Dear NICU Mama

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]

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]

In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and former and beloved podcast co-host Martha revisit an important conversation for our NICU sisterhood: understanding IEPs and how to advocate for your child in school. This replay episode features special education expert Catherine Whitcher, founder of Master IEP Coach [https://masteriepcoach.com/], who shares practical guidance on navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, partnering with your child’s school, and finding hope and empowerment in every step. Catherine reminds us that while the paperwork and terminology can feel overwhelming, an IEP is not a label: it’s a tool to help your child learn, grow, and thrive in the ways that fit them best. She also offers reassurance for the emotional side of this journey, especially for NICU families who have already walked through so many labels, diagnoses, and milestones. As you listen, we hope you feel encouraged, informed, and reminded that you are the expert on your child, and that you and your little one are always, always right on time. About Catherine Whitcher M.Ed and Master IEP Coach Catherine Whitcher, MEd, founder and CEO of Master IEP Coach®, experienced the struggles of the Special Education system both as a certified teacher and as a sister to a wonderful man with Down syndrome. For the past 25 years, she has been creating nationwide change in special education by assisting parents and teachers in developing IEPs that work in the real world. Catherine currently leads the largest independent organization nationwide of parents and teachers working together to build better special education outcomes for the real world. She’s an expert in conflict resolution and leadership at the IEP table while always keeping the focus on preparing every child for further education, employment, and independent living. ** 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]

In Part 2 of Kristen’s story, Ashley and Aisha dive deeper into the unique “right on time” milestones that marked her and Amelia’s 11-month NICU journey! Kristen shares about the courage it took to face a trach and heart procedure, and how Amelia’s progress has unfolded through what she calls “inchstones.” She opens up about the challenges of coming home with medical complexity, the bittersweet transition away from daily NICU staff, and the healing process that began after discharge. Through honesty and vulnerability, Kristen reminds us of the power of a mother’s love, the importance of giving ourselves grace, and the hope that comes from celebrating every small step forward! As you listen, may you be reminded that in and out of the NICU, you and your baby are always right on time.  * Read Kristen' letter here [https://www.dearnicumama.com/letters/love-kristen-d/]. * Listen to Part 1 of Kristen's Story here [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bpdoxzhanC40Tv7iC27CZ?si=892d6d04196c4831]. * 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]

In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by Kristen, a NICU mom whose journey spans 11 months in the NICU, hospital transfers, heart surgery, and eventually a trach for her daughter, Amelia. Kristen vulnerably shares about her water breaking at 23 weeks, the unexpected 11 weeks of hospital bedrest, and Amelia’s birth at 35 weeks. She describes the whirlwind of those first moments in the NICU, the grief of missed milestones, and the overwhelming emotions of watching her daughter fight for life. This is part one of Kristen’s story: A moving reminder of the power of a mother’s love and the unique “right on time” moments that can be found even in the hardest seasons. As you listen, our hope is that you are reminded that you and your baby are and always will be, right on time! * Read Kristen' letter here [https://www.dearnicumama.com/letters/love-kristen-d/]. * 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]