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

Unpacking Domestic Abuse & The Path to Safety with Kerrie Flood (Women's Aid) – Part 1 - Fill Ur Cuppa: The Support 2gether Podcast

In this episode Mrs. O and Una sit down for a deeply moving, two-part conversation with a very special guest: Kerrie Flood, the CEO of Fermanagh and Omagh Women's Aid. In Part 1 of this vital episode, Kerrie shares her inspiring 15-year journey from volunteer to CEO and shines a light on the multi-layered reality of domestic abuse. We break down the crucial differences between relationship conflict and systemic abuse, dive into the insidious nature of coercive control and financial abuse, and discuss why "why didn't she just leave?" is entirely the wrong question to ask. We also look at the incredible community resources available today—including early intervention programs for children and youth-led initiatives like the Spot the Fox podcast. This is part one of a two-part special. Hit subscribe so you don't miss Part 2 next week! ABOUT THE PODCAST Fill Ur Cuppa! is the official podcast of Support 2gether, a dedicated charity on an ongoing mission to provide vital education and support for families living with antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety. Hosted by Ciara O’Gowan and Una Leonard, this podcast is a warm, non-judgmental space where we discuss the real, raw, and sometimes messy aspects of the perinatal journey. Through honest conversations, expert insights, and deeply personal stories, we aim to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that no family has to navigate this season alone. OUR SYMBOL: THE SUNFLOWER 🌻 You will see our beloved sunflower everywhere we go! For the Support 2gether team, the sunflower is a powerful symbol of: * Positivity * Strength * Happiness It serves as a beacon of hope and optimism for anyone currently struggling through the fog of depression and anxiety. Just as sunflowers naturally track the sun, we want to help guide you toward the light, warmth, and healing you deserve. WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT: LIVED EXPERIENCE 🤝 We don't just talk the talk; we have walked the walk. The entire Support 2gether team has first-hand, lived experience with perinatal mental illness. Because we know exactly what it feels like to be in the trenches of postpartum anxiety or prenatal depression, we automatically connect with our listeners and community members through: * True Empathy * Real, Tangible Hope * A Supportive Personal Touch When you listen to an episode, you are talking to peers, not textbooks. OUR MISSION & COMMUNITY COMMITMENT We are entirely committed to providing unwavering support, education, and encouragement to families and individuals right across our community. Perinatal mental illness can make you feel completely isolated, but through Fill Ur Cuppa!, we want to remind you that your feelings are valid, your struggles are seen, and a community is waiting to hold your hand through it all. CONNECT, LISTEN & SHARE 🎧 * Subscribe: Make sure to hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a weekly dose of support and education. * Share the Love: If an episode helps you "fill your cuppa," please share it with a friend, partner, or family member who might need to hear it today. * Reach Out: Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of immense strength, not weakness. If you are struggling with antenatal or postnatal depression and anxiety, please contact us. We are here for you. * Production Credits: This podcast is proudly recorded at and produced by Nine874 Creative.

Blue Lights at 29 Weeks: Deborah Erskine MLA on Loss, Fear & Fighting for Olivia. Part 2

What happens when your baby arrives too soon—and every second becomes a fight for survival? In this powerful and deeply emotional episode of NICU & You, Deborah shares the story of her daughter Olivia, born prematurely at 32 weeks following a high-risk pregnancy marked by constant monitoring, rising heart rates, and an unexpected emergency delivery. From two weeks on a hospital ward to a sudden C-section, Deborah takes us inside the moment everything changed—and the long night that followed, as Olivia was rushed to NICU and fought for her life. You’ll hear: * What it’s really like preparing for a premature birth and neonatal care * The emotional impact of seeing your baby in an incubator for the first time * How Olivia was defibrillated 13 times in her first week * The unseen trauma parents carry during and after a NICU stay * The incredible role of nurses, consultants, and support staff in the darkest moments * Honest advice for parents navigating fear, uncertainty, and survival This episode is raw, real, and ultimately hopeful—a story about resilience, love, and the strength it takes to face the unimaginable, one moment at a time. If you’re a parent, expecting a baby, or supporting someone through NICU, this is a conversation you won’t forget. 👉 Follow NICU & You for more real stories, expert insight, and support for families navigating neonatal care.

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.