Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

On the Empowering NICU Parents' Podcast, we are dedicated to supporting you through every step of your NICU journey. Hosted by NICU parent Nicole Nyberg, this episode is packed with essential tips and insights to ensure you're prepared each time you head into the NICU to spend time with your baby! Drawing from her own experience of spending three months in the NICU, Nicole shares a comprehensive guide on what to pack in your daily NICU bag. From self-care items like toothbrushes and lip balm to practical essentials like chargers and NICU journals, Nicole covers everything you need to navigate your NICU journey with ease. She also spotlights tips on what to pack to make your meaningful kangaroo care sessions comfortable as well as insights into what you need to pack to ensure successful pumping or breastfeeding sessions, from hands-free bras to hydration tips. So, join Nicole on the Empowering NICU Parents' Podcast as we prioritize your well-being and equip you with everything you need to navigate the NICU journey with confidence and resilience. Tune in now and get ready to become empowered!Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 58 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode58 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

In this insightful podcast episode, we explore the challenges faced by families with infants in the NICU. Your host, Nicole Nyberg is an experienced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and NICU parent, who shares insights from her personal experience along with anecdotes from other NICU parents. Join us as we explore ways to offer unwavering support through practical gestures of kindness, from meal trains and transportation assistance to thoughtful gifts that cater to the unique needs of NICU parents. We'll also discuss the importance of emotional support, recognizing the profound impact of simply being present and listening without judgment. Furthermore, we'll spotlight some innovative NICU-specific products designed to empower parents in documenting their infant's journey and celebrating milestones along the way. From NICU journals to milestone cards and specialized clothing for kangaroo care, these thoughtful gifts offer both practical utility and emotional solace to families navigating the NICU experience. Whether you're a friend or family member seeking guidance on supporting a loved one in the NICU or a NICU parent looking for ideas to share with your loved ones, you have come to the right place! Together, let's foster a community of compassion and support for NICU families, ensuring they feel empowered, understood, and surrounded by love throughout their NICU journey and beyond.Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 57 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode57 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

🌟 Unveiling the Untold Story: Marijuana & Pregnancy Podcast 🌿✨Your host is a Neontal Nurse Practitiction who dives deep into groundbreaking research on marijuana's impact during pregnancy and breastfeeding in this eye-opening podcast, proudly sponsored by Dr. Brown’s Medical. Whether you're an expecting mom, a dedicated healthcare professional, or a caring family member, this episode is your key to unlocking valuable insights. 🔍 What are the short and long-term effects on mothers, growing fetuses, infants, children, and their journey into adulthood after prenatal exposure?🤰 Gain critical knowledge for moms planning pregnancy or currently pregnant.👶 Understand the implications for breastfeeding moms using marijuana.Share the knowledge, spark conversations! 🔥💬#MarijuanaRevelations #HealthRevolution #ParentingInsights💡 🎧🚀 #PodcastJourney #MarijuanaResearch #ParentingInsights #HealthAndWellness 🌈✨Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.comOur NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/Episode 56 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode56Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

November is Prematurity Awareness Month! During the month of November, we reflect on all of the the premature infants born each and everyday, the clinicians who care for them, and the parents. Despite all of the latest technology and advances in healthcare, one in ten children are born prematurely in the United States. Additionally, infants born prematurely are more likely to have long-term academic difficulties, cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and/or emotional and behavioral issues that will not only impact their life, but they also have a significant toll on the entire family. A practice that has repeatedly shown to improve both neonatal and parental outcomes depsite a preterm delivery, is early and consistent skin-to-skin care. The small action of assisting parents with immediate skin-to-skin care has a very BIG IMPACT! Obviously, every clinical situation is different, but when possible, infants should be skin-to-skin with their parents. The benefits of kangaroo care are endless and not just for the baby! Kangaroo care has shown benefits for homeostasis for preterm infants including maintaining a healthy body temperature and increased cardiorespiratory stabilization. The most substantial benefit of skin-to-skin care has been the increased volume of breast milk production by the mother resulting in a longer duration of breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin care promotes participation of both parents in caring for the infant, it strengthens the family role in caring for a fragile infant, and decreases the common feelings of helplessness which helps parents become more comfortable with their infant and more confident! It actually allows parents to nurture and care for their fragile infant. Listen now to hear all of the benefits of skin-to-skin care! Together we truly can make a difference in the lives of the infants and parents! Get ready to become empowered as we review the benefits of Kangaroo care in the NICU! Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 55 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode55 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

To close out Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, I sat down with Tasha Ruholl. Tasha was kind enough to openly share the losses and subsequent grief that she and her husband have endured. She speaks about how it was her grief that drove her to make a difference and help so many other families. Tasha wanted to give the gift of time to any other parents who have to endure the unimaginable path of losing a child by donating cuddle cots to 10 local hospitals. Additionally, she continues to honor their son, Daniel and their other 2 losses by working on the White Lily Project. Along with 3 other mothers who have endured loss, they are raising money to fund an Angel of Hope Statue. The Statue of Hope and healing garden will offer parents/family members who have experienced a pregnancy loss or the loss of an infant/child, a place to honor their loved one and find a sense of community with others who have experienced a similar tragedy. You will not want to miss this episode as we discuss loss and grief, and how beauty and light can be restored within you after enduring a completely unexpected tragedy. Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 54 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode54 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

There are some amazing organizations that help to support and provide valuable resources for bereaved and NICU families. Many parents who have had a child in the NICU as well as parents who have endured a pregnancy loss or the loss of an infant have felt led to give back to other families enduring the same experience. Using their personal experience, they have created a platform or organization to pay it forward so they can help other families. After our son William was home from the NICU, I felt driven to help other NICU families and I have been blessed to be able to do that in a variety of ways. For this podcast episode, I spotlight some incredible organizations that provide support and/or resources for families enduring a NICU journey, have a child with complex medical needs, disabilities, or those who will benefit from bereavement support. This is not to say you will want to connect with and utilize all of the resources mentioned today, but find the resources that are in sync with the type of information and support that you are looking for. Some of these companies only offer local support whereas others are available virtually on a national or international level. Many of the organizations have been around for many years whereas others are fairly new in the Neonatal and bereavement niche. My ultimate goal as a former NICU parent, NNP and someone who has endured loss, is for my listeners to find the appropriate support throughout your personal experience and I hope this podcast helps you do just that! So sit back and get ready to become empowered as we review some fantastic NICU and bereavement-based organizations! Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 53 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode53 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

For our 52nd podcast episode, I was joined by Dr. Jess Daigle. She is a board-certified pediatrician and neonatal/pediatric hospitalist. Additionally, she is the proud mother of two premature infants, Liam and Avery. Her son Liam, was born at 31 weeks’ gestation and spent 5 weeks in the NICU. After her family’s personal experience in the NICU, she founded and is the CEO of Mom & Me, LLC which focuses on helping both mothers and infants thrive during the postpartum journey and beyond. Dr. Jess carries out her mission by offering local, in-home/virtual care services to newborns, with a particular focus on NICU babies. With the goal to support new mothers and ease their transition home, she also offers life coaching for NICU moms. Dr. Jess helps them navigate through their NICU journey so they can become the empowered, confident mom they deserve to be. Jess and I are both very passionate about empowering NICU parents to be present and engaged while their baby is in the NICU. She speaks about how her personal NICU experience changed her professionally and addresses why it is so beneficial for parents to advocate for their infants. We also discussed the many layers of NICU trauma and why it is so important to support families during the NICU journey and beyond. We share the importance of healthcare members being present, open, and intentional during their patient interactions and how going the extra mile will leave a lasting impression. Lastly, we close out the episode by speaking about how parental empowerment can not only positively shape a family’s NICU experience, but also provide better outcomes for the infant and entire family unit! You will not want to miss this episode! Sit back and get ready to be empowered! Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 52 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode52 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

For our 51st podcast episode, I discussed a contensious topic in the neonatal world, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Although it is a common occurrence amongst all infants, the lack of updated, clear, and consistent diagnostic and management recommendations remains, especially for the NICU population. Due to my personal and professional experiences, it is difficult for me to have one solid stance on the topic. As a former NICU nurse, I saw so many infants experience reflux. As a NICU parent, my son William, struggled with reflux once we brought him home and yes, at that time, it was managed with medication. And finally, now as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, I am more knowledgeable about what the evidence does and does not show regarding reflux and I understand its complexity. So I can fully appreciate how nurses advocate for their patients. I also completely acknowledge the internal battle parents endure as they helplessly watch their baby grapple with reflux and its associated symptoms, and I also embrace what the research has shown and why providers do not hastily start infants on reflux medications. Tune in now to learn the difference between Gastroesophageal Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, some common symptoms, and how it is typically diagnosed. Be amazed as I debunk some of the common myths and conditions that are thought to be associated with GERD. Additionally, listeners will also walk away with a better understanding of the most up-to-date recommendations for the management of GER and GERD including non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. So sit back and get ready to be empowered as we discuss Gastroesophageal Reflux. Free Resource: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/ger/Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.comOur NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/Episode 51 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode51Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

To celebrate our 50th podcast episode, we wanted to honor and hear from our NICU heroes, the NICU graduates. You will hear from several NICU graduates with ages ranging from 5 years old, up to 36 years old. I was honored to be able to sit down with these amazing NICU graduates and learn their perspective, even from my very own NICU graduate as we debut our first official interview together. I spoke with NICU graduates that were born both term and preterm with a variety of diagnoses. It is so interesting to hear what they recall or what they’ve been told about their story from their point of view. You will not be able to help but smile as you hear some of the graduate’s sweet voices. I thoroughly hope you enjoy the episode and are enlightened as we highlight the NICU graduate’s viewpoint. Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.comOur NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/Episode 50 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode50Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

For the 49th episode on the Empowering NICU Parents’ Podcast, we review necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) which is a life-threatening newborn condition that involves ischemia and inflammation of the bowel. Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a complex disease that despite decades of research, is still not well understood. The evidence continues to support the concurrent presence of several factors that when combined with a trigger, may lead to a disruption of the normal intestinal bacterial flora followed by an altered inflammatory host response. On this episode, you will learn what factors place infants, especially premature infants, at an increased risk to develop NEC. The common clinical symptoms that infants present with once they develop NEC will be reviewed as well as when they are most likely to occur. Additionally, we touch on some of the subtle behavioral changes infants may display at the onset of the disease that are often most obvious to the parents. Next, the diagnostic tests and labs that are typically done once NEC is suspected will be reviewed followed by a description of the Bell staging system which is used to provide a more uniform clinical definition for NEC. The typical management for NEC will also be discussed, followed by a review of some of the common preventative measures that have been put into place in NICUs today to continue to decrease the incidence of NEC. We close out the episode discussing what the prognosis and mortality rate is for infants who have been diagnosed with NEC. The episode is a great overall review of NEC that will be beneficial for NICU parents and clinicians. Start listening now and get ready to be empowered! Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/Episode 49 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode49Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

Maternal human milk is the absolute best food for newborn nutrition that supports all of their accelerated growth in the first year. And although we have a basic understanding of the composition of human milk, every woman’s breast milk has a different complexity when it comes to the nutritional content. But, you may be wondering, what exactly is breast milk composed of? For our 48th podcast episode, I review the general composition of human breast milk and what the variations are between preterm, term, and donor breast milk. I also discuss some of the anti-infective protective properties in maternal breast milk and how a preterm mother’s milk has unique and complex properties that are lacking in donor breast milk. I discuss human milk fortification, the different formulations available, and why it is so important in our preterm population. I share why donor breast milk is used in preterm infants over formula and explain its protective mechanisms against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Finally, I discuss how the pasteurization process, although important, impacts the composition of donor breast milk. I share why it is so crucial that mothers feel supported and are educated. Building trusting partnerships with NICU mothers will help to promote their milk expression, establish breastfeeding, and nurture the feelings of motherhood. A supportive environment coupled with education, has the potential to positively impact the mother’s milk production in the NICU and beyond. The episode is full of valuable, updated information for both NICU Parents and clinicians, so start listening now, or consider sharing the episode with someone who will gain some value from it! Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 48 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode48 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

For our 47th podcast episode, I review some of the general benefits of maternal breast milk and why it is so important for all infants, but especially those who are critically ill and in the NICU, to receive maternal milk. Human milk, often referred to as liquid gold, is considered the gold standard feeding plan for all infants. Maternal human milk provides many nutritional advantages for infants, but it is also advantageous in non nutritional aspects as well. Unfortunately, NICU mothers face additional barriers that make it more difficult for them to effectively express their milk and ultimately breastfeed. Data has shown that for all NICU infants, whether preterm and/or critically ill, receive less than 20% of their own mother’s milk at 6 months of age, most commonly due to insufficient maternal milk production. Mothers whose infants are admitted to the NICU are faced with both physical, emotional, mental, and social inhibiting circumstances that make it much more difficult for them to not only establish their milk supply, but also maintain it. There are also significant racial disparities that exist and human milk provision is lowest among non-Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. It is the standard of care for most NICUs to utilize Donor Human Milk (DHM) as an alternative or to help bridge the gap for infants when the mother’s breast milk is either not available or there is insufficient volume. Although donor breast milk is a great option that is beneficial, it does not have the same overall protective mechanisms and bioactivity as the mother’s milk. In the episode, we review what some of the common barriers are for NICU mothers in their physical ability and desire to provide breast milk for their infant. I share recommendations on what we as NICU clinicians can do to educate, support, and guide all mothers in a culturally sensitive and supportive manner. By recognizing the common and individualized barriers for NICU mothers, we can share our knowledge in an empathetic and holistic manner. Therefore, mothers and their care partners are able to make an informed decision and one that has the potential to impact their infant while they are in the NICU and in the months and years that follow!Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal:https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/Finn + Emma: http://shrsl.com/2py7dNICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/Episode 47 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode47Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

Infants in the NICU, especially those born prematurely, encounter the challenge of effective bottle feeding and/or nursing due to their maturational development. Recently, to support their development, there has been a shift in the paradigm to move away from volume-driven feedings in the NICU to a cue-based approach. The practice of cue-based feedings, specifically the The Infant-Driven Feeding™ Program (IDF™), begins with a neurodevelopmental foundation and promotes positive feeding experiences from the first day of life. The IDF™ program is a developmentally supportive, individualized, cue-based feeding program offered by Dr. Brown’s Medical. For our most recent podcast, I sat down with a former colleague of mine, Lisa Kleinz. Lisa is a Speech Pathologist and a Developmental Care Specialist who is currently the Director of Education for Dr. Brown’s Medical. She is an expert on the The Infant-Driven Feeding™ Program and explains how the program supports the infant’s development, promotes consistent feeding practices, encourages parental involvement, and has resulted in improved breastfeeding rates. The evidence-based research supports the IDF™ program and has shown a reduction in time to full oral feedings, a reduction in the length of hospital stay, reduced hospital costs, improved breastfeeding rates, and increased parental involvement including kangaroo care. The IDF™ program is beneficial for clinicians, parents and the infant. Once staff is educated, more consistent feeding methods are practiced which results in a positive feeding experience for the infant and caregiver. Learn more about all of the benefits of the the The Infant-Driven Feeding™ Program and how it can be implemented in your hospital. After listening, NICU clinicians will learn why it is so crucial to provide positive oral experiences from day one to the infant and how it will impact their future neurodevelopmental outcomes. Parents will learn specific ways that they can be involved with their infant that will positively impact their oral experiences from the moment they arrive into the NICU. Although we are unable to completely eliminate all of the negative experiences in the NICU, caregivers, including parents can make an effort to intentionally protect and support infants throughout their time in the NICU and beyond and the ability to create positive feeding experiences is a key component to that support. Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 46 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode46 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

For infants in the NICU, especially those born prematurely, breast or bottle feeding effectively can oftentimes be a challenge. Maturational and developmental issues impact a premature infant’s ability to adequately coordinate their sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Yet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), attainment of adequate oral feedings that fully support growth without physiologic instability is a skill that needs to be fully established prior to an infant’s discharge from the NICU. But, what is the best way to achieve full oral feedings in a developmentally supportive manner? For this podcast, we review cue-based feeding programs and why there has been a recent shift in the paradigm to move away from volume-driven feedings in the NICU. We discuss what places NICU infants, especially those born prematurely, at an increased risk for oral aversion and how we as caregivers and parents can minimize the risk. We discuss the benefits of cue-based feedings including how it promotes a more positive feeding experience for the infant and caregiver, its ability to support an infant’s neurodevelopment, as well as findings from some recent research studies that have focused on cue-based feeding. If you are a clinician and curious about implementing a cue-based feeding program into your NICU, then stay tuned to hear all of the potential benefits. And for my parents who are listening, you will learn how beneficial it is to learn your infant’s behavioral cues which will ultimately support your infant’s development in the NICU and at home. You will not want to miss it, so stay tuned! Solly Baby: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/solly/ Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 45 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode45 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

For our most recent episode, I continued to summarize the updated recommendations for care of the preterm and low birthweight infant from the World Health Organization (WHO) that were just released on November 15, 2022. The World Health Organization reviews the most up-to-date research findings and they develop global guidelines that are meant to help end-users or clinicians make informed decisions on whether, when, and how to undertake specific actions such as clinical interventions, diagnostic tests, or public health measures with the aim to achieve the best possible individual or collective health outcomes. Their goal is that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. The updated recommendations are relevant to national policy makers, NICU supervisors, managers, Neonatologist, NNPs, and NICU nurses. I think it’s extremely important for anyone who works with the preterm and low birthweight population to be aware of the updated recommendations by the World Health Organization. I also believe that it is important that parents of preterm or low birthweight infants have some idea of what the recommendations entail and how it may impact the care given to their infant. So I will finish up discussing the recommendations today spotlighting the most pertinent points. Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/ NeoTech:https://www.neotechproducts.com/product/neoglo/ NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/ NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/ Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/ Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/ Episode 44 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode44 Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/ Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

Do you often wonder what helps to guide care and policies in healthcare? Guidelines for medical care are driven by research and what the evidence has shown, otherwise known as evidence-based practice. And there are organizations, like the World Health Organization, who review the most up-to-date research findings and develop global guidelines that are meant to help end-users or clinicians make informed decisions on whether, when, and how to undertake specific actions such as clinical interventions, diagnostic tests, or public health measures with the aim to achieve the best possible individual or collective health outcomes. Their goal is that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. On November 15th, 2022 the World Health Organization (WHO) released updated recommendations for care of the preterm and low birthweight infant. The recommendations were derived from a group of diverse experts and stakeholders. After they examined the most up-to-date evidence from low- to -high income countries, they developed the updated guidance about the care of preterm or low birthweight infants. The recommendations are directed at a large target audience and are beneficial for national policy makers, supervisors, managers, NICU clinicians plus more! Not only is the information pertinent to all of the aforementioned, but it is also important for NICU Parents to know what the general recommendations are for care of the preterm or low birthweight infant. So I wanted to provide you with the cliff notes version spotlighting the most pertinent points out of the 137 page document.  The recommendations include guidelines for preventive and promotive care, care of complications, family involvement and support and a good practice statement. Some of the recommendations are new, whereas others are updated based on emerging new evidence. We started the review in our previous podcast and continue to the discussion today! You will want to hear these new recommendations from the World Health Organization, so start listening now!Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/NeoTech: https://www.neotechproducts.com/product/neopockets/NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/Episode 43 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode43Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

On November 15, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released some updated recommendations for care of the preterm or low birthweight infant. New up-to-date evidence has emerged regarding the most effective clinical interventions in caring for preterm or low birthweight infants so a group of diverse experts and stakeholders from six different regions were selected and began working on these guidelines back in 2020. The guidelines developed by the WHO are meant to help end-users or clinicians make informed decisions on whether, when, and how to undertake specific actions such as clinical interventions, diagnostic tests, or public health measures with the aim to achieve the best possible individual or collective health outcomes. All of the recommendations are evidence-based and they have been reviewed by several committees through several stages to ensure the validity of each one. Some of the recommendations are brand new, like the “hot topic” recommendation of immediate kangaroo care, whereas other recommendations are updated. As I was reviewing the updated recommendations, I realized that it would be beneficial for all NICU clinicians and parents to learn more about them. Since the entire document is around 137 pages, we summarize and provide you the cliff notes version on this podcast episode. So start listening and get ready to get empowered as we review the World Health Organization's recommendations for care of the preterm or low birthweight infant! Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/NeoTech: https://www.neotechproducts.com/product/neogrip/NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/Episode 42 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode42Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

As a NICU parent, one of the most difficult pieces of the journey is the physical separation that parents have to endure initially and each day that follows. Every time parents walk out of those NICU doors to go home without their baby is devastating. Parents are left sitting at home wondering if their baby is awake, or are they restless, did they gain weight, did they take their full bottle, or were they able to keep their ng tube out? The company AngelEye Health has developed state-of-the art technology to not only help ease the physical separation, but to also increase connectedness, communication, education, and support for NICU parents. For today’s podcast, I sat down with Jaylee Hilliard, the Senior Director of Clinical Strategy at AngelEye Health. She shared the 4 different solutions AngelEye offers hospitals that work collectively to engage and support parents. Most prominently, AngelEye is known for their bedside Camera System that allows parents and friends and family 24 hours of livestream video access of the baby while they are in the NICU. Once parents are at home, they have the ability to get on the app and see their beautiful miracle whenever they would like. Additionally, grandparents who are not close by or siblings who are unable to visit due to visiting restrictions, all have the ability to log on and see the livestream video of the baby so they do not miss out on their journey.AngelEye also offers an educational platform for parents as well as the ability for NICU clinicians to message and communicate updates with the parents through the platform to keep them informed and engaged. Lastly, AngelEye offers a breastmilk tracker to help parents document pumping sessions as well as lactation resources. Continue listening to learn how Angel Eye helps to support parental engagement and family-centered care during the NICU journey and beyond and why Jaylee’s passion for engaging and educating families has grown even more! If you are a NICU parent or NICU clinician, you do not want to miss this episode!Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/NeoTech: https://www.neotechproducts.com/NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/Episode 40 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode41Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

There are many terms and acronyms commonly used in neonatology that most people are not familiar with. Even medical clinicians who are not familiar with the NICU, are unlikely to know about UACs or UVCs. And most NICU parents probably did not know that you can access a newborn’s venous and/or arterial system through their umbilicus until the providers explained the procedure to them.  For our 40th podcast episode, we reviewed some of those common NICU acronyms, but specifically the different venous and arterial line options commonly used in the NICU. These terms may be casually discussed during conversations between NICU clinicians, but it is important that as a parent, you understand the different peripheral and central lines infants in the NICU commonly need. Not only should you understand what they are, but you should also know when they are used or why one option is chosen over another. Additionally, it is imperative that you know the potential complications with each line, so you know what questions to ask when the NICU providers speak with you about each option.Start listening and get ready to become empowered as we review peripheral and arterial lines common to the NICU!Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/NeoTech: https://www.neotechproducts.com/NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/Episode 40 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode40Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH

It is likely that you’ve heard about a child who has had RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus from a friend, a family member, or perhaps you’ve even had your own personal experience with it. But, you may not realize how common it actually is! Did you know that almost all children get RSV at least once before they are two years old. For healthy children, it is likely to present just like a typical cold or virus, but for some children, they become very ill with RSV. Due to certain infants being more at risk of developing the severe symptoms of RSV, they may receive a series of Synagis injections during the peak RSV season. Infants born prematurely, infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), or children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease are considered high-risk patients who may be eligible to receive Synagis.October is RSV Awareness Month, which is appropriate because the typical RSV season is from November to April. Since we are approaching the peak RSV season, we are going to review RSV, how it gets transmitted, what the typical symptoms are, and when parents should contact their provider. We will also take a closer look at Synagis, what exactly it is, the current inclusion criteria, how often it should be given, the length of treatment, and signs and symptoms parents should watch for that may be indicative of an allergic reaction.  Since RSV is so common and can cause infants and children to require hospitalization, it is important for parents to know preventive measures that will minimize the risk as well as how to identify concerning symptoms. I hope you enjoy this informative episode on RSV and Synagis!Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/NeoTech: https://www.neotechproducts.com/NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode39Episode 37 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode39Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparentsPinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH