The NICU Space by Miracle Moon

In this episode, I'm joined by paediatric occupational therapist and fellow NICU mum, Anandé, to explore how neonatal care can shape not only a baby's development, but also the emotional wellbeing of parents and the whole family. Anandè shares her personal experience of two NICU journeys, including a traumatic hospital fire during her second son's admission, and how therapy helped her navigate pregnancy after trauma and advocate for her baby in ways she couldn't the first time. Together, we explore the powerful role of play, sensory development and nervous system regulation after NICU. We discuss why play isn't another parenting task to tick off, how premature birth and neonatal care can influence sensory processing, and why understanding both your child's sensory needs and your own can make everyday family life feel more connected and less overwhelming. In this episode, we talk about: Anandé's experience of two NICU journeys and becoming a NICU parent twice How therapy supported healing after birth trauma and neonatal care Why play is essential for connection, regulation and child development after NICU How premature birth and NICU can influence sensory development and processing Practical ways parents can better understand their own nervous system and their child's sensory needs Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you'll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Beyond Beeps and Hums Podcast Anandé's podcast exploring early development, parenthood and the lived experience of families navigating NICU and medically complex beginnings. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠ @miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Anandé Instagram: @playmoreot NICU Instagram: @beyondbeepsandhum Podcast: Beyond Beeps and Hums One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, I’m joined by Carly Costello, licensed therapist, EMDR-certified therapist and consultant, to answer one of the most common questions I hear from parents after birth trauma and neonatal care: What is EMDR, and how does it actually work? Together, we break down the science behind Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in a simple, accessible way and explore how it can help people process traumatic experiences without reliving them. We talk about common fears surrounding EMDR, including worries about "opening Pandora's box", whether EMDR is safe during pregnancy, and how trauma can remain "stuck" in the nervous system long after birth or NICU. Carly explains why EMDR isn't just for PTSD or major trauma, how it can help parents, partners and families affected by birth trauma and neonatal care, and what to expect if you're considering starting therapy. In this episode, we talk about: What EMDR therapy is and how it helps process birth trauma and NICU experiences Why trauma can stay "stuck" in the nervous system and how EMDR supports healing Common myths about EMDR, including pregnancy and "opening Pandora's box" How EMDR can help parents, partners and families after traumatic birth and neonatal care What to expect in an EMDR session and how to find the right EMDR therapist Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you'll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) A directory to help you find trained and certified EMDR therapists. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Carly Costello Instagram: @emdrwithcarly Website: www.emdrwithcarly.com One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Teela Tomassetti, who shares her deeply personal experience of birth trauma, medical neglect and obstetric violence. Teela opens up about the traumatic birth of her daughter, the lasting physical and emotional impact of feeling unheard during labour, and how these experiences shaped both her personal life and professional work supporting survivors of reproductive trauma. We explore what birth trauma really is, how trauma affects the nervous system long after birth, and why partners can experience trauma too. Teela also introduces the principles of narrative therapy, sharing practical ways parents can begin to separate themselves from their trauma and move towards healing after difficult birth experiences. In this episode, we talk about: Birth trauma, medical neglect and obstetric violence How birth trauma can affect the nervous system, relationships and intimacy Why partners can experience trauma and PTSD after witnessing a traumatic birth The long-term emotional impact of traumatic birth experiences How narrative therapy can support healing and help parents reclaim their story Resources & links mentioned in this episode: ⁠⁠The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you'll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠ ⁠⁠The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Teela Instagram: @theteaonbirthtrauma Website: Reproductive & Perinatal Trauma Center One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, I’m joined by Mary Jenner, paediatric nurse, founder of The Butterfly Pig, and advocate for reducing medical trauma in children. After experiencing her own daughter’s NICU stay following a traumatic birth, Mary saw first-hand how play can help children understand, process and cope with complex medical experiences. We talk about supporting NICU siblings, preparing children for hospital visits and medical procedures, and how play can reduce fear, anxiety and trauma. Mary shares practical strategies parents can use to help children make sense of medical experiences, advocate for their needs, and feel more involved in their care. How play helps children process NICU experiences and medical trauma Supporting siblings when a baby is in neonatal care Preparing children for hospital visits, blood tests and medical procedures Recognising signs of medical anxiety and trauma in children Practical ways parents can help children feel safer, more informed and empowered in healthcare settings Resources & links mentioned in this episode: ⁠⁠The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. The Butterfly Pig Medical play resources, realistic medical toys and educational tools designed to help children understand, prepare for and process healthcare experiences. Playful Prescriptions A free app that provides age-appropriate play ideas to help children understand medical conditions, diagnoses and healthcare experiences. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠ ⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠ ⁠The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Mary Jenner Instagram: @thebutterflypig Website: The Butterfly Pig One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, I’m joined by Emily, mum to Max, who was born six weeks early and spent 16 days in neonatal care. Emily shares her experience of premature birth, navigating the uncertainty of NICU, and the overwhelming feeling of waiting for her baby to come home. We talk about the emotional impact of neonatal care, life after NICU, and how Emily turned her experience into a children's book, Waiting for Max . Together, we explore how to support siblings during a NICU stay, why honesty and connection matter when talking to children about neonatal care, and how creativity can help families process difficult experiences. In this episode, we talk about: Premature birth at 34 weeks and the emotional impact of NICU The experience of waiting for your baby to come home from neonatal care Life after NICU, including postpartum anxiety and processing trauma How to support siblings when a baby is in neonatal care Using books, creativity and storytelling to help children understand NICU Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Waiting for Max Emily's children's book designed to help siblings and families understand the NICU experience through creativity, imagination and connection. UK SuperDinky Amazon Waterstones (People can also request it at their favourite local bookstore in the UK) US Amazon Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠ @miraclemoonuk Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠ The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Emily Rosen Instagram: @emilyrosencreative TikTok @emily.rosen.creative Website: emilyrosencreative.com One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, I’m joined by Helena Morais, bereaved mother, writer, speaker and founder of Maila’s Present. Helena shares the story of her daughter Maila, who died just before birth at 36 weeks and 5 days following undiagnosed pre-eclampsia and stillbirth. We talk about the trauma and shock of baby loss, navigating grief after stillbirth, and the importance of helping parents feel connected to their baby after death. Helena also shares how her experience led her to create Maila’s Present, alongside her work advocating for better bereavement care, greater awareness around Black maternal health, and more compassionate support for grieving families. In this episode, we talk about: Stillbirth at 36 weeks and the trauma of losing a baby before birth Pre-eclampsia, maternity care and Black maternal health disparities Grief, detachment and bonding after baby loss The importance of memory making and bereavement support after stillbirth Parenting after loss, spirituality, and keeping a connection with your baby Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Maila’s Present Personalised storybooks and resources created to help families honour and remember their babies after loss. Legacy of Leo Support for LGBTQ+ families experiencing baby loss. Ebony Bonds Bereavement Support Support for Black families experiencing baby loss and bereavement. Muslim Bereavement Support Service Bereavement support for Muslim families. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠ @miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠ miraclemoon.co.uk ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠ The NICU Space⁠⁠⁠ Connect with our guest, Helena Morais Instagram: ⁠ @mailaspresent⁠ LinkedIn: Helena Morais One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, I’m joined by Naomi, who shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy loss, losing twins, and later giving birth to triplets who required neonatal care. We talk about the emotional complexity of grieving while still being pregnant, and what it’s like stepping into the NICU after such a layered experience. Naomi opens up about navigating fear, hope, and survival mode all at once, and how her journey has shaped her as a mother. We also explore the lasting impact of loss alongside neonatal care, and why so many parents feel caught between grief and gratitude. In this episode, we talk about: Pregnancy loss and the experience of losing twins Navigating pregnancy after loss and the emotional toll it brings Giving birth to triplets and entering the NICU The complex mix of grief, gratitude, and survival mode How loss and neonatal care can shape identity and motherhood Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Tommy’s Research on C-section scars & premature births https://www.tommys.org/about-us/news-views/new-research-reveals-clues-about-link-between-some-c-section-scars-and Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠ @miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠ miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠The NICU Space community: ⁠ The NICU Space ⁠⁠⁠ Connect with our guest, Naomi Instagram: @fenfamfitnessandtriplets One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Julianne Boutaleb, a perinatal psychologist specialising in fertility, reproductive trauma, and perinatal mental health. We explore the often-overlooked emotional impact of fertility struggles, IVF, pregnancy loss, and how these experiences can intersect with neonatal care (NICU). We talk about reproductive trauma, disenfranchised grief, and the concept of the “reproductive story” and why so many parents feel stuck in survival mode long after their baby is here. This conversation explores identity, shame, and the layered impact of fertility and NICU experiences on mental health and parenthood. In this episode, we talk about: What reproductive trauma is and how fertility, IVF and NICU experiences build over time Pregnancy loss, miscarriage and disenfranchised grief The “reproductive story” and disrupted expectations of parenthood Why many parents feel stuck in survival mode after NICU Identity, shame and the long-term mental health impact of fertility journeys Resources & links mentioned in this episode: ⁠⁠The NICU Space Community⁠⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Make Birth Better Article- Is My Baby Affected by Birth Trauma and What Can I Do to Help? https://www.makebirthbetter.org/blog/is-my-baby-affected-by-birth-trauma Rescripted Article: Parenting After Infertility: Do We Ever Truly Move on from Fertility Trauma? https://rescripted.com/posts/parenting-after-infertility-do-we-ever-truly-move-on-from-fertility-trauma Stay connected Instagram: ⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠ miraclemoon.co.uk ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠ The NICU Space Connect with our guest, Dr. Julianne Boutaleb Instagram: @parenthoodinmind One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, Danielle joins me to share her journey through infertility, pregnancy with triplets, vanishing twin syndrome, and the premature birth of her twin girls during COVID. We talk about the trauma of unexpected early labour, being separated from her babies after birth, and the emotional reality of navigating NICU life with twins. Danielle also opens up about how the experience impacted her relationship, led to single motherhood, and how she now manages the ongoing stress of raising three children while navigating a recent Type 1 diabetes diagnosis for one of her daughters. In this episode, we talk about: Infertility, pregnancy with triplets, and vanishing twin syndrome The premature birth of twins during COVID and NICU separation trauma How NICU experiences can impact relationships and identity The realities of single motherhood after neonatal care Living in survival mode while parenting three young children Navigating a new Type 1 diabetes diagnosis after NICU trauma Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community : An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠ ⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠ Website: ⁠ ⁠⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠The NICU Space community: ⁠The NICU Space⁠⁠⁠ Connect with our guest, Danielle Instagram: @Surthrivalmode One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, I’m joined by Lottie from Leo’s Neonatal and NICU Neuroscience to explore what happens in the brain and body during and after neonatal care. We talk about the NICU nervous system response, what survival mode actually means, and why hyper vigilance, snapping, overthinking, and the inability to switch off make so much sense after trauma. We also explore matrescence, the neuroscience of becoming a parent, and how neonatal care can shape identity, stress responses, and long-term wellbeing. Lottie and I discuss why so many NICU parents feel stuck in survival mode long after discharge, how trauma can show up physically in the body, and the powerful role of validation, community, and nervous system support in healing. In this episode, we talk about: ⁠The NICU Space Community⁠ An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. The NICU Parent Handbook A new resource I’ve created to help parents make sense of the thoughts and feelings that often follow neonatal care. It explores common experiences like guilt, grief, hypervigilance and anxiety, alongside practical tools to help parents cope. Coming soon. Stay connected Instagram: ⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠ Website: ⁠ ⁠miraclemoon.co.uk⁠⁠ ⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠The NICU Space⁠⁠ @nicu_neuroscience One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, I’m joined by Hayley, NICU mum and creator behind The SEN and Prem Mum, who shares her experience of premature birth during COVID, her daughter’s neonatal journey, and the path to discovering autism and ADHD within her family. We talk about Hayley’s experience of severe preeclampsia and delivering at 29 weeks, alongside her daughter’s autism diagnosis and her own late diagnosis of ADHD and autism. We explore the complex overlap between prematurity, trauma, and neurodivergence, as well as the realities of parenting neurodivergent children while navigating sensory overwhelm and finding support. In this episode, we talk about: Premature birth at 29 weeks due to severe preeclampsia NICU experiences, separation after birth, and early emotional impact Recognising early signs of autism and navigating diagnosis The overlap between prematurity, trauma, autism, and ADHD Receiving a late diagnosis of autism and ADHD as a parent Parenting neurodivergent children and managing sensory overwhelm Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. The NICU Parent Handbook A new resource I’ve created to help parents make sense of the thoughts and feelings that often follow neonatal care. It explores common experiences like guilt, grief, hypervigilance and anxiety, alongside practical tools to help parents cope. Coming soon. Stay connected Instagram: @miraclemoonuk Website: ⁠ miraclemoon.co.uk⁠ The NICU Space community: ⁠The NICU Space⁠ Connect with our guest, Hayley Instagram: @ the_sen_and_prem_mum One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

In this episode, Lorna Tallowin, NICU parent and founder of Super Dinky, turns the questions back to me, inviting me to share my own NICU journey. We talk about my pregnancy, delivering unexpectedly at 31 weeks, and what the early weeks in neonatal intensive care were like. We also explore survival mode, dissociation, ongoing anxiety, and the identity shift that comes with being a NICU parent. Lorna and I discuss why community, validation, and psychological support are so important for parents after NICU, and the gaps that still exist in care. In this episode, we talk about: My premature birth at 31 weeks and early NICU experiences Survival mode, dissociation, and emotional overwhelm Ongoing anxiety, hypervigilance, and health-related worry after NICU Guilt, grief, and the pressure to “make it up” to your child The importance of community and validation for NICU parents How Miracle Moon began and grew from lived experience Resources & links mentioned in this episode: The NICU Space Community An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like. The NICU Parent Handbook A new resource I’ve created to help parents make sense of the thoughts and feelings that often follow neonatal care. It explores common experiences like guilt, grief, hypervigilance and anxiety, alongside practical tools to help parents cope. Coming soon. Super Dinky Founded by Lorna, NICU Mum and Beth NICU nurse, @superdinky creates meaningful products for NICU families while raising awareness of the experience and helping parents feel part of a wider community. SuperDinky - Premature Baby Clothes and NICU support based in the UK Stay Connected Instagram: @miraclemoonuk Website: miraclemoon.co.uk The NICU Space community: The NICU Space One last thing! Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. ⭐️

Before we mention today’s guest – a quick update about The NICU Space Podcast. Today’s episode wraps up season 3, and we’re going to be taking a short break over Christmas and early 2026. We hope that you and your family also manage a restful time over Christmas, whatever that looks like for you. Today’s guest, Ola, is the founder of the charity “Colourful Beginnings”, which she created after having two premature babies in NICU. The charity does so much good work to support other NICU parents, primarily around sending out “treasure boxes” of things the parents can keep and know that they are being thought of. She joins us to talk through her experiences in NICU, how the charity got started and the work that they do to help others going through the same. In this episode, we’re chatting about: - Ola’s experiences of having her first child at 23 weeks and her second at 29 weeks - The disbelief and shock she went through on learning she was pregnant for a second time - What led to her creating the charity, Colourful Beginnings - The Colourful Beginnings treasure boxes and how the charity works to support other NICU parents 💌 Check out the full show notes for this episode here , where you can find timestamps, a transcript and any links or resources we think are relevant to this episode. If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@miraclemoon.co.uk. 🎧 We love engaging with our listeners! Share a screenshot of this episode and don't forget to tag us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ when you're tuning in. ⭐️ Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode.

Kate’s son Frank battled group B strep meningitis at just 3 days old, which led to him being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Kate shares with us her hospital experience, her fears that his conditions would limit his life, and how she accepted and came to terms with the life her family now lives. Frank is a happy, giggly child and Kate is a wonderful influence for parents going through similar experiences to hers, you can follow her now “@overatkates”. In this episode, we’re chatting about: - The events that followed after Kate’s son, Frank, contracted group B strep at 3 days old - What group B strep is and the aftermath of the infection - Coming to terms with her son’s diagnoses of cerebral palsy and epilepsy - Staying positive and how to move towards acceptance 💌 Check out the full show notes for this episode here , where you can find timestamps, a transcript and any links or resources we think are relevant to this episode. If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@miraclemoon.co.uk. 🎧 We love engaging with our listeners! Share a screenshot of this episode and don't forget to tag us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ when you're tuning in. ⭐️ Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode.

In today’s episode, we’re talking to three preemie parents about their NICU experiences and premature births – we discuss everything from preparing for a NICU stay, to the mental health impact afterwards, and even if there were any good parts of NICU. If you’ve got your own NICU story, we’re sure you’ll find similarities in our guests' experiences, and remind yourself that you’re not alone – help and support is out there. In this episode, we’re joined by: - Hanna, mum to 4 year old twin girls Ruby & Scarlet who were born at 27 weeks after a difficult pregnancy and spent 10 months in NICU and PICU - Sammy, mum to Niamh, born unexpectedly early at 31 weeks after a smooth pregnancy and spent 6 weeks in special care - Katy, mum to 3 year old Finley who had an expected NICU stay after he was born at 31 weeks due to a placental issue and spent 6 weeks in NICU across 2 hospitals 💌 Check out the full show notes for this episode here , where you can find timestamps, a transcript and any links or resources we think are relevant to this episode. If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@miraclemoon.co.uk. 🎧 We love engaging with our listeners! Share a screenshot of this episode and don't forget to tag us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ when you're tuning in. ⭐️ Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode.

When she went into labour at 20 weeks pregnant, Audrey Williams Joseph was told that her baby would not survive. 30 years later, he’s living his life and was Audrey’s inspiration for creating the support that she never had in the 90s – six residential care homes for children and adults that have additional needs. Audrey is a true inspiration, and this episode will help you to redefine what you think of as winning, and celebrate the small moments that make up each day. In this episode, we’re chatting about: - Audrey’s son, who was born at 20 weeks and wasn’t expected to survive - The impact of being in limbo in NICU - Having faith to stay strong and overcome doctors’ predictions - How Audrey turned her experience into a mission to create care homes 💌 Check out the full show notes for this episode here , where you can find timestamps, a transcript and any links or resources we think are relevant to this episode. If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@miraclemoon.co.uk. 🎧 We love engaging with our listeners! Share a screenshot of this episode and don't forget to tag us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ when you're tuning in. ⭐️ Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode.

Family Integrated Care is such an important thing for NICUs to implement – after all, it’s not just the baby in NICU that’s going through the experience. On today’s podcast episode, we’re hosting a round table discussion with parents and professionals alike to discuss what FICare is, how NICUs can improve how they offer it, and what the future holds for it. We’re joined by: - Emily, a Neonatal Consultant from Liverpool - Chessie, a Clinical Psychologist from Bristol - Colm, an Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from Northern Ireland - And Sue, mum to Luke who was born at 30 weeks and spent two months in NICU Whether you know anything about FICare already or not, today’s episode is an important listen that shows how we can make improvements to include the whole family in neonatal care. 💌 Check out the full show notes for this episode here , where you can find timestamps, a transcript and any links or resources we think are relevant to this episode. If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@miraclemoon.co.uk. 🎧 We love engaging with our listeners! Share a screenshot of this episode and don't forget to tag us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ when you're tuning in. ⭐️ Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. 🙏 A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.covermybubble.co.uk

In this powerful episode, Aideen (@ivfmumblings) shares her honest story of infertility, IVF, NICU, and loss. After seven rounds of IVF, she became pregnant with twins, but at 30 weeks she went into premature labour, was put under general anaesthetic for an emergency section, and lost one of her babies to suspected NEC. Only four months later, she conceived naturally and found herself back in NICU at 36 weeks. Now pregnant again, Aideen opens up about how she’s advocating for herself this time, the importance of mental health support after NICU, and what she wishes she’d known then. In this episode, we’re chatting about: - Going through IVF – not just once, but seven times - Being pregnant with twins and then going into NICU - The unimaginable pain of losing a twin - Going through subsequent pregnancies (even natural ones) after baby loss - How to advocate for yourself in NICU and during pregnancy after loss 💌 Check out the full show notes for this episode here , where you can find timestamps, a transcript and any links or resources we think are relevant to this episode. If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@miraclemoon.co.uk. 🎧 We love engaging with our listeners! Share a screenshot of this episode and don't forget to tag us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ when you're tuning in. ⭐️ Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. 🙏 A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.covermybubble.co.uk

Today’s guest, Laura Gallagher, author of the children’s book “RoboBabies” experienced fertility difficulties and miscarriages. Laura’s first son was born via IVF, and went onto have multiple pregnancy losses. In this episode, Laura talks how she handled her son witnessing her going through this, and all the tricky emotions she faced, and why shame and embarrassment were two that she struggled with the most. We talk about healing, boundaries and how to cope when you feel like your body has failed. In this episode, we’re chatting about: - Handling the difficult emotions that come along with fertility difficulties - Whether to talk to your children about what you’re going through - What Laura tried in order to heal from her losses - Why gratitude is different to toxic positivity following hard experiences 💌 Check out the full show notes for this episode here , where you can find timestamps, a transcript and any links or resources we think are relevant to this episode. If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@miraclemoon.co.uk. 🎧 We love engaging with our listeners! Share a screenshot of this episode and don't forget to tag us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ when you're tuning in. ⭐️ Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. 🙏 A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.covermybubble.co.uk

If you’re struggling to handle the divide between NICU and your other children at home – know that you are definitely not alone. Today’s guest Enya had her toddler Saoirse at home while she was in NICU with her 28 weeker, Roisin, and she shares in today’s episode about how she handled feeling split between the two. Additionally, her health anxiety began to worsen after NICU as well, and we talk about how she manages that with all the medical follow ups that come after a stay in NICU. In this episode, we’re chatting about: - Enya’s belief that you should always listen to your gut and why that meant baby Roisin survived - The divide between a baby in NICU and a toddler at home and how Enya managed it - What having health anxiety is like and things that have helped Enya - Documenting the NICU experience, especially now that it’s “over” (though it never is!) - What support after NICU should look like though sadly doesn’t 💌 Check out the full show notes for this episode here , where you can find timestamps, a transcript and any links or resources we think are relevant to this episode. If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@miraclemoon.co.uk. 🎧 We love engaging with our listeners! Share a screenshot of this episode and don't forget to tag us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miraclemoonuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ when you're tuning in. ⭐️ Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. 🙏 A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.covermybubble.co.uk