Some NICU journeys begin long before delivery — and Natascha Bohmann’s story is one of them. After a high-risk mono-mono twin pregnancy, a lengthy inpatient hospitalization, and a NICU stay for her daughters, she walked through every chapter of uncertainty a family can face: fear, waiting, grief, advocacy, and rebuilding life on the other side.

In this episode, Natascha shares how her experience as a NICU mom, combined with her deep background in yoga therapy, grief support, end-of-life care, and healthcare communications, shaped her calling to become a NICU doula. Her story is a powerful reminder that the NICU doesn’t end at discharge — and that families need more emotional, informational, and integrative support than our current system offers.

We explore what it’s really like to prepare for an inpatient stay, navigate high-risk pregnancy, transition home after NICU, and rediscover your voice as both a parent and a professional. Whether you’re a NICU parent or a doula building NICU-informed skills, Natascha’s wisdom offers grounding, clarity, and a path forward.

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: Natascha Bohmann; MBA, Yoga Therapist, Ayurveda Wellness Counselor, NICU Doula, Grief + Bereavement Specialist, End-of-life Doula 

Natascha is mom of mono-mono twins. After a lengthy antepartum stay due to a high-risk pregnancy and NICU stay for her girls, as well as navigating the transition home and beyond, she felt called to find meaningful ways to support other families faced with a similar journey. She participated in the beta cohort of the NICU Doula Academy and is working toward certification. In addition, Natascha is a yoga therapist, Ayurveda wellness counselor, grief and bereavement specialist, and end-of-life doula for people and companion animals. She also has a background in healthcare in both marketing/communications and sales. These various experiences have given her insights both from a patient perspective as well as a view of the challenges clinicians face, fueling her inspiration to be the change, and finding a way to bridge the gaps. Her vision is to provide peer-to-peer support to families from inpatient to the transition home and beyond, while weaving in foundational and sustainable yoga-inspired tools to buoy through uncertain and challenging times. She is currently building her offerings and providing support both in-person and virtually.  

Specific to her NICU doula work, Natascha is looking to create a collaborative network of birth and postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, PTs/OTs, speech therapists and other holistic professionals to help provide supportive resources to families (both in the Pacific Northwest and virtually). Connect through social media or [email protected] if interested. 

Connect with Natascha: 

www.nourishedbeingnow.com

Instagram: @_nourishedbeing_

Facebook: Nourished Being

Inside This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to NICU Journey

05:42 Discovering the Pregnancy and NICU Reality

10:34 The Birth Experience and Initial NICU Stay

15:37 Navigating NICU Life and Logistical Challenges

20:04 Mindset and Coping Strategies During NICU

24:43 The Role of Community and Support

29:32 Advocacy in the NICU

34:07 Transitioning Home After NICU

38:54 The Future as a NICU Doula

Links, Resources & Mentions:

Check out the NICU Doula Directory mentioned in the episode. 

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.

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of the NICU — waiting for updates, waiting for milestones, waiting to finally bring your baby home. But in those quiet, uncertain moments, families and siblings are living their own version of the NICU journey, too.

In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by Emily Rosen — mom, creative director, and author of the new children’s book Waiting for Max: A NICU Story — to talk about what it means to live in “the waiting” and how we can help siblings and families cope with the emotional side of the NICU.

We explore the inspiration behind Waiting for Max, how storytelling can help children process what’s happening, and practical ways parents can stay connected with their NICU baby (and their older kids) even when they’re apart. Whether you’re a NICU parent, doula, or healthcare provider, this episode offers gentle, creative ways to make the waiting a little less heavy — and a little more hopeful.

Stay Connected with Mary:

Instagram: @thenicutranslator

Want to feel more confident supporting families through the NICU? Learn more about Navigating the NICU for Doulas here!

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: Emily Rosen

Emily Rosen is a mom, a freelance creative director and copywriter, and a children’s book author. She has built her career working for top advertising agencies and brands and strives to use her creativity for good––especially to empower women, mothers, and kids. Inspired by her son Max’s time in the NICU, she wrote her first children’s book, "Waiting for Max: A NICU Story" to help families like hers.

When Emily’s not writing, she loves going for a run around the neighborhood, singing karaoke with friends, and reading to her two kids. Proudly born and raised in Cleveland, OH, she now lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and their family. Learn more about Emily and her work at emilyrosencreative.com.

Connect with Emily

Guest website: emilyrosencreative.com

Instagram: @emilyrosencreative

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emily.rosen.creative

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyozanrosen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyozan

Inside This Episode:

00:00 The Art of Waiting in the NICU Journey

10:50 Coping Mechanisms During Waiting

20:26 The Importance of Storytelling for Siblings

31:12 Support Systems for Families in Waiting

40:54 Finding Joy in the Journey of Waiting

Links, Resources & Mentions:

Get a copy of Waiting for Max here: https://thecollectivebook.studio/products/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.

Stepping into the NICU can feel like landing in a completely different world — one with its own language, routines, and cast of characters. In this episode, I’m breaking down the essentials so you can start feeling more confident, informed, and ready to be an active part of your baby’s care team.

We’ll cover what the NICU is, who’s on your baby’s care team, the most common terms you’ll hear, and how to get oriented so you feel less like a visitor and more like the vital parent or support person you are. Whether you’re here for your own baby or to better support the families you serve, this episode will give you a solid foundation.

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: Amanda Newstetter, MSW

Amanda spent her whole first career as a Social Worker and Trainer in the HIV/AIDS Epidemic starting in 1984 when it was a death sentence. She has 2 daughters and two grandchildren and she and her partner Donna have been together 40 years. She thought that working in the Birth world with new life would nicely balance her early career which focused on illness and death. She has always been drawn to life's thresholds and is in the Threshold Choir which sings at bedside to people who are sick and dying and lullabies to new babies. She lives in San Francisco with her partner. 

Connect with Guest

PPDoula.com

Instagram: @amanda_as_postpartum_doula

Inside This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to NICU Journeys

04:02 Amanda's NICU Experience and Emotional Journey

07:00 Navigating Postpartum Healing in the NICU

09:59 The Role of Support and Connection in the NICU

12:40 Transitioning Home: The Challenges of NICU Discharge

15:36 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on NICU Families

18:39 Mental Health After NICU: Amanda's Journey

23:00 The Importance of Processing Birth Trauma

25:58 Thresholds: Supporting Families Through Transitions

28:51 Advice for NICU Families: Healing and Trusting Yourself

32:02 Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey Beyond the NICU

Links, Resources & Mentions:

Want a gentle place to process your NICU experience? Start with The NICU Notebook.

Want to reflect on and reclaim your NICU journey? Explore Your NICU Story.

Preparing for a high-risk or NICU birth? Download the NICU Birth Plan Template.

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.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rachael Carreon — a pediatric physical therapist and infant development expert who has supported babies and families for more than a decade. Together, we break down some of the most common challenges NICU graduates face after discharge, including oral ties, feeding difficulties, torticollis, plagiocephaly, body tension, and early motor delays.

Rachael has such a gift for translating complex information into simple, empowering explanations. We talk about how to spot concerns early, why feeding and movement are so closely connected, and what parents and doulas can realistically do to support babies during those crucial first months at home.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about head shape, feeding cues, oral ties, or developmental milestones — or you support families who do — this conversation is full of practical, confidence-building takeaways you can start using right away.

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: Dr. Rachael Carreon PT, DPT

Dr. Rachael Carreon is a pediatric physical therapist and infant development expert with over 11 years of experience. She specializes in supporting babies with oral ties and feeding challenges, torticollis, plagiocephaly, body tension, and gross motor delays. Rachael believes every child deserves the chance to thrive, and she’s passionate about empowering parents with the knowledge and confidence to support their baby’s development during the most critical early years.

www.foundationspediatricpt.com

Instagram: @foundations_pediatricpt

YouTube: @FoundationsPedsPT

Inside This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to NICU Support and Development

04:20 Understanding Feeding Challenges in NICU Graduates

07:15 Addressing Tension and Movement in NICU Babies

10:23 Exploring Oral Ties and Their Impact on Feeding

13:19 Holistic Approaches to Feeding Interventions

16:22 Supporting NICU Families During Transition

19:32 Encouraging Positive Touch and Connection

26:54 Understanding Baby's Needs and Family Bonding

32:48 Transitioning from Bottles to Breastfeeding

37:43 Managing Expectations in Feeding Journeys

42:51 The Importance of Pooping for Babies

47:51 Milestones and Adjusted Age for Preemies

52:48 Empowering Parents to Advocate for Their Babies

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.

The NICU may end at discharge, but for many families, the journey is far from over. Life after the NICU often means learning to navigate complex medical needs, therapies, and emotions that don’t fit neatly into anyone’s discharge plan.

In this episode, I’m joined by Michele Salmons, mom of two and one of my former NICU doula clients, whose story is one of courage, advocacy, and deep love. After a uterine rupture during her son Harvey’s birth, Michele and her husband were told he had very little chance of survival. But their journey — from transferring NICUs to building a life of medical care, therapy, and blended feeding at home — has become a testament to what it means to move from crisis to confidence.

We talk about the realities of parenting a medically complex child, how to rebuild life and identity after trauma, and the ways families like Michele’s redefine what thriving looks like.

Whether you’re a NICU parent walking a similar path or a doula wanting to better understand life after discharge, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and so much heart.

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: Michele Salmons

Michele is the mother of two young boys. During her second birth with her son, Harvey, Michele sustained a uterine rupture. Harvey was born with an APGAR score of 1 and given very slim chances of living. Amidst the devastation, Michele and her husband quickly learned to advocate for Harvey ultimately transferring him to a different NICU. After over a month, Harvey was discharged home and the family's journey of complex medical care, early intervention and intensive therapy, and living life through a new perspective began. Today, at nearly two, Harvey is a Cerebral Palsy warrior and Infantile Spasms and Lennox Gastaut Syndrome fighter (along with several other diagnoses). Michele turned to blended tube feeding for Harvey, continues to seek out nationally renowned therapy, and says she will "stop at nothing to give Harvey the best life possible". 

Connect with Michele

Instagram: @hehasmiracles

He HAS Miracles was founded to honor the journey and witness the miracles of a little boy named Harvey. Harvey's first month+ on earth began in the NICU as a HIE survivor. Today, at nearly two, Harvey is a CP warrior and IS and LGS fighter. Harvey has defined many of the odds and is living proof that miracles exist. Harvey's family envisions He HAS Miracles morphing into a non profit supporting advocacy, awareness, education, research and resources in the complex medical, brain injury, blended g-tube feeding, and special needs spaces. 

Inside This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Michelle's NICU Journey

01:59 Harvey's Birth and NICU Admission

09:01 Initial NICU Experience and Parental Advocacy

18:37 Transitioning to a New NICU

24:08 Life After NICU: The Transition Home

30:35 Navigating Home Health Nursing

37:35 Evolving Needs and Family Dynamics

39:39 Navigating the Complexities of Caregiving

44:49 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges

49:38 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents

55:50 Managing G-Tube Care and Nutrition

01:07:50 Creating Community and Sharing Experiences

01:12:48 Hope and Faith in the Journey of Parenting 

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.

Sleep after the NICU is complicated — not just for babies, but for parents, too. Preemies have different developmental timelines, different sensory needs, and often, different medical journeys that shape how (and when) they sleep. Add in parental trauma, nighttime anxiety, and navigating life after the NICU, and sleep can feel like one of the hardest parts of bringing your baby home.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Ortiz, NICU mom, sleep consultant, and founder of Little Ones Sleep Society. Jamie brings her professional expertise and her deeply personal story as a NICU and loss mom to help families understand what healthy sleep really looks like after the NICU.

We talk about the realities of preemie sleep, how to support medically complex babies overnight, breaking out of NICU habits, and why sleep is truly a family system, not just a baby schedule. Jamie also shares the role of her work offered on I Help Moms, a platform offering accessible support from sleep experts, grief counselors, mental wellness providers, lactation experts, and more.

Whether you're a NICU parent craving rest, a doula supporting families after discharge, or a provider wanting language that’s grounded, compassionate, and realistic, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.

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 to the 2026 cohorts and a special enrollment discount. Spots are limited, and the waitlist is the best way to be the first to know when doors open.

Guest Spotlight: Jamie Ortiz
Jamie is a mom of 2 (proud NICU mom), a sleep consultant for over 4 years and has a passion for helping little ones and their parents get the rest that's needed. Owner of Little Ones Sleep Society and head coach for the parenting platform I Help Moms...Jamie is able to work with anyone from anywhere. You can find her articles via her site and all different types of parenting magazines such as Joovy Magazine. 

Connect with Jamie:
www.littleonessleepsociety.com
Instagram: @littleonessleepsociety
Parents and professionals can also find me on https://ihelpmoms.com/consultants/consultant/458/jamie-ortiz

Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to NICU Experiences and Sleep Challenges

04:19 Understanding Preemie Sleep Needs

07:14 The Importance of Adjusted Age in Sleep

10:18 Transitioning from NICU to Home

13:18 Sleep Shaping for Medically Complex Babies

16:25 Creating a Positive Sleep Environment

19:06 Navigating Sleep Expectations and Patterns

29:46 Creating a Soothing Environment for Babies

32:10 The Importance of Routine and Parental Regulation

35:51 Navigating NICU Experiences and Parental Anxiety

39:22 Understanding Baby's Needs and Parental Support

42:10 Encouraging Bonding and Trust in Caregiving

46:41 Resources and Support for NICU Families

48:27 Empowering Parents to Trust Their Instincts

Links, Resources & Mentions:
Check out Jamie’s Preemie Sleep Guide here! 

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.

There are so many myths about the NICU and while most come from a place of love, they can leave families feeling confused, unprepared, or even ashamed for not matching someone else’s expectations. In this episode, I’m breaking down the top 5 NICU myths I hear most often, including big ones like “all NICU babies are preemies,” “NICU babies can’t be breastfed,” and “once you go home, everything goes back to normal.”

Together, we’ll talk through what’s actually true, what’s outdated, and what families really need to know to feel more confident and supported. My goal is to replace fear and misinformation with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based guidance so whether you’re a NICU parent, doula, nurse, or support professional, you can better understand what NICU families are facing.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what NICU care looks like today, how to support bonding and breastfeeding in the NICU, and why discharge is the beginning of a whole new chapter, not the end of the story.

Stay Connected with Mary:
Instagram: @thenicutranslator

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! 

Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist

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

Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to NICU Myths

02:50 Understanding NICU Experiences

07:37 Myth 1: Prenatal Preparation Can Prevent NICU Stays

08:57 Myth 2: All NICU Babies Are Premature

12:53 Myth 3: NICU Babies Can't Be Breastfed

17:08 Myth 4: NICU Babies Are Too Fragile to Be Held

21:24 Myth 5: Life Returns to Normal After NICU Discharge

27:17 Empowering Families and Professionals

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 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

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