In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Hickson is joined by co-authors Emily Souder and Mahaley Patel to talk about the lasting impact of NICU experiences on families.

Together, they reflect on grief, healing, and how storywork can help parents process these experiences and emotions. The conversation highlights the duality of grief and gratitude, the importance of community support, and the creation of Your NICU Story Book, a meaningful resource for families navigating life after the NICU, available now.

More information and links to the resources we mentioned during the episode can be found here! (update article link)

💛 Content note: This episode includes discussion of child loss and may be emotionally triggering for some listeners. Please care for yourself as you listen.

Let's stay in touch!

You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

This is the first episode in a two-part podcast series, From Discharge to Home: Insights for Providers and Families, brought to you in collaboration with AngelEye Health. This series was created to provide insights for both healthcare providers and families navigating the NICU discharge process.

Our goal is for the series to be educational, informative, and empowering; emphasizing how technology, like AngelEye’s NICU2Home, along with NICU Alumni’s support, can help families and care teams during the critical transition after graduating from the NICU, to going home, and beyond.

Part 2: Patent Perspectives on Improving NICU Discharge Planning

In Part 2, Andrea Hickson and Jaylee Hilliard, both two-time NICU moms, discuss the family perspective, their NICU experiences, and what it was like after they got home, sharing personal stories and insights.

More information and links to the resources we mentioned during the episode can be found here!

Let's stay in touch!

You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

This is the first episode in a two-part podcast series, From Discharge to Home: Insights for Providers and Families, brought to you in collaboration with AngelEye Health. This series was created to provide insights for both healthcare providers and families navigating the NICU discharge process.

Our goal is for the series to be educational, informative, and empowering; emphasizing how technology, like AngelEye’s NICU2Home, along with NICU Alumni’s support, can help families and care teams during the critical transition after graduating from the NICU, to going home, and beyond.

Part 1: Provider Perspectives on Improving NICU Discharge Planning
In Part 1, we sit down with Dr. Sue Bowles, a leader in the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s Homeward Bound initiative, and Jaylee Hilliard, VP of Clinical Strategy at AngelEye Health and a two-time NICU mom. 

More information and links to the resources we mentioned during the episode can be found here!

Let's stay in touch!

You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, we speak with Susan Reynolds, author of While I Breathe, about her journey as a NICU mom to her son Ryan, who was born prematurely and diagnosed with Down syndrome. Susan reflects on the lasting impact of their NICU experience and how Ryan’s life and his passing continue to shape her purpose and advocacy. Drawing from her background in pediatric medicine and bioethics, she shares meaningful insights on family-centered care, the power of advocacy, and the ways she honors Ryan’s legacy through education and storytelling.

Connect with Susan via Instagram: @susanreynolds28, or her Website: susanmreynolds.com.

More information and resources we mentioned during the episode can be found here!

Content note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss and may be emotionally triggering for some listeners. Please care for yourself as you listen.

Let's stay in touch!

You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, we welcome Jennifer Bernardo, author of Week 26. Jennifer shares her story of having twins born at just 26 weeks and their four-month NICU stay. We explore the emotional toll of life in the NICU, the transition home, and the critical role of community support. Jennifer opens up about writing her memoir and including multiple perspectives to capture the complexity of the NICU journey. She offers heartfelt advice for families facing similar paths, reminding listeners of the value of preparation, the power of advocacy, and the importance of cherishing each moment.

More information and helpful links can be found here! 

Let's stay in touch!

You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, Andrea is joined by Dr. Jessica Allen, a gerontologist, and proud adoptive mama. Jessica shares her family’s NICU experience after her daughter was born prematurely with short bowel syndrome. She speaks about advocating for her daughter’s care, navigating life as a working parent, and learning to manage complex medical needs. This conversation is filled with empathy, encouragement, and practical tips for all families preparing for life after the NICU.

Jessica talks about the emotional weight of discharge, what it means to become a medical family after the NICU, and the importance of support systems and collaborative care. She also shares insights from her research on pediatric quality of life and her work as co-founder of The Gutsy Perspective, an initiative dedicated to uplifting patient and family voices in Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) and rare disease research. The goal of this initiative is to help reshape the narrative around what quality of life can look like for children with SBS and their families. Thanks for listening!

More information including resources Jessica loves with helpful links and other fun stuff can be found here!

Let's stay in touch!

You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Hickson speaks with Jen Mansfield, a licensed professional counselor and mother, who shares her profound journey through the NICU and the loss of her son, Adam, born at 24 weeks.

Jen reflects on the overwhelming experience of the NICU, the meaningful connections with the staff, and the support from her community. She discusses the challenges of transitioning home after Adam's passing and the healing practices that helped her navigate grief, including narrative therapy. Jen's story is one of resilience, love, and the importance of community support during difficult times. Content note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss and may be emotionally triggering for some listeners. Please care for yourself as you listen.

Find information from the full episode here.

Let's stay in touch!

You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

In this heartfelt episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, Misti Staley shares her profound journey as a mother who faced unimaginable challenges with her son Freeman, who spent significant time in the NICU and PICU.  

After losing Freeman, Misti transformed her grief into advocacy, creating the Freeman Foundation and developing innovative solutions for families facing similar struggles. Our conversation explores the emotional rollercoaster of NICU life, the importance of community support, and the healing power of connection during times of loss. We discuss the profound impact of grief, the balance between supporting others and caring for oneself, the significance of community engagement and advocacy in healthcare, and the creation of meaningful legacies through action. Misti shares her journey of creating the Freeman Playground, and then later, establishing the Free Arm. She shares about the importance of raising awareness for tube feeding, finding joy amidst grief, and offers valuable insights and advice for parents experiencing loss.

Quick Notes from the Episode:

• The emotional toll of NICU life is profound, with many ups and downs.
• Transitioning home from the NICU can be daunting, especially with medical complexities.
• Therapy played a crucial role in helping Misti navigate her challenges and equipping her to advocate for herself and for Freeman's needs.
• Connection with other families that are in the NICU or PICU can provide comfort and understanding during tough times.
• Grief is a journey. Finding joy amidst grief is possible, take things at your own pace even if it feels like a small step.
• Remember you're not alone in that journey.
• Tube Feeding Awareness Week - occurs every February
  • Follow Free Arm on Instagram
  • Check out The Blend Magazine
• Other Helpful Links!
  • Free Arm Friends Page

Let's stay in touch!
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Hickson speaks with Ashli Daly, a registered nurse and baby coach, about her journey from working in the NICU to supporting families as they transition home. Ashli shares her experience working in various NICUs, the importance of seeking help, and how her background informs her current practice as Ashli The Mama Coach. The discussion also covers practical advice for new parents, including the importance of giving oneself grace and persevering as you seek answers.

Quick Notes from the Episode:

• Support from healthcare professionals is crucial for NICU families.
• Families should think about how they can prepare for life after the NICU.
• Postpartum doulas can play a role in supporting new families post-NICU.
• Ashli emphasizes the need for a supportive village for new parents. Don't isolate yourself.
• NICU experiences can significantly impact breastfeeding relationships.
• Every baby is unique, and care should be tailored to their needs. Feeding challenges are common and require a mindset shift and some patience.
• The transition from NICU to home can be overwhelming, building a support system is essential for new parents.
• Give yourself grace during the postpartum period, parenting is a journey of learning and growth for both baby and parent, and postpartum recovery does not have a set timeline.
• Trusting your gut as a parent is crucial, advocating for your baby is important in healthcare settings.
• If you don't get the answer that you want, keep going!
• NICU Alumni Resources
  • Grad Guide
• Ashli The Mama Coach Free Resources: 
  • Safety Guide - This free guide covers critical topics like safe sleep, car seat safety, drowning prevention, and choking prevention.
  • The Baby Sleep Formula - This free guide helps families establish nap times, bedtimes, and handle nap transitions as their baby grows. For preemie families, Ashli always recommends using adjusted age for sleep schedules rather than actual age.
  • Ashli posts a lot of helpful tips and guidance for parents on Instagram (@ashlithemamacoach), where she focuses on sleep, feeding, and newborn care.
  • Newborn Blueprint Preview - Ashli’s Newborn Blueprint walks families through the first 12 weeks with their newborn. LINK TO PURCHASE

Let's stay in touch!
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Hickson sits down with Chelsea Sams, MSN, RN, CPST, perinatal nurse educator, and founder of I Know Newborns.  

With over eight years of NICU experience, Chelsea shares her journey from bedside care to empowering NICU families through education and advocacy. Together, they discuss the unique challenges NICU graduates face after discharge, including health risks, navigating pediatric care, and finding essential community resources. Chelsea highlights the black infant mortality crisis, the importance of vaccination, and the critical role parents play in advocating for their children’s well-being. This episode is packed with practical advice and resources to support families transitioning home from the NICU.

Quick Notes from the Episode:

• “You know your baby best.” Parents should trust their instincts when it comes to their child’s health.
• “Hand washing, hand washing, hand washing.”
• NICU graduates often face higher risks for health complications and readmissions.
• Vaccination is essential for NICU babies, take into consideration, especially during flu and RSV seasons.
• Developmental delays are common but often temporary—don’t be discouraged, babies can catch up with time.
• Choosing a pediatrician with NICU experience is vital for post-discharge care.
• Community support groups are invaluable for navigating the NICU journey and beyond.
• Advocacy isn’t just for the NICU—it's a skill parents will use throughout their child’s life.
• Resources from Chelsea:
  • Chelsea can be reached at [email protected] and on instagram.
  • eBooks available for purchase, two of Chelsea’s favorites: NICU Parent Glossary, NICU Parent Advocacy Script, 
  • Free Resources

Let's stay in touch!
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.