NICU & You

Blue Lights at 29 Weeks: Deborah Erskine MLA on Loss, Fear & Fighting for Olivia. Part 1

What happens when a long-awaited pregnancy suddenly turns into an emergency? In this powerful episode of NICU & You, host Belle Stevenson is joined by MLA Deborah Erskine, who shares her deeply personal journey through miscarriage, anxiety, and a high-risk pregnancy that took a dramatic turn at 29 weeks. After years of trying to conceive—and a heartbreaking loss—Deborah finally receives the news she’s pregnant. But joy is quickly overshadowed by fear, silence, and the unspoken realities of perinatal mental health. Then, during a routine check-up, everything changes. A dangerously high fetal heart rate. A race against time. Blue lights to a specialist unit. And a diagnosis that no parent is prepared for. In this honest and emotional conversation, Deborah opens up about: * The hidden impact of miscarriage and why we don’t talk about it enough * Living with anxiety throughout pregnancy after loss * The moment everything changed at 29 weeks * Navigating the unknown inside the NICU system * The power of advocacy, asking questions, and being heard This episode is a must-listen for parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone who wants to better understand the emotional reality behind neonatal journeys. 💛 If you’re in the middle of your own NICU story—you’re not alone. Follow, subscribe, and share to help support more families navigating life in and beyond the NICU.

Holding Hope in the Hardest Moments: Rev. Andrea Cotter on Faith, NICU & Finding Strength

What does it truly mean to support someone when there are no easy answers? In this heartfelt and deeply honest episode, host Bell Stevenson sits down with minister Andrea Cotter to discuss the emotional and mental health challenges of the NICU and perinatal journeys. Drawing from her own experience as a premature twin and the profound grief of losing both parents to cancer at a young age, Andrea shares how her personal struggles shaped a compassionate approach to pastoral care. Together, Bell and Andrea discuss: * How to walk alongside grieving parents when there are no answers, and why a comforting presence matters more than finding the right words. * The critical lack of support for parents navigating loss within the medical system and the urgent need for a better experience. * The power of a faith-based community and small, practical acts of kindness—like dropping off a pint of milk or a loaf of bread—to support grieving families. * The importance of setting boundaries, leaning on a support network, and protecting your own mental health as a caregiver. Whether you are a parent currently navigating the NICU, a healthcare worker, or a supporter trying to help a loved one through grief, this conversation is a gentle reminder that you do not have to walk this path alone. 🎧 Tune in to Nicu & You as we continue to make sense of the journey, one day at a time.

Joanne’s Story of Loss, Love & Life After NICU: Part 2

When Joanne Morgan, CEO of Tiny Life, reflects on her NICU journey, she doesn’t just tell a story of premature birth — she shares an experience marked by loss, trauma, resilience, and the enduring impact of a baby who lived for only two weeks, yet changed everything. Following a complicated pregnancy and a diagnosis of hydrops fetalis, Joanne’s son, Fabar, was born critically ill. What followed was an intense and heartbreaking two weeks in the neonatal unit — a time shaped by fragile hope, deep uncertainty, and unimaginable decisions. In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Joanne opens up about: – The moment her pregnancy took an unexpected turn – The emotional realities of life inside NICU – The trauma and grief of losing a baby, and its lasting effects – How her experience has shaped her journey through motherhood and her career – The work she now does supporting families through Tiny Life This conversation doesn’t shy away from difficult truths — from the strain on relationships to the long shadow of anxiety and grief. But it also speaks to love, remembrance, and the importance of giving space to stories of loss. 💛 Honest, moving, and profoundly human 💛 For anyone navigating NICU, grief, or trauma 💛 A reminder that even the briefest lives can leave the deepest mark Because every baby has a story — and every story deserves to be heard.

Joanne’s Story of Loss, Love & Life After NICU: Part 1

When Joanne Morgan, CEO of Tiny Life, looks back on her NICU journey, it’s not just a story of premature birth — it’s a story of loss, trauma, resilience, and the lasting impact of a baby who lived for just two weeks… but changed everything. After a complicated pregnancy and a diagnosis of hydrops fetalis, Joanne’s baby boy, Fabar, was born critically ill. What followed was a devastating two-week rollercoaster in the neonatal unit — filled with hope, heartbreak, and impossible decisions. In this deeply honest episode, Joanne shares: * The moment everything changed during pregnancy * The emotional reality of life inside NICU * The trauma, grief, and long-term impact of losing a baby * How that experience shaped her life, motherhood, and career * Why she now supports other families through Tiny Life This conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard truths — from relationship strain and anxiety to the triggers that can last decades. But it also speaks to love, memory, and the importance of talking about loss. 💛 Raw, powerful, and deeply human 💛 For parents navigating NICU, grief, or trauma 💛 A reminder that even the shortest lives leave the biggest legacy Because every baby has a story — and every story deserves to be heard.

Colleen’s Story – Against All Odds: Faith, Fear & a NICU Miracle

Colleen Gallen’s journey into motherhood began with devastating news: at her 20-week scan, her baby was diagnosed with hydrops fetalis and given little chance of survival. What followed was a rollercoaster of fear, uncertainty, and life-threatening complications, including Mirror Syndrome. In this powerful episode, Colleen shares the raw reality of navigating a high-risk pregnancy, an emergency premature birth at 30 weeks, and the emotional challenges of life inside the NICU. From moments of deep despair to unwavering faith, she opens up about the strength it took to keep going when hope felt out of reach. She also reflects on the trauma, the small victories, and the resilience that carried her through — and the miracle of bringing her little boy home. This is a story of survival, strength, and the power of hope when it matters most — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, you are never alone.