Dear NICU Mama

Right On Time: Navigating Milestones with KC from Milestones & Motherhood

On this week’s episode, we welcome Dr. KC from Milestones & Motherhood [https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/] — a pediatric physical therapist, early intervention specialist, and trusted guide for parents navigating developmental milestones. KC shares her own experience with late-preterm babies and how it shaped the compassionate, parent-centered approach she brings to her work. We talk about what early intervention really is, why adjusted age matters, how to navigate comparison, and the power of celebrating the “mini-stones” along the way. KC offers gentle reassurance for NICU parents navigating developmental milestones post NICU. Most of all, she reminds every parent listening that you are doing enough. Your presence and love matter, and it’s okay to take breaks, enjoy your baby, and lean on the support around you. You’re not alone in this journey! Use code DNM10 for 10% off all courses [https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/classes?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pr&utm_term=11-2025-NICU-mama&utm_content=&utm_campaign=podcast-guest] at Milestones & Motherhood! Head here [https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/classes?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pr&utm_term=11-2025-NICU-mama&utm_content=&utm_campaign=podcast-guest] to find the courses. Resources: 1. The Milestones & Motherhood Ministones Guide [https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/blog/ministone-guide?rq=ministone] 2. Prematurity, NICU Stays & A Heart to Heart on Our Journey [https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/blog/our-nicu-journey?rq=premie] Dr. KC Rickerd, PT, DPT, is a licensed pediatric physical therapist and founder of Milestones & Motherhood and Journey Through Milestones Physical Therapy. With over a decade of experience working with children from birth through age 21, she specializes in motor development, functional mobility and family education. KC’s mission is to make evidence-based developmental guidance accessible, empowering parents and caregivers to confidently support their child’s growth and reach their full potential. Connect with KC: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/] | Website [https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/] Pre-order Right On Time, our very first children’s board book, here [https://shop.dearnicumama.com/products/pre-order-right-on-time-board-book]! To get connected with DNM: Website [http://www.dearnicumama.com/] | Private Facebook Group [http://ww.facebook.com/groups/286008085639339] | Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/dearnicumama/] 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 [https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama]

The OGs Reunite: A Conversation with Co-Founder Martha!

In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with Dear NICU Mama co-founder Martha for a vulnerable and joy-filled conversation about the early days of the sisterhood and how it all began! From the first coffee date and color-coded binder to the launch of the podcast and the years of growth that followed, Ashley and Martha reflect on what it was like to build something so meaningful together. They share openly about the pivots, challenges, and sacred moments that shaped Dear NICU Mama, from its local beginnings in Fargo to the national community it is today. Through laughter, nostalgia, and a few tears, they revisit the “Right On Time” moments that reminded them that even in the hardest seasons, healing and connection always unfold exactly when they’re meant to. As you listen to this episode, may you be reminded that your own story, your milestones, your friendships, and your healing are all unfolding right on time! Pre-order Right On Time, our very first children’s board book, here [https://shop.dearnicumama.com/products/pre-order-right-on-time-board-book]! To get connected with DNM: Website [http://www.dearnicumama.com/] | Private Facebook Group [http://ww.facebook.com/groups/286008085639339] | Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/dearnicumama/] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama]

Encouragement from NICU Dads Ryan & Andy

In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with their husbands, Ryan and Andy, for an intentional conversation about their experiences as NICU dads! Ryan and Andy share vulnerably about the moments that shaped their journeys, from emergency deliveries and hospital stays to navigating grief, helplessness, and healing years later. They reflect on what it was like to support their partners through trauma, learn to surrender control, and find small ways to show up when so much felt out of their hands. Together, they remind us that the NICU journey isn’t only lived by moms, and that every dad, partner, and support person plays an irreplaceable role in this story. This episode is a beautiful reminder that even when it feels like you can’t fix or control what’s happening, your presence matters more than you know. Pre-order Right On Time, our very first children’s board book, here [https://shop.dearnicumama.com/products/pre-order-right-on-time-board-book]! To get connected with DNM: Website [http://www.dearnicumama.com/] | Private Facebook Group [http://ww.facebook.com/groups/286008085639339] | Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/dearnicumama/] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama]

Right On Time | G-Tube Roundtable: Redefining Milestones After the NICU

In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with NICU mamas Vilma and Sam for a vulnerable roundtable conversation about feeding journeys after the NICU, and what it’s like when a G-tube becomes part of your story. They share vulnerably about the emotions that come with this transition, from the relief of finally going home, to the surrender that often follows. Together, they share about the realities of adjusting expectations, redefining milestones, and learning that every feeding journey looks different–and that’s okay. This conversation is a reminder that whether your child eats by mouth, by tube, or both, you are doing an incredible job. Your baby’s journey is unique, and no matter what that timeline looks like, it’s is always right on time. Pre-order Right On Time, our very first children’s board book, here [https://shop.dearnicumama.com/products/pre-order-right-on-time-board-book]! 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. To get connected with DNM: Website [http://www.dearnicumama.com/] | Private Facebook Group [http://ww.facebook.com/groups/286008085639339] | Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/dearnicumama/] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama]

Healing After Birth and NICU Trauma with The Birth Trauma Mama

In this week’s podcast episode, we share the audio from our recent Walking Letter of Hope Day virtual event featuring licensed therapist and birth trauma survivor Kayleigh Summers, known as The Birth Trauma Mama [https://thebirthtraumamama.com/]! Kayleigh joins us to talk about the lasting impact of birth and NICU trauma, what healing can look like, and the hope that comes from sharing our stories in community. She offers gentle, trauma-informed insight into understanding trauma as a neurobiological response, navigating feelings of hyper-vigilance and grief after the NICU, and finding ways to honor your healing while caring for your child. Kayleigh reminds us that trauma is treatable, healing takes time, and that hope can often be held by community until we’re ready to hold it ourselves. As you listen, we hope you feel seen, validated, and reminded that your story — and your healing — are deeply significant. You are never alone in this sisterhood! Kayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. She uses her training as a licensed therapist and her lived experience as an Amniotic Fluid Embolism survivor to support families experiencing perinatal trauma. Kayleigh has also created thriving support communities through Instagram and Tik Tok, as well as her podcast, where she provides connection, story sharing, and resources to support those experiencing birth and other trauma. You can find her @thebirthtrauma_mama. To get connected with Kayleigh: Website [https://thebirthtraumamama.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebirthtrauma_mama/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthtrauma_mama?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] 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. To get connected with DNM: Website [http://www.dearnicumama.com/] | Private Facebook Group [http://ww.facebook.com/groups/286008085639339] | Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/dearnicumama/] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama]