Ask a NICU Mama Podcast

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with LaToya about her journey to motherhood, the unexpected challenges she faced with her daughter who was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and the importance of advocacy in healthcare. LaToya shares her emotional experiences from the initial joy of pregnancy to the shock of receiving a diagnosis, navigating the complexi...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Leilah about her profound journey through pregnancy loss, the premature birth of her son, and the emotional challenges faced during their NICU stay. Leilah shares her coping mechanisms, the importance of support from family and friends, and her work as a pre and postnatal wellness coach. The conversation delves into the...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Carrita about her profound journey through pregnancy loss, the NICU experience, and life after discharge. Carrita shares her story of resilience, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community support, and the healing power of writing. She discusses the challenges faced during her pregnancies, the emotional rollerco...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Jennifer, a NICU mom who shares her emotional journey after giving birth to her twins at just 26 weeks gestation. Jennifer discusses the challenges of being a NICU parent, the emotional roller coaster of the experience, and the importance of support systems. She also shares insights on balancing family dynamics, the sig...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil, speaks with Ebby J.  Ebby J shares her profound journey through motherhood, marked by multiple pregnancy losses and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system. She discusses her grief, the lack of support she faced, and her renewed sense of hope. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, the need for com...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neill speaks with Brian, author of 'Breathe, Eat, Poop and Grow,' about his profound journey to fatherhood, the challenges faced during his wife's pregnancy, and their son's premature birth. Brian shares his emotional experiences navigating the NICU, the importance of community support, and the role of faith in overcoming adversity. He...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Christina, a NICU nurse who shares her emotional journey and experiences in the NICU. They discuss the unique challenges faced by NICU families, the importance of parental involvement in care, and the support services available. Christina also shares her personal pivot during COVID-19, which led her to launch a clothing...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Kellye, co-owner of Holy City Pediatric Therapy Center, about intensive therapy programs for children. Kellye shares her journey of becoming an occupational therapist, the formation of her therapy center, and the importance of intensive therapy programs. The conversation covers who would benefit from attending an intens...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Jessica, founder of We Are Brave Together, about her journey as a caregiver for her son with Prader-Willi syndrome. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, the importance of community support, and the release of Jessica's book, Becoming Brave Together (an anthology). The conversation highlights the emotional rollerco...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Rikki about her unexpected NICU journey with her daughter who was born full-term.  Rikki shares the emotional complexities of experiencing joy and grief simultaneously, as her father passed away just before Leah was discharged.  Rikki emphasizes the importance of advocacy in healthcare, the need for support, and the les...

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Jade about her profound journey through pregnancy loss, including multiple miscarriages and the stillbirth of her son. Jade shares her emotional experiences, the impact on her relationship with her husband, and the importance of support and presence during grief. She discusses the challenges of navigating a subsequent p...

Welcome to the third episode of Season 2 of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU Related. In today’s episode titled, “Change Your View,” I am joined by Amanda.  Amanda had a high-risk pregnancy due to her son developing a rare disease called hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn or HDFN. Her son was born at 35 weeks gestation and spent 37 days in the NICU. ...

Welcome to the Second episode of Season 2 of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related.  In today’s episode, titled “Things I Want You to Know: Insights from a Nurse,” I’m joined by Dorret, a dedicated perinatal nurse who works in both postpartum and the NICU. Throughout this episode, she guides us on how to empower parents during their baby's NICU journey. Do...

Welcome back to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In the first episode of season 2, titled “All of the Emotions,” I want to explore the wide range of feelings we experience both during and after our time in the NICU. Often, we struggle to process the trauma associated with having a baby in the NICU or caring for a child with complex medical needs. As...

Welcome to the season finale of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related.  In today’s episode titled A Season in Review, I share what I have learned (and what I hope you all have learned) from each of my 19 guests from this season.  I am beyond grateful for every guest who shared their NICU journey with us.  I am also grateful for everyone who took the time t...

Welcome to the 26th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In today’s episode titled “Journey to Gratefulness” I am joined by Jameeka.  Jameeka delivered her daughter at 27 weeks gestation after being hospitalized for several weeks.  Her daughter was in the NICU for 340 days and was discharged with a trach, gtube and VP shunt.  Jameeka is so raw...

Welcome to the 25th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In today’s episode, titled Surrender , I am joined by Katie.  Unlike many NICU moms, Katie learned at her 20-week ultrasound that her son would require a NICU stay after birth.  Throughout this episode, Katie walks us through how she coped with having anticipatory grief, how she establis...

Welcome to the 24th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related.  In today’s episode, titled Purpose in the Pain, I am joined by Jenna.  She gave birth to her eldest child at 36 weeks and 5 days gestation who went on to spend 3 weeks in the NICU.  Jenna very vulnerability opens up about her journey of being diagnosed and treated for postpartum OCD.  S...

Welcome to the 23rd episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In today’s episode titled, “Abundant Blessing,” I am joined by Gena.  Gena bravely opens up about her journey of delivering her son at 23 weeks gestation who went on to have 143-day NICU stay, was discharged and readmitted a week later for another 20 or so days.  Gena stresses the import...

Welcome to the 22nd episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In this special Father’s Day episode, titled “A Father’s Love,” I am joined by Adam Wood who bravely shares his NICU journey.  His wife gave birth to their son at 25 weeks gestation, and they went on to have a 135-day NICU stay. We often hear NICU journeys through a mother’s perspective,...

Welcome to the 21st episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we discuss all things NICU related. In today’s episode titled, “Just Hold On,” I am joined by Kristianna. Kristianna courageously opens up about her journey through experiencing a stillbirth with her daughter and later giving birth to her son at 34 weeks gestation, who then spent 34 days in the NICU. She stresses the significance of...

Welcome to the 20th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we discuss all things NICU related. In this episode titled, “Tiny Steps,” I am joined by Kristina who courageously shares her journey of delivering her daughter at 25 weeks gestation, who spent 100 days in the NICU.  Kristina shares how her own autoimmune disease contributed to her daughter’s premature birth.  She shares how her pers...

Welcome to the 19th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related.  In today’s episode titled, “Grace,” I am joined by Katonya.  Katonya bravely shares her journey of delivering her son at 22 weeks gestation while at home alone.  Her son was in the NICU for 180 days (6 months) and faced several complications.  Katonya was told on more than one occasion...

Welcome to the 18th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In today’s episode titled, “Keep the Faith,” I am joined by Nicole. Nicole courageously shares her NICU journey, she went from having a routine pregnancy and delivery at 41 weeks, to learning that her daughter had Gestational Alloimmune Liver Disease (GALD).  Like many of us NICU mamas,...

Welcome to the 17th episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast where we will be discussing all things NICU related. In this episode titled, "It's About Getting Back Up," I am joined by Jodi. Jodi openly shares her journey of giving birth to her daughter at 28 weeks gestation due to developing preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She walks us through the first few days after giving birth and...