Kian’s Story: Six Months in NICU and a Love That Never Left

Kian’s Story: Six Months in NICU and a Love That Never Left

What do you hold onto when your baby arrives at 23 weeks and every day becomes a fight for survival? In this deeply emotional episode of Nicu&You, Belle Stevenson speaks with Geraldine and Adam about their son Kian’s extraordinary NICU journey. From early pregnancy complications and emergency relocation to Winnipeg, to the tense countdown to viability at 23 weeks, their story captures the extreme uncertainty many families face in neonatal intensive care. Kian arrived fighting — tiny, strong, and determined — and spent six months in NICU undergoing life-saving interventions, setbacks, and moments of fragile hope. But alongside the medical journey was something just as powerful: the emotional toll on his parents, the strength they found in each other, and the support of the NICU community around them. This episode also explores the devastating turning point of NEC, difficult conversations about quality of life, and the heartbreaking decision to transition to palliative care. Kian passed away in his parents’ arms, surrounded by love. This is not just a story about NICU care — it’s about love, resilience, trauma, and the lasting impact of neonatal loss. Geraldine and Adam also share how they continue to honour Kian’s memory and support other NICU families through lived experience. ⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of extreme prematurity, neonatal intensive care, and baby loss. If you are a NICU parent, bereaved parent, or supporting someone through neonatal care, this conversation offers honesty, understanding, and connection. 🎧 Listen now. You are not alone.

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.