In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I’m joined by NICU clinical nurse educator Jessi Barnes for a powerful conversation about the intersection of professional expertise and lived experience.

With 15 years of nursing experience—including time in high-risk perinatal units and the NICU—Jessi now dedicates her career to teaching and mentoring NICU nurses with a trauma-informed lens. But her perspective deepened profoundly when her own daughter was born prematurely at 27 weeks and spent 75 days in the NICU.

Together, we explore:
👩‍⚕️ What it means to be a NICU clinical nurse educator and how this role shapes care for babies and families
👶 Jessi’s personal journey as both NICU staff and NICU mom—and how advocacy and perspective collide in that space
🧠 The nuances of trauma-informed care for babies, parents, and providers alike
💬 Why small choices and validating parents’ voices can transform confidence and healing in the NICU
🫀 How supporting the nervous systems of nurses is key to reducing secondary trauma and improving care for families

Jessi’s insight is equal parts professional expertise and heartfelt lived experience. Whether you’re a NICU parent, birth worker, or healthcare professional, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical ways to create more compassionate care.

Connect with Jessi:
🔗 LinkedIn: Jessi Barnes
🤝 Family Centered Care Task Force

Guest Bio: 

Jessi Barnes, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC, NPD-BC, C-ELBW is a clinical nurse educator and former NICU parent with a passion for the neonatal patient population. Her 14-year nursing career started in high obstetrical care and transitioned to neonatal intensive care and even a bit of nursing informatics. Her current role as a NICU clinical nurse educator allows her to help improve patient outcomes through facilitating professional development. She holds certifications in neonatal intensive care nursing, nursing professional development, and the care of the extremely low birth weight infant. She is a graduate of the Trauma Informed Professionals certificate program, a neonatal resuscitation program instructor mentor, and a community resiliency model teacher. Jessi has been featured on the Incubator, Care OutLoud, and NANNcast podcasts sharing her experience parenting in the NICU as a NICU professional.

For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.

Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.