In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down for a cozy end-of-year conversation to close out the 2025 podcast season. Together, they reflect on the stories, experts, and full-circle moments that shaped this year’s episodes, and share how the Dear NICU Mama sisterhood continues to impact their own healing journeys.

They also introduce something brand new to the community: our Right On Time Holiday Book Drive. After receiving more than 130 nominations from NICU moms across the country, six hospitals were selected to receive donated copies of Right On Time. This is a meaningful way for NICU families to give back to the places that cared for their babies so well!

During the episode, Ashley and Aisha walk through how the book drive works, why it matters, and how every donation helps sustain the mission of Dear NICU Mama—from this podcast, to our support groups, to the resources that meet NICU moms right where they are. $25 donates one book, and listeners can choose to gift a book to a specific selected NICU or to the general campaign.

As we wrap up another year of stories and connection, we hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone. Thank you, mamas, for being part of this sisterhood. We can’t wait to be back in 2026 with more stories of hope!

To donate to the Holiday Book Drive, head to: https://givebutter.com/dnmholidaybookdrive

To get connected with DNM:

Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

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In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with two very special guests: Allie, a PA who cared for Ashley’s son during his NICU stay, and her husband, Troy—the illustrator of Right On Time, Dear NICU Mama’s first children’s board book. Together they share the full-circle story of how their NICU connection led to creating a book that honors and represents the diverse journeys of NICU families!

Ali reflects on her years in the NICU and her work in pediatric rehab, and Troy shares what it was like to illustrate a project so close to his family’s heart. You’ll also hear exciting updates on the book’s arrival, our successful pre-order campaign, and the upcoming Holiday Book Drive.

We hope this episode reminds you of the power of connection, storytelling, and the extraordinary milestones our NICU babies achieve, each one right on time.

Order the Right On Time book here!

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

Connect with Troy: Website | Instagram | X | Email: ttbecker@gmail.com

About Troy: It starts in New York Mills, MN where Troy was born and raised. After an affinity for drawing, comics and art - he graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a B.A. in Art and Communications. After a few stints in Minneapolis, Connecticut and Wisconsin he found himself back in the F-M area. Troy has been an illustrator, cartoonist and graphic artist for Forum Communications for nearly 18 years. Troy also served as an adjunct professor at MSUM from 2015-2020. The art continues in his home studio where he enjoys creating screen prints, comics and graphic novels. You can find his art in local exhibits and commissions across the upper Midwest.

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On this week’s episode, we welcome Dr. KC from Milestones & Motherhood — a pediatric physical therapist, early intervention specialist, and trusted guide for parents navigating developmental milestones. KC shares her own experience with late-preterm babies and how it shaped the compassionate, parent-centered approach she brings to her work.

We talk about what early intervention really is, why adjusted age matters, how to navigate comparison, and the power of celebrating the “mini-stones” along the way. KC offers gentle reassurance for NICU parents navigating developmental milestones post NICU.

Most of all, she reminds every parent listening that you are doing enough. Your presence and love matter, and it’s okay to take breaks, enjoy your baby, and lean on the support around you. You’re not alone in this journey!

Use code DNM10 for 10% off all courses at Milestones & Motherhood! Head here to find the courses.

Resources:
1. The Milestones & Motherhood Ministones Guide
2. Prematurity, NICU Stays & A Heart to Heart on Our Journey

Dr. KC Rickerd, PT, DPT, is a licensed pediatric physical therapist and founder of Milestones & Motherhood and Journey Through Milestones Physical Therapy. With over a decade of experience working with children from birth through age 21, she specializes in motor development, functional mobility and family education. KC’s mission is to make evidence-based developmental guidance accessible, empowering parents and caregivers to confidently support their child’s growth and reach their full potential.

Connect with KC: Instagram | Website

Pre-order Right On Time, our very first children’s board book, here!

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

This podcast episode is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide medical advice. All information, content, and material on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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