NICU Babies Parent Support

Trigger warning: In this episode we talk about death and dying.   Not every baby leaves the NICU but it has been Dr. Elvira Parravicini's passion to serve those families with infants who have life-limited or life-threatening illnesses. The Neonatal Comfort Care Program seeks to address those needs and support those families from diagnosis, to delivery and beyond.   In this episode, we chat about:...

Trigger warning: In this episode we talk about death and dying.   Sometimes, families leave the hospital without their NICU baby. Misti Staley shares about the beautiful life of her son and how the challenges they encountered during his care inspired her to honor his memory after his passing. That outgrowth of generosity is now blessing NICUs and their families around the world.   In this episode,...

NICU baby skin is sensitive and often requires proper wound care, either from a lack of development or other treatments required by the NICU staff. Media Esser, a board-certified wound nurse shares common causes of skin damage, suggestions on making wound care easier and tried and true rules of thumb when caring for damaged neonate skin.   In this episode, we chat about: What is a wound care speci...

So, your baby is having surgery. Whether it's acute, routine or planned, pediatric surgeon Dr. Tory Meyer, shares what parents can expect, what questions to ask and how to approach the procedure with the best possible information.   In this episode, we chat about: What led you to pursue a career in pediatric surgery? What are the most common surgeries you perform? For planned surgeries, parents ha...

Our NICU adolescents and teens sometimes find themselves trying to cope with a difficult medical diagnosis or a major life change. Dina O'Brien, a pediatric psychologist and NICU mom speaks from experience, on both sides, on how a parent can help their child.   In this episode, we chat about: Why did you pursue a career in pediatric psychology? What is the primary purpose of a pediatric psychologi...

A NICU stay, and subsequent surgeries, can put extreme strain on a relationship. Scott and Kathryn Whitaker share why they sought out help from a licensed marriage counselor, their barriers to get there and how it changed their relationship.   In this episode, we chat about: What led them to the counseling door? What were some of their reservations about going to counseling? Strategies learned in...

Our NICU babies grow up and sometimes find themselves struggling to manage stress, anxiety, depression or navigating a disorder. Dr. Mitnaul, a child psychiatrist, shares how a child or adolescent may benefit from some extra assistance navigating those challenges.   In this episode, we chat about: How did you get from a biology degree to a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist? What is a child...

Parents of NICU babies often find themselves struggling in relationships or facing difficult feelings. Licensed therapist Regina Boyd shares how to determine if, and when, therapy can help.   In this episode, we chat about: What does a therapist do / not do? What's the difference between a therapist and a licensed therapist? What are some signs you might benefit from seeing a therapist? How do you...

Traveling with a medically-complex child can be stressful, overwhelming and daunting. Christy Wilkens, a mom of six, including a special needs child, shares how her family has conquered plane trips overseas and domestically, as well as road trips with their children in tow.   In this episode, we chat about: When did you feel safe and secure enough to embark on travel with a special needs child? Wh...

Your diagnosis doesn't have to determine your outcome. As we conclude our four-part series on pre-eclampsia, Parijat Deshpande, a somatic trauma professional, shares how to heal from trauma.   In this episode, we chat about: What is a somatic trauma professional and what led you to that profession? How does your book, Pregnancy Brain, empower parents, especially those who are high-risk or find the...

As we continue our four-part series on pre-eclampsia, this couple's story about infertility, guilt, grief and healing will touch you, particularly NICU dads who often feel unseen in their loss.   In this episode, we chat about: Was your pregnancy considered high-risk from the beginning? When were you given a preeclampsia diagnosis? What do you want people to know about your experience with preecla...

As we continue our four-part series on pre-eclampsia, this mom's story of fear, survival and resilience will both empower and encourage you.   In this episode, we chat about: Was your pregnancy considered high-risk from the beginning? When were you given a pre-eclampsia diagnosis? What was your relationship like with your OB/GYN and maternal fetal medicine doctor? What do you want people to know a...

Pre-eclampsia affects more than 200,000 pregnancies every year, just in the US alone. Dr. David Berry, a maternal fetal medicine doctor, helps us kick off the first of a four-part series where we dive into the intricacies of this disease by sharing symptoms, signs and treatment options.   In this episode, we chat about: What is pre-eclampsia and how is it diagnosed? As a Maternal Fetal Medicine do...

It might look like child's play, but child life specialists work with parents in hospitals and other settings to help children cope with the challenges of illness, hospitalization and disability.   In this episode, we chat about: What led her to pursue a career as a child life specialist? How do child life specialists serve babies and children in the hospital or in a specialized doctor's office? H...

The truth is, home and career balance look different for every NICU family. Kelly Ferguson, NICU mom and business owner, shares her honest struggle about finding the right balance for her family in her particular season.   In this episode, we chat about: How and why did you start Kelly Wynne handbags? After you gave birth to your first daughter, how did you adjust to being a mom and running your o...

Black Maternal Health Week is recognized each year, April 11-17, to bring attention and action in improving Black maternal health. Justina Kopp, mom to quadruplets and a NICU baby herself, shares how her experience led her to advocacy.   In this episode, we chat about: The moment she found out she was pregnant with quadruplets. Justina's relationship with her OB/GYN. Her difficult relationship wit...

Feeding your NICU baby can often be a challenge. April is Occupational Therapy month and pediatric OT Laurie Layne and I focus on how feeding therapy can be utilized and some of the challenges NICU parents may face.   In this episode, we chat about: For pediatrics, what exactly does an occupational therapist do and how does it differ from other pediatric therapies? When should a parent seek out oc...

Birth can be many things: incredible, traumatic, beautiful, scary, empowering or all of them. Birth and postpartum nurse Lo Mansfield will talk about bringing intuition, grace and evidence into the birth experience.   In this episode, we chat about: Why nursing, specifically why labor and delivery? On your social media channels you talk about balancing intuition, grace + evidence. What do you mean...

Your baby knows your voice from the beginning! Dr. Jenny Koo, neonatologist and children's author, shares why reading is important and her latest project, aimed at NICU siblings.   In this episode, we chat about: This is Dr. Koo's fourth children's book, but her first about the NICU. What prompted her to write the book? Where did she find the time to write a book as a doctor and new mom? What are...

Diet and nutrition are top priorities in helping your baby grow and thrive in the NICU. Registered dietitian Keli Hawthorne shares how you can play a pivotal role in your baby's daily nutrition.   In this episode, we chat about: Why did you choose to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics, specifically neonatal/pediatric? What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian? Where can...

It's one thing to receive a diagnosis and a whole other to live it. NICU mom Katrina Moline shares how cerebral palsy has, and has not, affected their daily life.   In this episode, we chat about: What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)? For children/babies who have CP what are some of the symptoms, developmental challenges? When you learned of the diagnosis, what did you do? How has CP affected your daily fa...

No high risk pregnancy is the same. Dr. Summers joins me for a conversation about mitigating the risks, working with your OB/GYN and questions to ask.   In this episode, we chat about: What defines a high-risk pregnancy and what places a woman in that category? If you have some of those risks, what should you look for in an OB/GYN to give you proper care and attention? What are some things women c...

As we celebrate American Heart Month, heart mama and two-time cancer survivor, Kasie Marek, speaks openly and honestly about what it's like to have a son with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrom (HLHS). We have a beautiful discussion about the realities of caring for a child with a serious and rare heart condition.   In this episode, we chat about: What is Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)? How do...

It's a new era in the podcast and new host Kathryn Whitaker shares what listeners (and YouTube fans !) can expect this year.   In this episode, Kathryn chats about: Her background and why this podcast means so much to her heart. Why the new format (audio and video)? What are some topics and guests listeners can expect this year? Why don't more NICUs have Dr Pepper on tap? (ha!) Kathryn Whitaker is...

Guest: Lauren Aboulafia Lauren is a writer, actor, director, and animator. Lauren most recently animated and directed an animated comedy-drama called "Super Scar", based on her own traumatic birth experience and NICU story. Hear more about Lauren's story, and what motivated her to create Super Scar, an animated comedy-drama about a new moms' support group where Lauren, an aspiring superstar, descr...