Show Notes

Episode Title: Understanding the NICU

Hosts: Malia Perales and Ashley Houlihan

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Rhode to Pregnancy podcast, Ashley and Malia discuss the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and what parents can expect if their newborn requires specialized care after birth. They explain why babies may be admitted to the NICU, as well as factors that may increase the likelihood of NICU admission. They also break down the different levels of neonatal care, common equipment and treatments parents may encounter, and how parents can stay involved in their baby’s care. The episode also introduces the many healthcare and support professionals who care for babies and families in the NICU. Finally, Ashley and Malia emphasize the importance of parental self-care and highlight resources available to support families during what can be an emotional and overwhelming experience.

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RESOURCES

Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/group/nicu-postpartum-parents/

Self Care in the NICU: https://handtohold.org/self-care-in-the-nicu/

Meals on Wheels: https://www.rimeals.org/

WIC: https://health.ri.gov/women-infants-and-children

Johns Hopkins, parental guide to the NICU: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/johns-hopkins-childrens-center/documents/specialties/neonatal-medicine/a-parents-guide-to-the-nicu-english-2024.pdf

Sources:

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=the-neonatal-intensive-care-unit-nicu-90-P02389

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/nicu

https://necsociety.org/education/10-things-all-parents-of-nicu-babies-need-to-know/?srsltid=AfmBOooiIrS2BaRv5JwNV6yLvzlexCM5ZigX4QVzfkFIvfHolY8Oa5Vd

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nicu-caring.html

https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/nicu

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/CDPH%20Document%20Library/AFL-19-37-Attachment5.pdf

https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/pediatrics/pediatric-nicu

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db525.htm

En este episodio del podcast, Rhode to Pregnancy, Ashley, Malia y la nueva integrante del equipo, Regan, explican detalladamente lo que ocurre durante el parto y el alumbramiento. Explican las tres etapas del parto en términos sencillos, incluyendo cómo se dilata el cuello uterino durante la primera etapa, el pujo y el nacimiento del bebé durante la segunda etapa, y la expulsión de la placenta durante la tercera etapa. A lo largo del episodio, hacen énfasis en que cada experiencia de parto es diferente y animan a las oyentes a hablar con su equipo médico sobre sus planes de parto individuales y sus dudas.

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In this episode of the Rhode to Pregnancy podcast, Ashley, Malia, and new team member, Regan, break down what happens during labor and delivery. They explain the three stages of labor in simple terms, including how the cervix opens during the first stage, pushing and delivery of the baby during the second stage, and delivery of the placenta during the third stage. Throughout the episode, they emphasize that every labor experience is different and encourage listeners to talk with their healthcare team about their individual labor plans and questions.

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En este episodio del podcast Rhode to Pregnancy, Ashley y Malia conversan con la Dra. Srilakshmi Mitta, especialista en medicina obstétrica de la Universidad Brown, sobre la preeclampsia. Juntas explican qué es la preeclampsia, cómo se diagnostica, cuáles son los síntomas más comunes y en qué se diferencia de la hipertensión gestacional y la hipertensión crónica. La Dra. Mitta también habla sobre los factores de riesgo, las estrategias de prevención, las opciones de tratamiento y cómo esta condición puede afectar tanto a la persona embarazada como al bebé. Además, analizan la preeclampsia posparto, los posibles efectos a largo plazo en la salud y la importancia del monitoreo después del parto. Este episodio busca ayudar a las familias a comprender mejor la preeclampsia y a sentirse informadas y empoderadas durante el embarazo.

Recursos:

In this episode of the Rhode to Pregnancy Podcast, Ashley and Malia are joined by Dr. Srilakshmi Mitta, an obstetric medicine specialist at Brown University, to discuss preeclampsia. Together, they explain what preeclampsia is, how it is diagnosed, common symptoms to watch for, and how it differs from gestational and chronic hypertension. Dr. Mitta discusses risk factors, prevention strategies, treatment options, and the potential effects of preeclampsia on both the pregnant person and baby. The conversation also covers postpartum preeclampsia, long-term health implications, and the importance of ongoing monitoring after delivery. This episode aims to help patients better understand preeclampsia and feel informed and empowered throughout their pregnancy journey.

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En este episodio del podcast Rhode to Pregnancy, Ashley y Malia explican qué es un plan de parto y cómo puede ayudar a las pacientes a prepararse para el trabajo de parto y el nacimiento. Hablan sobre las preferencias en el manejo del dolor, el parto y el cuidado del recién nacido, así como sobre la importancia de mantener la flexibilidad ante cambios inesperados. También comparten consejos sobre cómo comunicar estas preferencias al equipo de atención médica y utilizar el plan de parto como una herramienta para promover una atención informada y centrada en la paciente.

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In this episode of the Rhode to Pregnancy Podcast, Ashley and Malia explore what a birth plan is and how it can help guide expectations for labor and delivery. They break down the key components of a birth plan, including labor preferences, pain management options, delivery wishes, and newborn care decisions. The hosts emphasize that while birth plans are helpful tools for communication and preparation, flexibility is essential because labor can be unpredictable. They also discuss how patients can implement their birth plan in real time by working with their care team, support person, and/or doula. Ultimately, the episode focuses on using birth plans as a way to support informed, patient-centered care.

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En el primer episodio de la temporada 3 del podcast Rhode to Pregnancy, Malia y Ashley ofrecen una visión general del tercer trimestre del embarazo y de lo que las pacientes pueden esperar a medida que se acercan al parto y al alumbramiento. Hablan de los principales hitos en el desarrollo fetal, los síntomas físicos habituales que se experimentan durante el tercer trimestre, las citas prenatales importantes, las vacunas y pruebas de detección recomendadas, y las formas de prepararse para el parto y el posparto. Las presentadoras también destacan los signos de alerta que requieren atención médica y comentan cómo las parejas y las personas de apoyo pueden brindar un apoyo significativo durante esta etapa del embarazo. Este episodio sirve de base para el resto de la temporada, en la que se explorarán con mayor profundidad temas relacionados con el parto, el alumbramiento y el posparto.

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In the first episode of Season 3 of the Rhode to Pregnancy podcast, Malia and Ashley provide an overview of the third trimester of pregnancy and what patients can expect as they approach labor and delivery. They discuss major milestones in fetal development, common physical symptoms experienced during the third trimester, important prenatal appointments, recommended vaccines and screenings, and ways to prepare for birth and the postpartum period. The hosts also highlight warning signs that warrant medical attention and discuss how partners and support people can provide meaningful support during this stage of pregnancy. This episode serves as a foundation for the rest of the season, which will explore labor, delivery, and postpartum topics in greater depth.

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In this episode of the Rhode to Pregnancy podcast, Ashley and Malia are joined by Dr. Srilakshmi Mitta, an obstetric medicine specialist, to break down two very common second-trimester symptoms: headaches and fatigue, including fatigue related to anemia.

They explain why the second trimester is often called the “easier” trimester, while highlighting that symptoms like headaches and low energy are still very common. The conversation covers what causes these symptoms, how to tell what’s normal versus concerning, and when to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Dr. Mitta also walks through safe treatment options for headaches, lifestyle strategies to improve energy levels, and how anemia is screened and treated during pregnancy. This episode is designed to help you feel informed, reassured, and empowered as you navigate the second trimester.

Key Topics Covered

Local Rhode Island Resources

Important Links & Sources

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