Dear NICU Mama

In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by fellow NICU mama Inge, who shares her experience of navigating the NICU 18 years ago and how her journey inspired her work helping families better understand their babies. Together, they talk about the ways babies communicate through their movements, expressions, and behaviors, and how learning to recognize these cues can help parents feel more connected and confident in caring for their babies. They also reflect on the changes in NICU care over the years, the importance of slowing down, and the beautiful reminder that getting to know your baby doesn't require having all the answers. Whether you're currently navigating the NICU or reflecting on your own journey years later, we hope this conversation encourages you to recognize just how important your role is in your baby's story. You know your baby in a way that no one else does, and your voice matters. To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by fellow NICU mamas Mollie and Latoya for a heartfelt roundtable conversation in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Together, these mamas share their experiences navigating life after the loss of their children, how grief has evolved over time, and the ways they have found comfort and support along the way. They discuss the unpredictable waves of grief, the importance of allowing ourselves to feel without expectation, and what it means to continue honoring their babies through everyday moments and meaningful traditions. Whether you are navigating loss yourself or walking alongside someone who is, we hope this conversation reminds you that grief looks different for everyone, there is no timeline for healing, and our babies' lives and legacies will always matter. To every loss mama in our sisterhood, we see you, we love you, and we remember your babies with you. To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and the International Wave of Light, this week's episode is dedicated to remembering and honoring the babies who left this world far too soon. In this week's podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha share the names and stories of babies whose lives have left a lasting impact on the hearts of those who love them. Together, we make space for remembrance, grief, and the love that continues long after goodbye. To every family who entrusted us with your baby's name and story, thank you. It is one of our greatest honors to know your babies through you and to remember them alongside you. Their names are forever etched in our hearts. To every loss mama listening, we see you, we love you, and we remember your baby with you. You are not alone. This episode is dedicated to your babies. May their names always be spoken, their lives always be honored, and their memories never forgotten.

In this week’s episode, we are sharing a replay centered on grief and the many ways it can show up throughout the NICU journey and beyond. As mentioned in the introduction, our Wave of Light episode will be published on October 14. Below, you’ll find a form where you can share the name of your baby or babies so we can gently honor and remember them during that episode. Thank you for trusting us with their names and allowing us to remember them alongside you. Wave of Light Form: https://form.jotform.com/dearnicumama/wave-of-light-podcast-episode When we think of grief, we often think of grieving someone that has passed away. But what about when we grieve something we have lost, like an experience or the motherhood journey we always envisioned we would have? On this week's episode, we speak with Jessica Hotchkiss from Praireland Counseling Services about grief and its relation to NICU motherhood. In this episode we cover: Myths and truths about grief What healthy grieving looks like What NICU mothers might grieve Will grief always hurt and is there a timeline? How to move through grief without rushing the healing process Our hope is that this episode affirms that no matter where you are in your healing journey, that your grief is valid and not too big. You are never ever alone! Jessica Hotchkiss is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of North Dakota and a Certified Child Life Specialist. Specializing in death, grief, and bereavement, Jessica has 10 years of experience in both the hospital and outpatient settings providing support to children, adults and families. She also holds certification as a grief counselor conducting training and presentations at the local, national, and international levels. Jessica has created courses for master's and doctoral counseling students in the area of bereavement and is passionate about preparing individuals to work with grief and loss. Her research and expertise works to combat burnout, compassion fatigue, and death anxiety. She specializes in working with children and families living with chronic or terminal medical conditions or experiencing medical trauma. To get connected with Jessica: Website | Instagram | Facebook To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

In this week's episode, we sit down with NICU Mama and longtime member of this sisterhood Maddie to hear the story of her daughter, Josie. After a textbook pregnancy, Maddie was suddenly diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome at 29 weeks, airlifted to a hospital four hours from home, and soon delivered Josie by emergency C-section. Maddie shares honestly about the fear and overwhelm of those early days, nearly seven weeks in the NICU during COVID, and the complicated emotions that came with learning how to mother a baby she was terrified to lose. We also talk about the years that followed, how Maddie found Dear NICU Mama in the middle of her own NICU stay, and how her experience eventually inspired Bows for Jo, a business that gives back to NICU families and organizations. This is an honest, tender conversation about survival, healing, giving back, and the reminder that it is okay to not feel okay. Connect with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Connect with Bows for Jo: Website | Instagram

In this week's episode, we sit down with Keira Sorrells, NICU mama and founder and Executive Director of NICU Parent Network. Keira shares her journey through infertility, an unexpected pregnancy with quintuplets, and ultimately welcoming her daughters Avery, Lily, and Zoe at just 25 weeks and 5 days. Keira reflects on their months in the NICU, the people who helped her find her voice as a mother and advocate. She also shares how her own experience eventually led her to found NICU Parent Network and bring NICU organizations and parent leaders together to advocate for meaningful change for families. Together, we talk about the power of peer support, family-centered care, advocacy, and what can happen when NICU families use their voices together. And nearly 20 years into her journey, Keira leaves us with a beautiful reminder: there is time to give back, but first, give yourself permission to heal, be present, and take care of yourself too. To connect with Keira and learn more about NICU Parent Network, check out the links below. Website | Instagram To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with NICU mama Kelsey to hear the story of her son, Rory, who arrived unexpectedly at 35 weeks and spent seven days in the NICU. Kelsey vulnerably shares the loneliness of being separated from her baby after birth, waiting 72 hours to hold him, navigating the unexpected challenges of bonding, and the survival mode that followed her long after they came home. Together, the mamas talk about the grief of not getting to mother the way you imagined, postpartum anxiety and anger, and why the length of a NICU stay never determines the significance of a family’s experience. Whether your NICU journey lasted one day or many months, this conversation is a gentle reminder that your story is worthy, your experience is valid, and you are the mom your baby needs. It’s also Walking Letter of Hope Day week! Here’s how to walk with us: Whether you’re gathering with us in Fargo or walking wherever you are, we invite you to walk alongside NICU families and celebrate this incredible community. • Walk where you are: Gather your family, friends, or loved ones and walk with us on September 20th. • Walk with us in Fargo: Join our local community gathering at Trollwood Park from 4:00–6:00 PM. • Support the mission: Create a fundraising team or make a gift to help Dear NICU Mama continue providing connection, resources, and hope to NICU mothers and families. Create your team and give at dearnicumama.com/give . However you join us, take a photo, tag @dearnicumama, and use #WalkingLetterOfHopeDay so we can celebrate with you. Wherever you are, we walk with you! To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by Melody Weston, CEO of Embrace Global, for a powerful conversation about neonatal care around the world and the life-saving impact of something as simple as warmth. Melody shares how Embrace Global is working to decrease neonatal mortality by ensuring premature and low birth weight babies have access to safe thermal support, particularly in communities where traditional incubators and resources may not be accessible. Together, they discuss the realities of newborn care in low-resource settings, the incredible dedication of healthcare workers and families, and why lasting change requires empathy, partnership, and listening. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that while NICU care may look different around the world, the fierce love of a parent is universal. The sisterhood extends far beyond our own NICUs, and every baby deserves the opportunity to not only survive, but thrive. Connect with Embrace Global: Website | About the Organization | Camaroon | Zambia Connect with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram This episode is sponsored by Prolacta Bioscience. To learn more about Prolacta and their human milk-based nutritional products for critically ill and premature infants, head here . Support the show

WE ARE BACK!!! And what better way to kick off a new season of the Dear NICU Mama podcast than during NICU Awareness Month! In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by NICU mama, artist, and writer Savannah O'Malley as she shares the story of her twin boys, Lachlan and Lex. Born at just 24 weeks and 5 days, Savannah's twins spent 101 days in the NICU navigating brain bleeds, heart complications, surgeries, and the many unexpected moments that come with extreme prematurity. Savannah vulnerably shares what it meant to live in survival mode, and how it wasn't until nearly two years after bringing her boys home that she began to fully process the grief and trauma of their journey. Savannah also shares how writing and art became an important part of her healing, and eventually a way to bring hope to other NICU mothers. Her story is a beautiful reminder that there is no timeline for processing what you've walked through, and that you are deserving of the space, support, and permission to grieve. We hope this episode reminds you that no matter where you are in your NICU journey, you are not alone. There is hope in tomorrow, and there is a community of NICU mamas walking beside you every step of the way! Connect with Savannah: Website | Instagram Connect with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram This episode is sponsored by Prolacta Bioscience. To learn more about Prolacta and their human milk-based nutritional products for critically ill and premature infants, head here . Support the show

It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because they give us the chance to hear directly from YOU. This month’s prompt was: “What does it mean to be a Walking Letter of Hope?” In this episode, two incredible NICU mamas share what becoming a Walking Letter of Hope has meant in their own journeys. From finding community years after the NICU to becoming a source of encouragement for the moms who come after them, their words remind us that healing often grows into hope for someone else. As we wrap up our summer podcast season, we also want to let you know that we'll be taking a short break during the month of August. We'll be back in September with a new season of conversations, stories, and hope! And there's lots more to come about Walking Letter of Hope Day, one of our favorite days of the year. Until then, we hope you have a wonderful August, and we'll see you back here in September! To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by Dear NICU Mama Board Member Nicole as she shares the story of her daughter, Layla. After a year and a half of trying to conceive, Nicole became pregnant with Layla and was carefully monitored due to a congenital heart condition. At 32 weeks, severe preeclampsia changed everything, leading to a life threatening medical helicopter transfer from Fargo to Minneapolis and the delivery of Layla at 33 weeks. Together, they spent 46 days in the NICU. Nicole vulnerably shares the moments that often go unspoken during the NICU journey: the fear of holding her baby for the first time, the guilt of desperately wanting to go home, the loneliness of long NICU days, and the comfort she found in the community that surrounded her. Her story is a beautiful reminder that healing doesn't come from having all the answers, but from being seen, understood, and supported along the way. We hope this episode reminds you that no matter where you are in your NICU journey, you are not alone. There is hope in tomorrow, and there is a community of NICU mamas walking beside you every step of the way! To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this week's podcast episode we're revisiting a beautiful roundtable conversation from season 8 for an honest discussion about mental health after the NICU with Dear NICU Mama volunteers, Kamille and Lexxa. Together, they share vulnerably about their own experiences with postpartum depression, anxiety, PTSD, therapy, medication, and the lifelong healing that follows a traumatic birth and NICU stay. They reflect on what it looked like to ask for help, navigate motherhood after trauma, support their mental health through different seasons, and find hope in community along the way. Whether you are fresh in your NICU journey or years beyond it, we hope this conversation reminds you that healing is lifelong. You are not alone and asking for support is one of the bravest things you can do. No matter where you find yourself today, we hope this episode serves as a gentle reminder that you are worthy of healing, worthy of care, and deeply loved. This sisterhood heals with you! For the PSI Help Line, head here . For the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, dial 988 or head here . To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this week's podcast episode, Katie shares the remarkable story of her daughter Annie's early arrival and the incredible full circle moments woven throughout their NICU journey. At 25 weeks pregnant, Katie was unexpectedly diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and hospitalized before delivering Annie at 28 weeks. As a former 28-week preemie herself, Katie suddenly found herself walking the halls of the very same NICU where she had once been a patient. Katie opens up about navigating the uncertainty of a high-risk pregnancy, recovering from an unexpected C-section, and supporting her daughter through her NICU stay. She also shares the often-overlooked challenges of coming home after discharge, processing the trauma of the NICU, and learning that healing continues long after leaving the hospital. One of the most unforgettable parts of Katie's story is reconnecting with the respiratory therapist who cared for her more than 30 years ago, only to have him care for Annie before his retirement. It is a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact NICU healthcare professionals have on families and the unexpected ways hope can come full circle. Whether you are in the NICU today or years beyond your stay, we hope this conversation reminds you that even in the hardest seasons, moments of hope, healing, and redemption can find you when you least expect them. To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because they give us the chance to hear directly from YOU. This month’s prompt was: “What words of hope or encouragement would you offer to a NICU mom who feels like it’s all too much right now?” In this episode, mamas from across the country share heartfelt reminders of hope, resilience, and the power of community in the midst of a NICU journey. From taking things one breath at a time to holding onto the promise that brighter days are ahead, these stories offer encouragement for any NICU mom who feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or uncertain about what comes next. We are so grateful to the mamas in our sisterhood who shared their hearts and wisdom with us, and we'd love to hear your heart! Our next prompt is: “What does it mean to you to be a Walking Letter of Hope to another NICU mom?” To call in and share your heart, head to our submission form here ! To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this week's episode, we're welcoming back Mary Farrelly, founder of The NICU Translator and NICU Doula Academy. Since her first appearance on the podcast, Mary has turned a dream into a growing movement. As a Level IV NICU nurse and professionally trained doula, she is passionate about helping families experience more support, more advocacy, and less trauma throughout their NICU journey. In this conversation, Mary shares what a NICU doula is, how this unique role supports families both in and beyond the NICU, and why collaboration between doulas and medical teams matters. She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at NICU Doula Academy and the work being done to train and equip more professionals to walk alongside NICU families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Whether you're a NICU parent looking for support or someone interested in serving NICU families, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and hope. As you listen, we hope you're reminded that you deserve compassionate support throughout your NICU journey. You are not alone! To get connected with Mary: The NICU Translator | The NICU Doula To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this week’s podcast episode, Katonya shares the incredible story of her son Kareem and the unimaginable journey that led her into motherhood. At just 22 weeks and 6 days pregnant, Katonya unexpectedly went into labor and delivered Kareem alone at home before emergency responders arrived. She opens up about those terrifying moments, the shock of becoming a NICU mom in an instant, and the emotions of watching her son fight for his life. Katonya shares what it was like to navigate Kareem’s 180-day NICU stay, the many medical hurdles he faced as a micropreemie, and the incredible NICU staff who helped carry their family through some of their darkest days. She also reflects on coming home as a medical mom, learning to navigate life after discharge, and how her perspective has evolved throughout the eight years since Kareem’s birth. Today, Katonya is the founder of Konnected Thru 22 , a nonprofit supporting NICU families through connection, resources, and hope. Whether you are in the NICU today or years beyond your stay, this conversation is a beautiful reminder to take life day by day and trust that you do not have to carry this journey alone! To get connected with Katonya: Website | Instagram | Podcast | Book To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because they give us the chance to hear directly from YOU. This month’s prompt was: “Tell us about a moment when you felt unexpected courage.” From emergency deliveries and NICU stays to the challenges of bringing babies home, this episode is filled with powerful reminders that courage often shows up in the moments we never expected to face. As one mama beautifully shared, sometimes courage looks like simply doing the next thing when you don't have a choice. We are so grateful to the mamas in our sisterhood who shared their hearts and stories with us. Your vulnerability is a gift! Our next prompt is: “What words of hope or encouragement would you offer to a NICU mom who feels like it's all too much right now?” To call in and share your heart, head to our form here . We'd love to hear from you! To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this episode, Emily Souder and Mahaley Patel join us to share their motherhood journeys, their experiences navigating NICU trauma and loss, and the heart behind their new resource for NICU families, “Your NICU Story”. Mahaley vulnerably shares the story of her daughter, Sachi, who passed away in the NICU after an HIE diagnosis. Together, Emily and Mahaley reflect on the complexities of grief, healing after trauma, supporting marriages through loss and trauma, and the importance of giving yourself permission to heal slowly and gently. This conversation is full of tender encouragement for NICU moms in every season. From celebrating “little wins,” to caring for your basic needs, to finding support that meets you exactly where you are. As you listen, we hope you feel seen, validated, and reminded that you are never alone in your story! Head here to purchase your copy of “Your NICU Story”! To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram About Mahaley: Mahaley Patel, LMFT, PMH-C is a licensed therapist specializing in perinatal mental health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and a Master’s degree from Pepperdine University. Mahaley brings a deeply compassionate, client-centered approach to her work, supporting individuals and families as they navigate pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and the complex emotional landscape of parenthood. In addition to her clinical practice, she serves on the bereaved parent advisory board at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and facilitates a child-loss support group for grieving parents. Mahaley’s work is shaped not only by her clinical training, but by her lived experience as a bereaved mother. After losing her daughter, Saachi, she became passionate about helping bereaved parents. She is the co-author of Your NICU Story, a guided reflection journal for families navigating the NICU, and her work centers on helping parents feel less alone in moments that can feel isolating and overwhelming. Outside of her professional life, Mahaley is a wife, a mother of four, and married to actor and filmmaker Ravi Patel - which means her days are an ever-evolving mix of therapy, motherhood, and managing Ravi’s creative chaos. Connect with Mahaley: Instagram | Website About Emily: Emily lives with her family in Maryland. She is a licensed therapist specializing in perinatal mental health who enjoys supporting neurodivergent families. With BA and MA degrees in sociology from University of Maryland, Baltimore County and an MSW from University of Maryland School of Social Work, Emily has written multiple books, including Your NICU Story (co-authored with Mahaley Patel); Birth Story Brave, Reimagined; and Birth Story Held for Loss and believes in the healing properties of doing story work in therapy and in life. Emily has presented twice at the annual conference of Postpartum Support International, and has offered training for Postpartum Support - Washington. Connect with Emily: Instagram | Website | Birth Story Brave, Reimagined | Birth Story Held for Loss This podcast episode is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide medical advice. All information, content, and material on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment. Support the show

In this week’s podcast episode, Emma shares the story of her son Grady’s unexpected NICU journey after experiencing a rare neonatal stroke at birth. What began as a healthy, full-term pregnancy quickly turned into a series of medical emergencies, including respiratory distress, seizures, an emergency transfer to Massachusetts General Hospital, and the discovery of multiple blood clots in Grady’s brain. Emma vulnerably reflects on the fear, uncertainty, and trauma of navigating the NICU as a first-time mom while also sharing the hope, resilience, and compassion that carried their family through. As May is Stroke Awareness Month, we are especially honored to share Grady’s story and help raise awareness about neonatal stroke and its lasting impact on families. As you listen to Emma’s story, we hope that NICU moms navigating unexpected diagnoses or medical trauma feel seen, supported, and reminded that they are never alone! To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because they give us the chance to hear directly from YOU. This month’s prompt was: “What words of hope would you offer to another NICU mama this Mother’s Day?” From reminders that your feelings are valid, to encouragement that you are already an incredible mother right now, this episode is filled with the words so many of us NICU mamas need to hear heading into such a tender holiday. We also hold space for the complicated emotions that can come with Mother’s Day. The grief, the joy, the healing, the longing, the celebration—all of it belongs here. Thank you to each of you who submitted reflections and voice memos for this episode. It is such a gift to hear your hearts and to remind one another that no NICU mama walks this journey alone! Our next prompt is: “Tell us about a moment when you felt unexpected courage." To call in and share your heart, head to our form here . We’d love to hear from you! To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram This week’s episode is sponsored by Sanford Health ! Through their focus on providing world-class care, Sanford is helping ensure that even the smallest and most medically fragile babies receive the care they need, while also supporting the families beside them. Thank you, Sanford Health, for helping ensure that no NICU family walks this journey alone. We are grateful for your partnership! To get connected with Sanford Health: Website | Facebook | Instagram Support the show