When one baby is in the NICU and another is at home, parents face a kind of split that’s hard to describe — the heart wants to be in two places at once.

In this episode, I’m joined by Julia Kraemer, founder of Kangaroo Cozies and mom of two, who knows this journey firsthand. Julia spent three months navigating life between home and the NICU after her daughter’s 27-week birth, and she’s here to share what helped her family stay connected, grounded, and cared for along the way.

We talk about the practical strategies that can make a big difference — from preparing siblings before visits to maintaining routines, managing emotions, and finding small ways to nurture both children during a season of uncertainty.

Whether you’re a NICU parent trying to juggle home life or a doula supporting a family through it, this episode offers encouragement and tools for finding balance in the midst of the chaos.

Stay Connected with Mary:
Instagram: @thenicutranslator

Want to learn more about how to best support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started

Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist for early access + an exclusive discount.

Get NICU informed before the end of the year with special pricing on my Navigating the NICU course! 

Guest Spotlight: Julia Kraemer
Julia Kraemer is the founder of @kangaroo_cozies and a mom of two. She spent 3 months juggling the back and forth of having one child in the nicu and her older child at home. Take a listen to get some strategies that can help parents currently navigating a similar journey!

Connect with Julia
www.kangaroocozies.com
Instagram: @kangaroo_cozies

Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to NICU Sibling Support

05:50 Julia's NICU Experience

10:44 Navigating the NICU with Siblings

15:39 Creative Connection Strategies for Siblings

20:23 Emotional Support and Resources for Families

25:42 Navigating NICU Emotions and Sibling Involvement

30:57 The Joy of Homecoming: Transitioning to Family Life

35:55 Building a New Family Rhythm Post-NICU

42:20 Giving Back: Supporting the NICU Community

Links, Resources & Mentions:
Use code NICUBABY212 at KangarooCozies.com for 10% off your purchase of any of Julia’s incredible designs to make the NICU a little more bearable 

Bonding scent hearts

NICU Journey Journal

Paper Chain Countdown Template

Skin-to skin shirts and pajamas for mom

Books:

The Invisible String

Welcome to the NIC ZOO 

Waiting for Max

Loved this episode? 

Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community or leave a 5-star review and let me know!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care.

Until next time, remember:

The NICU is only the beginning, and together we can make this journey less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering.

SEO Keywords: NICU doula, NICU doula training, NICU support, trauma-informed NICU care, NICU parent support, navigating the NICU, doula education, preemie parent resources.

When a pregnancy becomes high-risk, fear can take over — for both families and the professionals supporting them. But with the right tools, mindset, and communication, confidence and calm are still possible.

In this episode, I’m joined by Cassandra Kobiltz, a labor and delivery nurse, doula, and the founder of Hakuna Matata Mamas. Cassandra blends medical knowledge with mindfulness-based support, helping families prepare for birth when circumstances feel uncertain or out of their control.

We’ll talk about what “high-risk” really means, how to navigate shifting birth plans, and why emotional safety is just as important as physical safety. Whether you’re a doula supporting a complex pregnancy or a parent preparing for a birth that looks different than you expected, this episode will leave you grounded, informed, and inspired.

Stay Connected with Mary:
Instagram: @thenicutranslator

Want to learn more about how to best support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started

Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist for early access + an exclusive discount.

Guest Spotlight: Cassandra Koblitz BSN-RN
Cassandra Mae, founder of Hakuna Matata Mama, is a high-risk labor and delivery nurse turned virtual maternal mentor and hospital birth coach who helps women have the best day of their lives, the day they meet their baby, no matter how it happens. With over 13 years of experience supporting women with high-risk pregnancies, she blends clinical expertise with mindset and somatic work to help mamas calm their nervous system, trust their body, and show up with courage and confidence. Through her signature Compass-ionate Framework, Cassandra bridges the gap between medical care and emotional support, like a nurse bestie in your corner, helping women feel seen, supported, and deeply connected every step of the way.

Connect with Cassandra
www.hakunamatatamamas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakuna.matata.mamas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555883715054
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hakuna-matata-mama/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hakuna.matata.mamas

Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to High-Risk Pregnancy and Birth

02:07 Cassandra's Journey in Nursing and Doula Work

05:09 The Impact of Travel Nursing on Perspectives

07:53 Understanding High-Risk Pregnancy

11:21 Coping with High-Risk Labels

16:25 Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation

20:59 The Importance of Self-Care and Intuition

24:23 Advocacy and Trusting Your Instincts

25:48 The Importance of Intuition in Healthcare Conversations

26:43 Navigating High-Risk Birth Scenarios

29:57 Coping Mechanisms for Expecting Parents

31:34 Acknowledging Loss in Birth Expectations

33:56 Balancing Medical Protocols and Patient Wishes

37:03 The Human Element in Medical Care

39:45 Processing Trauma in Healthcare

43:59 Empowering Parents in High-Risk Situations

Links, Resources & Mentions:
Get Cassandra’s free resource, “5 Things You Need to Know When Your Pregnancy Becomes High-Risk,” a short, powerful audio series designed to help mothers move from fear and uncertainty to feeling informed and supported. The series was made to remind women that even with a high-risk diagnosis, they still have a voice, a choice, and the ability to have the best day of their lives, the day they meet their baby.

Loved this episode? 

Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community or leave a 5-star review and let me know!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care.

Until next time, remember:

The NICU is only the beginning, and together we can make this journey less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering.

SEO Keywords: NICU doula, NICU doula training, NICU support, trauma-informed NICU care, NICU parent support, navigating the NICU, doula education, preemie parent resources.

If you’ve ever walked into the NICU and seen your baby wearing a little hat and tubing on their nose, you’ve likely seen CPAP — one of the most common (and misunderstood) forms of respiratory support.
 In this quick The NICU Translated episode, Mary breaks down what CPAP actually is, how it helps your baby breathe, and why it’s often one of the first steps toward coming off more intensive support.
She even shares her favorite “balloon” analogy that makes this whole concept finally click.

You’ll learn:

• What CPAP stands for and how it works
• Why babies need it (premature or full-term)
• What it looks and sounds like
• How to comfort and connect with your baby on CPAP
• Why it’s a positive step forward in recovery

🎧 Listen now and feel more confident in your NICU journey.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Mary on Instagram
• Join the waitlist for NICU Doula Academy
• Want to learn more about how to best support support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started! 

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to CPAP in the NICU
02:38 Understanding CPAP: Mechanism and Purpose
10:48 Reasons Babies Need CPAP
13:03 Different Modalities of CPAP
15:28 Bonding with Your Baby on CPAP

SEO Keywords:
CPAP NICU, bubble CPAP, NICU breathing support, preemie oxygen, NICU equipment explained, NICU education for doulas, NICU parents support

If you’ve never heard of a NICU doula, you’re not alone — even many birth professionals don’t know this role exists. But NICU doulas are filling a huge gap in support for families navigating the NICU, and their impact can be life-changing.

In this episode, I’ll explain what a NICU doula does, why families deserve one, and how they can make the NICU journey less overwhelming for parents — and more collaborative for care teams. Whether you’re a parent, a doula, or a hospital leader, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Resources & Links:

Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist

Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community.

Hear my journey in episode one on The NICU Translated Podcast. 

Listen to episode 6 with Shayna, a NICU Doula Academy Graduate.

Listen to episode 8 with Jillian, a NICU Doula Academy Graduate. 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to NICU Doulas

01:01 Understanding the Role of a NICU Doula

03:22 The Importance of Emotional Support in the NICU

07:06 The Impact of NICU Doulas on Family Well-being

10:10 Supporting Families Through the NICU Experience

12:22 The Role of NICU Doulas in Preventing Burnout

14:37 Continuity of Care: NICU Doulas from Prenatal to Postpartum

17:43 Preparing Families for the NICU Experience

21:22 Post-Discharge Support and Transitioning Home

25:39 The Future of NICU Doula Work and Community Impact

SEO Keywords: NICU doula, NICU doula training, NICU support, trauma-informed NICU care, NICU parent support, navigating the NICU, doula education, preemie parent resources.

Guest: Dr. Jessica Smith, PT, DPT — Pediatric Physical Therapist & Founder of Rocketship PT
 🌐 https://rocketshippt.com
📱 Instagram → @rocketship_pt
🎥 YouTube → Rocketship PT

Description:
Many NICU graduates leave the hospital with a few extra things to monitor — and motor development is one of the biggest. From torticollis (tight neck muscles) to flat spots on the head (plagiocephaly), these are common issues for NICU babies, but with the right support, families can make huge progress at home.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Smith, a pediatric physical therapist and founder of Rocketship PT. Jessica specializes in early intervention and helps parents feel confident supporting their baby’s development through play, movement, and simple, realistic exercises.

We talk about why NICU babies are more prone to these challenges, what early signs parents and doulas can look for, and how to prevent overwhelm by focusing on small, consistent steps that make a big difference.

Whether you’re a parent wanting to understand your baby’s unique needs or a doula supporting families after discharge, this conversation will leave you feeling informed and empowered.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to NICU Development and Support
05:25 The Journey to Pediatric Care
10:19 Understanding NICU Challenges: Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
14:45 The Importance of Early Intervention
18:08 Tummy Time: Myths and Realities
21:50 Practical Tips for NICU Parents
25:10 Navigating NICU Transitions
30:37 Finding Your Family's Rhythm
34:49 Understanding Developmental Milestones
38:40 The Helmet Debate: To Wear or Not to Wear?
42:52 Sifting Through Products and Solutions
45:05 Resources for NICU Families

Key Topics Covered:

Why NICU graduates are at higher risk for torticollis and plagiocephaly.

The connection between positioning, muscle tone, and early motor development.

How to support tummy time in ways that feel safe and achievable for NICU babies.

Early red flags of flat spots and when to seek professional help.

How physical therapy can empower families, not intimidate them.

Jessica’s mission behind Rocketship PT and how her online resources are helping families everywhere.

Resources & Links:
Rocketship PT Self-Guided Course → https://rocketshippt.mykajabi.com/offers/55vpddcM/checkout
Virtual 1:1 PT sessions available through Rocketship PT
Get my free guide: 5 Things Every Doula Needs to Know About NICU Babies and Their Families
Connect with me on Instagram

Keywords:
NICU motor development, torticollis in preemies, plagiocephaly in NICU babies, pediatric physical therapy tips, NICU baby milestones, tummy time after NICU, early intervention for preemies, Rocketship PT

Click here to view the episode transcript.

Most parents leave the NICU hoping they’ll never have to return. For Jillian, walking back into those hospital doors meant something entirely different — she was returning as a NICU doula, hired to support families right at the bedside.

In this inspiring interview, Jillian shares her journey from NICU parent to professional advocate, the steps she took to step into her new role, and how her work is already making an impact for families and staff alike. If you’ve ever wondered what a NICU doula can do or dreamed about turning your personal NICU story into a career that changes lives, this conversation is for you.

Resources & Links:
Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist
Connect with me on Instagram

Connect with Jillian on Instagram 

The future of NICU support is here — and Jillian’s story shows what’s possible.

About Jillian:
Jillian is a former NICU parent who turned her own long and challenging NICU experience into a mission to support other families walking a similar path. She trained as a NICU doula through Mary’s NICU Doula Academy and is completing her certification. Jillian will soon be working part-time in the hospital, where she’ll walk alongside NICU families, offering comfort, understanding, and guidance through this tender season.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Jillian's NICU Journey
04:25 The Unexpected NICU Experience
07:10 Memorable Moments in the NICU
09:53 Support Systems and NICU Family
12:40 Transitioning Home from the NICU
15:34 The Challenges of Homecoming
18:11 Exploring the Role of a NICU Doula
25:29 Understanding the NICU Experience
29:43 The Role of a NICU Doula
33:58 Implementing Change in NICU Care

39:13 The Future of NICU Support
46:41 Connecting with the NICU Community

SEO Keywords: NICU doula, NICU bedside support, NICU advocacy, NICU parent story, becoming a NICU doula, NICU doula training, NICU career change, supporting NICU families, NICU Doula Academy.

The NICU journey is full of emotions — joy, grief, gratitude, trauma, and everything in between. For some families, those emotions continue long after discharge, especially when facing loss or long-term medical complexities.

In this episode, I’m joined by Mahaley Patel, LMFT, PMH-C — a therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, grief, trauma, and infant/child loss, and the co-author of Your NICU Story. Mahaley shares her perspective as both a clinician and a bereaved parent, and offers families and professionals tools for processing their NICU experience in ways that honor both the heartbreak and the hope.

We’ll talk about why storytelling matters in healing, how to support grieving families with compassion, and the power of reflective practices like journaling to make sense of the NICU journey. Whether you’re a parent, doula, or professional, this conversation will invite you to see the NICU story as something worth telling — and worth holding with care.

Resources & Links:
Get my free guide: 5 Things Every Doula Needs to Know About NICU Babies and Their Families

Connect with me on Instagram

Learn more about Mahaley’s work

Connect with Mahaley on Instagram 

Check out Mahaley’s book: Your NICU Story: Reflecting on Your Family's Experience is a guided journal and healing tool to help NICU families process the emotions, questions, and memories that shape their NICU story. With compassionate prompts, parent stories, and reflections for partners, this book is an invitation to process grief, gratitude, and everything in between. Whether your child is thriving today or forever held in your heart, this book is for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to NICU Stories

01:55 Mahaley's NICU Journey
06:32 Creating Your NICU Story
09:10 When to Use the NICU Story Tool
12:48 Micro Moments of Healing
18:30 The Partner's Experience in the NICU
26:48 Supporting Families as Healthcare Providers
30:24 The Impact of Care in the NICU
34:17 Emotional Connections and Lasting Memories
38:33 Navigating Grief and Support
40:44 Practical Support for NICU Families
45:16 The Importance of Presence and Acknowledgment
52:05 The Power of Connection in Healing

SEO Keywords: NICU grief support, NICU family mental health, NICU storytelling, perinatal trauma, infant loss support, NICU journaling, healing after the NICU, NICU parent resources, NICU doula

Advocating for your NICU baby doesn’t have to mean conflict — in fact, the best advocacy builds bridges and strengthens your baby’s care team.

In this episode, NICU parent and NICU Doula Academy graduate Shayna Abraham shares her practical, compassionate approach to finding the right providers, recognizing when things aren’t working, and making changes with confidence and respect. You’ll learn the signs of a strong provider relationship, how to address concerns effectively, and tips for building a support network that truly meets your baby’s needs.

Whether you’re a NICU parent, doula, or other birth professional, this conversation will leave you feeling more confident in your role as your baby’s advocate.

Resources & Links:
Get my free guide: 5 Things Every Doula Needs to Know About NICU Babies and Their Families
Connect with me on Instagram
Take Shayna’s survey

Advocacy in the NICU isn’t just possible — it’s powerful.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to NICU Journeys
04:00 Shayna's NICU Experience and Advocacy
06:41 Navigating Post-NICU Care
09:04 Finding the Right Care Team
11:42 Red Flags in Healthcare Providers
14:16 Effective Communication with Providers
16:49 Building a Support Team Post-Discharge
19:20 The Importance of Community Support
21:57 Survey for NICU Families
24:23 Conclusion and Resources

SEO Keywords: NICU advocacy tips, NICU care team, finding the right NICU providers, NICU parent resources, NICU support network, NICU doula advice, advocating for NICU baby, NICU provider relationships

Preemies are incredible — but their journey in the NICU looks very different from that of a full-term baby. From learning how to breathe and eat, to staying warm and conserving energy, every step is a milestone worth celebrating.

In this episode of The NICU Translated Podcast, I’m sharing the top 5 things I want every parent and professional to know about preemies while they’re still in the NICU. We’ll talk about why breathing takes practice, why feeding is often the last big hurdle, and how even simple acts like your voice or your touch play a powerful role in your baby’s healing and development.

Whether you’re a NICU parent or a doula supporting families, this episode will give you practical insight and encouragement to feel more confident in the NICU journey.

Resources & Links:

Get my free guide: 5 Things Every Doula Needs to Know About NICU Babies and Their Families

Connect with me on Instagram

Learn more about NICU Doula Academy

Timestamps:

00:00 Understanding Premature Babies

00:59 Common Myths About the NICU

02:18 Breathing Challenges for Preemies

06:20 Temperature Regulation in Premature Infants

08:35 Feeding Difficulties and Milestones

11:53 Energy Conservation in Preemies

15:40 The Importance of Bonding

19:15 Conclusion and Resources for Support

SEO Keywords: preemie facts, preemie care basics, premature baby development, adjusted age preemie, bonding with preemie, preemie growth, NICU preemie tips, preemie parent support.

“When can my baby go home?” If you’ve ever been in the NICU, you’ve probably asked it — or thought it. It’s a natural question, but the answer is rarely simple. In this episode, I’m breaking down the key milestones babies need to reach before discharge, what can speed up or slow down that process, and how parents can be actively involved in getting their baby ready for that big day.

You’ll leave with a clearer picture of what “ready to go home” really means — and how to celebrate each step along the way.

Resources & Links:

Get my free guide: 5 Things Every Doula Needs to Know About NICU Babies and Their Families

Connect with me on Instagram

Timestamps: 

00:00 Understanding NICU Discharge: The Big Question

02:00 Key Milestones for NICU Discharge

07:42 Feeding Challenges and Solutions

12:41 Preparing for Discharge: Checklists and Education

17:18 The Journey Beyond NICU: Transitioning Home

Keywords: NICU discharge, when can baby leave NICU, NICU milestones, NICU going home checklist, preemie going home, NICU discharge criteria, NICU parent support