In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by Dear NICU Mama Board Member Nicole as she shares the story of her daughter, Layla.

After a year and a half of trying to conceive, Nicole became pregnant with Layla and was carefully monitored due to a congenital heart condition. At 32 weeks, severe preeclampsia changed everything, leading to a life threatening medical helicopter transfer from Fargo to Minneapolis and the delivery of Layla at 33 weeks. Together, they spent 46 days in the NICU.

Nicole vulnerably shares the moments that often go unspoken during the NICU journey: the fear of holding her baby for the first time, the guilt of desperately wanting to go home, the loneliness of long NICU days, and the comfort she found in the community that surrounded her. Her story is a beautiful reminder that healing doesn't come from having all the answers, but from being seen, understood, and supported along the way.

We hope this episode reminds you that no matter where you are in your NICU journey, you are not alone. There is hope in tomorrow, and there is a community of NICU mamas walking beside you every step of the way!

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In this week's podcast episode we're revisiting a beautiful roundtable conversation from season 8 for an honest discussion about mental health after the NICU with Dear NICU Mama volunteers, Kamille and Lexxa.

Together, they share vulnerably about their own experiences with postpartum depression, anxiety, PTSD, therapy, medication, and the lifelong healing that follows a traumatic birth and NICU stay. They reflect on what it looked like to ask for help, navigate motherhood after trauma, support their mental health through different seasons, and find hope in community along the way.

Whether you are fresh in your NICU journey or years beyond it, we hope this conversation reminds you that healing is lifelong. You are not alone and asking for support is one of the bravest things you can do.

No matter where you find yourself today, we hope this episode serves as a gentle reminder that you are worthy of healing, worthy of care, and deeply loved. This sisterhood heals with you!

For the PSI Help Line, head here. For the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, dial 988 or head here.

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In this week's podcast episode, Katie shares the remarkable story of her daughter Annie's early arrival and the incredible full circle moments woven throughout their NICU journey. At 25 weeks pregnant, Katie was unexpectedly diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and hospitalized before delivering Annie at 28 weeks. As a former 28-week preemie herself, Katie suddenly found herself walking the halls of the very same NICU where she had once been a patient.

Katie opens up about navigating the uncertainty of a high-risk pregnancy, recovering from an unexpected C-section, and supporting her daughter through her NICU stay. She also shares the often-overlooked challenges of coming home after discharge, processing the trauma of the NICU, and learning that healing continues long after leaving the hospital.

One of the most unforgettable parts of Katie's story is reconnecting with the respiratory therapist who cared for her more than 30 years ago, only to have him care for Annie before his retirement. It is a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact NICU healthcare professionals have on families and the unexpected ways hope can come full circle.

Whether you are in the NICU today or years beyond your stay, we hope this conversation reminds you that even in the hardest seasons, moments of hope, healing, and redemption can find you when you least expect them.

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

Support the show