On this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Erica Shoemate, who shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy and the challenges she faced along the way. From her initial hesitation about becoming a mom to the heartbreaking news she received during her anatomy scan; Erica walks us through the emotional and medical decisions that shaped her NICU experience. She also talks about the importance of supportand advocacy for moms—especially in the Black community—and how her own story has inspired her to help others find their voice and their healing. You do not want to miss this episode!

Interested in connecting with Erica?

Website: www.ericalshoemate.comInstagram: @nias_journey

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host AshleyO'Neil speaks with Jocelyn Duvall, a NICU mama who shares her heart-wrenching journey of delivering her daughter at 25 weeks and the challenges she faced in the NICU. Jocelyn discusses the emotional toll of losing her daughter, the lackof support from the healthcare system, and her mission to create a nonprofit foundation in her daughter's honor. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, awareness of pregnancy and infant loss, and the need for better resources for families navigating the NICU experience.

Interested in learning more about Jocelyn and the Forever Jewelz Foundation? Please check out her website and Instragram.

The Forever Jewelz 1st Annual 5K will be held on 10/25/25 in Lorton, VA. Registration closes on 10/11. I will be there, will you?

Website: foreverjewelz.org

Instragram: foreverjewelz_

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Dr. Melinda Elliott, Chief Medical Officer for Prolacta Bioscience, about the critical importance of nutrition for premature babies. They discuss the unique nutritional needs of these infants, the role of human milk fortifiers, and the advocacy parents must engage in to ensure their babies receive the best care possible in the NICU. Their conversation also explores the emotional ups and downs of the NICU journey—from the challenges families face to the joy of discharge day—highlighting how support, advocacy, and open communication can make all the difference. You do not want to miss this episode!

Interested in learning more about human milk-based fortifiers (HMF)?

Check out Prolacta Science’s ParentSupport Page.

Follow Prolacta Bioscience on Instagram @ prolacta_bioscience

And review these studies:

ASSAD et al: Conducted at the hospital where Dr. Elliott practices. Demonstrates reduced incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), reduced length of stay, and cost savings.

SULLIVAN et al: Study demonstrated significantly lower rate of NEC when EHMD was used.

HAIR et al: Demonstrated that premature infants fed an EHMD had a significantly lower incidence of NEC, mortality, late-onset sepsis, ROP, and BPD, compared with infants fed cow milk-based nutrition.