chest, and he also underwent multiple dilation procedures on his esophagus, open heart surgery to repair his VSD, multiple blood transfusions, and a g-tube placement surgery.  (Amongst many other things!) After being told he could potentially make it home by Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas he went on to spend many more milestones in the hospital before finally making it home in time for Mother’s Day!

Throughout this episode, Taylor shares more in depth about what it was like to mother a child at home and a child in the NICU, and she also shares openly about her family’s healing post NICU, including her husband’s personal journey of substance abuse and the brave personal steps he took to heal and become the dad he needed to be for both of his kids.

We hope that all listening feel seen, heard, and validated throughout this episode. And for any of our NICU mamas whose partners have walked through their own mental health or rehabilitation journeys, we hope you are affirmed and reminded that you are never ever alone.

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

Support the show

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

Support the show

Our November virtual event is only a week and a half away! Which is why for this week’s podcast episode, we are sharing a replay of an episode from season 3 with Parijat Deshpande! Parijat is the keynote speaker of our November event, and if you are on the fence about registering and long to learn more about Parijat and her practice, this episode is a great episode to do just that.

For more information about our upcoming virtual event on November 13th and for tickets, head here!

---

Have you tried exercising after your trauma but found yourself feeling particularly triggered? If so, you are not alone and you are absolutely not broken. Today we have the one and only Parijat Desphande with Healthy High Risk Pregnancy on the podcast to talk all about exercise and trauma! With swimsuit season soon approaching, we know there is an increased pressure to “get our bodies back”. But for NICU mothers and women who have experienced trauma throughout their family building journey, exercise isn’t always that simple.

In this episode we cover:

• Why might exercise trigger a trauma response in our bodies?
• Why might “getting our body back” not be as simple for NICU mothers?
• When might a mama know that a form of exercise isn’t quite right or isn’t honoring her body’s stored trauma?
• What are some gentle forms of exercise that a mama could start with that would nourish her body if she is longing to take care of herself?

We hope this episode affirms the mamas in our sisterhood that your body is on your side. Most importantly? You are worthy and loved just as you are.

Parijat Deshpande is the leading integrative high-risk pregnancy specialist, somatic trauma professional and speaker and author who guides women to improve their pregnancy complications so they can reduce their risk of preterm birth. Her unique neurobiological approach has served hundreds of women to manage pregnancy complications and reclaim a safety and trust in their bodies that they thought was eroded forever. Parijat is the author of bestselling book Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy. She is also 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

Parijat's Book, Pregnancy Brain - Available on Kindle and paperback on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. - https://parijatdeshpande.lpages.co/pregnancybrain/

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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama)

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

Support the show

On this week’s episode, join Martha and Ashley in welcoming Dr. Michelle Wyatt for a special mini-interview! Dr. Wyatt is a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician at Essentia Health, our presenting sponsor for the Dear NICU Mama Event: Be Proud of Who You’ve Become. In anticipation of this incredible event, we chat about Maternal Fetal Medicine practice, what Essentia Health is doing to support NICU families, and words of wisdom for Dr. Wyatt herself!

Registration is still available for Be Proud of Who You’ve Become Presented by Essentia Health, hosted virtually on November 13th, 2021. For more information visit, www.dearnicumama.com/events !

To get connected with Essentia Health: https://www.essentiahealth.org

Michelle Wyatt is a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. She is a Minnesota native growing up in a suburb of Minneapolis and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She graduated Sum Cum laude and Phi beta Kappa with a B.S in biochemistry and B.A. in Physiology. She attended Medical School at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine where she met her husband. She completed her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology and fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine also at Mayo Clinic. She is the mother to two handsome boys. Their family enjoys being out on the water in the summer and watching football in the fall. During her free time, she enjoys baking and crafting. She has a passion for working with families experiencing high risk pregnancies and an interest in researching and improving the quality of care in obstetrics.

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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama)

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

Support the show

On this week’s episode, we have the honor of sharing part 1 of Taylor’s motherhood journey with her son, Milo! Milo was born full-term and had a NICU stay of 188 days that included 2 ambulatory transfers and 3 hospitals.

Upon birth, Milo was diagnosed with Vacterl association after being born with a VSD, TEF, and an ectopic kidney. He underwent his first of 3 TEF repairs at 3 days old, 2 of those repairs included opening up his chest, and he also underwent multiple dilation procedures on his esophagus, open heart surgery to repair his VSD, multiple blood transfusions, and a g-tube placement surgery.  (Amongst many other things!) After being told he could potentially make it home by Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas he went on to spend many more milestones in the hospital before finally making it home in time for Mother’s Day!

Not only is Taylor’s story special because of Milo’s resilience, but also because of the resilience she showed throughout her stay as a pandemic NICU mama and a mama to her older child Charlie. We hope that all of our pandemic NICU mamas feel seen, heard, and validated throughout this episode. You journeyed through so much alone - but we hope that you feel surrounded and loved by this sisterhood today.

To get connected with DNM:

 Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Support the show

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

Support the show

This week’s episode is a mini episode all about our upcoming event on November 13th, 2021! If you’ve had any questions about our event or wondered what to expect when attending the event, we hope this episode answers some of those questions!

Our “Be Proud of Who you’ve Become” event is designed specifically for current and past NICU mamas. Featuring renowned high-risk pregnancy specialist, author, speaker, and NICU mama, Parijat Desphande as our keynote speaker and Anese Barnett, maternal mental health expert and founder of The Breakthrough Mama. This special event will offer the opportunity to learn about trauma after the NICU, meet NICU mamas from around the world, and discover the hope of healing.

All registrations will include admission to our live event on November 13, 2021, access to the recording after the event, and a Dear NICU Mama gift box mailed prior to event. (Event registrations must be received by November 1st in order to receive your box by the event date. For attendees outside of the United States, please know that there may be delays, and we will do our best to get it to you on time!)

Event Schedule:

• 3:00 PM Pre-Event Reflection with Anese Barnett
• 4:00 PM Welcome
• 4:15 PM Keynote: Parijat Deshpande
• 5:00 PM Q&A with Parijat Desphande
• 5:30 PM BREAK
• 5:40 PM Life After NICU Panel
• 6:25 PM Breakout Session
• 7:30 PM Closing & Post-Event Reflection with Anese Barnett

** Need-based scholarships available! If you are interested in requesting a scholarship or funding a scholarship for another mama, please email [email protected] **

For previous podcasts episodes with Parijat, head here or here.  For our previous podcast episode with Anese, head here!

To register, head to www.dearnicumama.com/events! We’d love to have you join us.

To get connected with DNM:

 Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama)

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

Support the show