In this week’s episode, we sit down with Carey, a remarkable NICU mom and cherished member of our Dear NICU Mama community and team. Carey vulnerably shares her story of an unexpected diagnosis of preeclampsia just days after moving across the country—and the delivery of her daughter Eliana at 29 weeks.

From navigating a 113-day NICU stay, including multiple heart surgeries and a G-tube journey, to processing the emotional weight of bonding, fear, and healing, Carey speaks with honesty and grace. She also reflects on the power of connection, sharing how Walking Letter of Hope Day led her to a life-changing friendship and helped her find her NICU sisters.

This episode is a gentle reminder that it’s okay to ask for help, to honor your capacity, and to trust that there is healing—and sisterhood—on the other side of NICU life. Whether you're in the thick of the NICU or reflecting years later, this episode will meet you right where you are.

To join us for walking letter of hope day, head here. To join us for our free virtual event, head here! Or learn more about the whole week’s celebration at dearnicumama.com/hope.

To get connected with DNM:
Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha share all about one of our favorite events of the year: Walking Letter of Hope Day!

Happening on Thursday, July 31st, Walking Letter of Hope Day is a special day where we honor NICU journeys, celebrate the strength of our sisterhood, and raise crucial funds to sustain Dear NICU Mama’s mission. Whether it’s your first year participating or you’ve walked with us before, this episode is your guide to all the ways to get involved this year—from creating a fundraising team, to connecting with other moms locally, to simply wearing your merch and walking in solidarity.

Ashley and Aisha also announce an exciting new virtual event happening on Tuesday, July 29th, just before the big day! This free online event will feature two beloved speakers: Rachelle from Light After Nine and Kayleigh from The Birth Trauma Mama. With a live Q&A and a time to connect with other NICU sisters in support groups, this is a night of hope, healing, and connection that you won’t want to miss.

As you listen, we hope you feel inspired to join us in celebrating the resilience of NICU families and the power of sisterhood. No matter how you participate, we’re so grateful to walk this journey with you!

To RSVP to the virtual event, create a fundraising team, or learn more, visit dearnicumama.com/hope! To shop all of our merchandise collections, head to dearnicumama.com/shop.

To get connected with Dear NICU Mama:
Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

To Give to the Mission of Dear NICU Mama: dearnicumama.com/give

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In this week’s episode, we’re honored to welcome Andrea Hickson—two-time NICU mom and founder of NICU Alumni. Andrea shares the emotional and unexpected journeys of welcoming her daughters Lucy and Felicity, both born prematurely and with unique NICU experiences. From emergency C-sections and hospital stays to navigating life at home with early intervention and a later cerebral palsy diagnosis, Andrea vulnerably opens up about what it means to parent in the unknown.

She also shares how her personal journey inspired the creation of NICU Alumni, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families after NICU discharge with resources, guidance, and hope.

Whether you’re still in the NICU or navigating life at home, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you're not alone—and that healing and advocacy often go hand in hand.

As always, welcome to the sisterhood!

To get connect with NICU Alumni:
Website | Instagram | Podcast

To get connected with DNM:
Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

To Give to the Mission of Dear NICU Mama: dearnicumama.com/give

Support the show