In the Season 3 finale of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O’Neil offers a heartfelt reflection on the grief, growth,and transformation that shape the lives of NICU families. She speaks candidly about the lasting impact of loss, the complexities of life after the NICU, and the often unseen support parents need long after discharge.

Ashley shares how family and friends can best support thosenavigating grief, whether from child loss or the trauma of a NICU stay, emphasizing the importance of understanding, compassion, and grace. She encourages loved ones to recognize that NICU parents are forever changed by their experiences, and that their healing deserves patience and tenderness.

This episode gently explores what it means to honor ourbabies’ memories, care for our own hearts, and seek peace during seasons that can feel especially heavy—especially the holidays.

Ashley also expresses deep gratitude for the incrediblecommunity that has grown around this podcast and looks forward with hope to the meaningful conversations still to come.

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.nicuworld.com⁠📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Mahaley Patel, who shares her journey through pregnancy, the traumatic birth of her daughter Saachi, and the challenges faced during their NICU stay. She discusses the emotional complexities of child loss, the importance of processing trauma, and how she found purpose in her grief. Mahaley also highlights the significance of support systems for NICU families and the unique perspectives of partners during such experiences. This conversation culminates in a discussion about her book, 'Your NICU Story', aimed at helping families navigate their NICU journeys. You do not want to miss this episode! The season three finale airs next week!

Interested in connecting with Mahaley?

Instagram: mahaleyhpatel

Website: Mahaley Patel Therapy

Email: yournicustorybook@gmail.com

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.nicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast,host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Michelle Ross who opens up about her powerful journey through pregnancy complications, the heartbreak of losing a child, and the complexities of navigating the NICU with her daughter, Brielle. She reflectson the vital role of support systems, the weight of mental health during such vulnerable seasons, and the ways she’s learned to embrace self-care and healing. Michelle also introduces Elevated Hope Coaching, her company that is dedicated to walking alongside NICU parents. This conversation highlights resilience, the strength found in community, and the importance of prioritizing one's own well-being while navigating the challenges of motherhood. You do not want to miss this episode.

Interested in connecting with Michelle?

Instagram: ⁠myelevatedhope⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Michelle Ross LinkedIn⁠

Email: ⁠info@myelevatedhope.com⁠

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’sa NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠⁠www.nicuworld.com⁠⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@itsanicuworld⁠⁠

Check out our books: ⁠It’sa NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay⁠

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with anotherNICU parent or healthcare provider

• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠⁠

• Leave a review

• Interested in sponsoring anepisode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com