NICU Alumni Podcast

Olympic Champion, NICU Mom: Elana Meyers Taylor on Perseverance, Parenting & Advocacy

In this episode, we sit down with Elana Meyers Taylor! Elana is a six-time Olympic medalist, 2026 Olympic Gold Medalist, mother of two, and NICU mom. Her journey with her sons, Nico and Noah, has inspired a powerful story of faith, perseverance, and advocacy. More information and links to the resources we mentioned during the episode can be found here [https://www.nicualumni.org/resources/53-elana-meyers-taylor-olympic-champion-nicu-mom]! Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nicu_alumni/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nicualumni/], and our website, www.nicualumni.org [https://www.nicualumni.org/]. You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here [https://www.nicualumni.org/giving]. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Feed with Confidence: Feeding Strategies & Support for Life After the NICU

In this episode, we sit down with Cuyler Romeo, an Occupational Therapist and Pediatric Feeding Specialist, who brings awareness to one of the most common challenges NICU families face after discharge: feeding. More information and links to the resources we mentioned during the episode can be found here [https://www.nicualumni.org/resources/52-cuyler-romeo-feeding-matters]!   Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nicu_alumni/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nicualumni/], and our website, www.nicualumni.org [https://www.nicualumni.org/]. You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here [https://www.nicualumni.org/giving]. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

From NICU Mom to Mental Health Advocate with Jacquesta Michel

Summary In this episode, we sit down with Jacquesta Michel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in South Florida, whose own NICU experience informs the work she is doing today. More information and links to the resources we mentioned during the episode can be found here [https://www.nicualumni.org/resources/51-jacquesta-michel-mental-health-advocate]! Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nicu_alumni/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nicualumni/], and our website, www.nicualumni.org [https://www.nicualumni.org/]. You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here [https://www.nicualumni.org/giving]. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

The Vital Role of Early Intervention with Kids L.A.B. Therapy

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, Andrea speaks with Samantha Vaquerano and Karen Rodriguez from Kids Lab Therapy about the importance of early intervention for children who have graduated from the NICU.   We discuss the various ways families can support their child's development, the significance of monitoring developmental milestones, and the role of advocacy in ensuring that parents feel empowered in their child's care. Our conversation emphasizes the need for parents to trust their instincts, seek multiple perspectives from specialists, and utilize resources available to them as they navigate the journey from NICU to home. More information and links to the resources we mentioned during the episode can be found here [https://www.nicualumni.org/resources/50-early-intervention-kids-lab-therapy]! Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nicu_alumni/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nicualumni/], and our website, www.nicualumni.org [https://www.nicualumni.org/].   You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here [https://www.nicualumni.org/giving]. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Your NICU Story: A Guide for Reflecting on Your Family’s Experience

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Hickson is joined by co-authors Emily Souder and Mahaley Patel to talk about the lasting impact of NICU experiences on families. Together, they reflect on grief, healing, and how storywork can help parents process these experiences and emotions. The conversation highlights the duality of grief and gratitude, the importance of community support, and the creation of Your NICU Story Book [https://yournicustorybook.com/], a meaningful resource for families navigating life after the NICU, available now. More information and links to the resources we mentioned during the episode can be found here [https://www.nicualumni.org/resources/49-your-nicu-story]! (update article link) 💛 Content note: This episode includes discussion of child loss and may be emotionally triggering for some listeners. Please care for yourself as you listen.   Let's stay in touch! You can find us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nicu_alumni/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nicualumni/], and our website, www.nicualumni.org [https://www.nicualumni.org/]. You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here [https://www.nicualumni.org/giving]. The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.