NICU Alumni Podcast

In this conversation, Andrea and Rita discuss their experiences with the NICU and the challenges they faced. They talk about the emotional impact of the NICU stay, the difficulties of bonding and providing care in the NICU, and the feeding challenges they encountered. They also discuss the importance of celebrating milestones and how their children have connected with their NICU experiences as they've grown older. Rita shares her involvement in supporting NICU families through the NICU Family Advisory Council and the March of Dimes. She discusses building relationships to support NICU organizations and her experience working within hospital systems.Quick Takeaways from the Episode:The NICU experience can be emotionally traumatic and challenging for parents, regardless of the length of stay or the severity of the baby's condition.Bonding and providing care in the NICU can be difficult, and parents may feel anxious and unsure about their role in their baby's care.Feeding challenges are common in the NICU, and parents may need support and guidance from lactation consultants and healthcare professionals.Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, is important for parents and can help them recognize their child's progress and growth. Rita shared: “Looking back, I think that's a huge part of getting through the journey intact is to celebrate those wins.” Children who have experienced the NICU may have a unique connection to their journey and may embrace their story as part of their identity as they grow older.Involvement in supporting NICU families, such as through family advisory councils and organizations like the March of Dimes, can provide a sense of purpose and help parents give back to the NICU community. Building relationships with others who have can through the same experience can be a positive experience as you process your own journey.Working within the hospital system can be challenging, but it can also be a catalyst for pursuing policy change and advocating for improvements.Conversations with extended family may be awkward but the underlying message is that while you may need to be more cautious with your NICU Grad you still want to include your family… it may just look a little different at first.Let's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Darla Vazquez shares her journey as a NICU parent and the challenges she faced raising her son, who was born prematurely and spent 203 days in the NICU. She discusses the importance of advocacy and the need for support in navigating the medical system. Darla also talks about her work in helping families transition their children from G-tube feeding to oral eating, providing resources and guidance for parents in similar situations. In this conversation, Andrea speaks with Darla about life after the NICU and the significance of self-care and advocacy. Darla shares advice for families as they navigate the healing journey and adjust to being home, emphasizing the need for grace and understanding. She recognizes the impact of the NICU on both parents and children and discusses the importance of advocating for your family and making decisions that align with your values.Quick Takeaways from the Episode:We loved when Darla said: "And the thing that’s so difficult, especially when you’re advocating for your child with people that do not have kids with disabilities is explaining that there is a balance because you’re a mama. You’re not a nurse. You’re not an educator. I mean your role is purely to love this child and to love them so that they can thrive. And thriving looks different for every single child, right?"Give yourself grace as you seek to find balance, and give yourself permission to say no to certain activities if that means it gives you a little more space to manage what your child and your family are experiencing.Check out Darla’s work with supporting “Tubies” to transition to oral feeding.Darla’s Free Webinar - How to Transition your Child to Oral Eating Without Significant Weight Loss The full, paid course is economical and is intended to be followed with your medical team.Darla’s article on NICU Alumni’s Resource Library - From Tube Feeds to Oral Feeds: Where to StartDarla’s NICU Alumni Grad Guide Advice:You’ve just started this healing journey and may not even recognize all of the ways the NICU has affected you and your child - and that’s ok.When you’re advocating for your child and your family, you’re teaching them to be advocates for themselves too.You can reach out to Darla through her website on instagram @tubietofoodie.Let's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

We had the best conversation with Ashley and Martha of Dear NICU Mama! Vilma shares how she became connected to DNM and then later went on to become a founding board member of NICU Alumni.Quick Takeaways from the Episode:Dear NICU Mama is rooted in the desire to connect with others who are also going through the NICU journey so that they know they are not alone and are part of the shared sisterhood.Listen to Ashley’s NICU StoryListen to Martha’s NICU Story Part 1 and Part 2Listen to Vilma’s NICU StoryListen to Andrea’s NICU StoryWe talked about Dear NICU Mama's There is Goodness Ahead  collection and Andrea read this excerpt about it:We are so excited to be releasing the “There is Goodness Ahead” collection.  A special collection designed to celebrate your unique motherhood journey and remind you that NICU mama, there is goodness ahead. 💕In the middle of our NICU stay, we need to be reminded that there is goodness ahead.As we wait for a diagnosis or answers for our medically complex miracles, we need to be reminded that there is goodness ahead.If we find ourselves back in the hospital with our babies, we need to be reminded that there is goodness ahead.As we heal and process our NICU experiences, we need to be reminded that there is goodness ahead.Our hope is that this collection is a celebration of where you’ve been and all you’ve endured, and also a beacon of hope for the goodness that is to come. 💕Goodness is not the absence of pain, it’s not the absence of trial. It’s an affirmation of - no matter what, there is goodness ahead. And it is something we can whisper to ourselves when we’re going through tough times.Sign up for NICU Alumni’s Grad Guide email series.Ashley’s Grad Guide advice: Receiving support and help through things like early intervention therapy does not diminish your role as a mom or a parent.Martha’s Grad Guide advice: If you grapple with difficult feelings as you cope with your NICU experience, share about them with someone you trust or with a professional. It’s ok to have these feelings and to grow through themYou can reach out to Dear NICU Mama through their instagram or their website.Let's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Bricen Urquidi is a stay at home mom of 3 kids. She has been involved with ICU baby (a local nonprofit in Miami that is very near and dear to us at NICU Alumni) for over 8 years and is a volunteer at her children's school and other organizations in Miami. Her NICU journey began with her first born Ila and that experience lead to helping others in need. Ila is a 9th grader at a local school in Miami and is a Youth Ambassador with ICU baby. Ila started a club at school called Faith4NICU where they provide support for different NICU organizations in Miami. Quick Takeaways from the Episode:Even though time has passed, the memories and emotions never leaveBricen remembers having mixed emotions: you have a baby, so you’re happy, but you’re in the NICU, so you’re confused and scared.While you’re in the NICU you can feel so supported but then feel lost when you get homeThings that helped Bricen feel preparedFamily Support Being hands on in the NICU so that the routine becomes familiar when it’s time to go homeRealizing that every day things did get a little bit betterWays to help you keep track of those appointments Follow up appointments are a big part of life after the NICUUse your calendar or a notebook to help you keep track of the doctor visits and follow up notesBricen’s recommendations for after the NICUPositivity helps when you are dealing with the hard situation of the NICU. Your baby needs you. Take in any support you can.Cry when you need to. Scream when you need to. Go out on a walk when you need to.Lean on your family and friends. Be willing to take on that outside support.It’s an ongoing journey. Check in with how you’re feeling emotionally, and work through it when you can.The NICU experience is hard, there is pain, but there is healing that continues through the processIt may feel daunting but remember you’re not alone.Bricen shared the sweetest quote: “It's the tiniest feet that make the biggest footprints in our hearts”Let's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

After giving birth to triplets at just 25 weeks 5 days gestation and losing one of her daughters at 14 months old, Keira Sorrells was propelled into maternal-infant health out of a deep-seated desire to ensure no parent experiences the trauma of preterm birth or loss alone.Together, with a dedicated team of NICU Parent Leaders, Keira has grown the @NICUParentNetwork to be a sought-after resource and collaborative partner for providers, researchers, industry, and other stakeholders in this niche of healthcare.Quick Takeaways from the Episode:No matter how long your baby was in the NICU, your family’s experience in the NICU may lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)A book that helped Keira realize she was experiencing PTSD was a book about Medical Trauma: Before the World IntrudedIf that is your experience, being able to name it can help you seek the appropriate supportThere can also be a delay in even realizing you the state of your mental health and how you are coping with the NICU experience you and your family went throughParents doing the work and supporting their families have a voice and can share and speak up on every level. In the doctor’s office at follow ups, with family members, or even at systems levels to bring the parent voice to the table.NPN brings organizations together, helping them connect, network, and share best practices.Family Centered Care Taskforce - Check them out and subscribe to their emails if you are interested.Keira’s NICU Alumni Grad GuidePeer Support - check this page out if you would like resources about Raising MultiplesTrust your instincts - keep pushing until you get the answers you are seekingThe earlier you get early intervention, the better! You can reach out to NPN through their website and instagram page @NICUParentNetwork.Let's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Dr. Marta Grisel Galarza is a Board Certified Lactation Specialist as well as a Neonatologist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and she has worked at Holtz Children’s hospital since 1997. She is the Medical Director of the Intermediate Care NICU, a 70-bed unit. More recently she developed a Neonatal/Antenatal specific Palliative Care Program for the Division of Neonatology. She has worked endlessly and passionately on these projects because they promote and protect mother-baby bonding and breastfeeding, her goal for all NICU mothers and babies.Grisel is also a founding board member of NICU Alumni and we are thrilled to have her joining us again!Quick Takeaways from the Episode:Establishing and Maintaining Milk Supply- It’s really difficult to breast feed and pump- It’s a commitment- The recommendation is to start early, mo matter what gestation the baby was born at (within 6 hours!), but keep in mind that it can be difficult especially if the mother is sick- Try by starting with hand expression initially to stimulate the breast to produce milkMaximizing Pumping Sessions- Try to rent a Hospital Grade Double PumpMedela Symphony Hospital Grade Double Breast Pump has Premature Program Settings- Gentle MassageAsk about how to give yourself a very gentle lymphatic massageWarm compresses are also helpfulIt is very important that you empty your supply when you pump so that your body will continue to replenish the right amountOvercoming Challenges- Rest- Eat Well - you use 300-500 calories per pumping session!- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate- Take your multivitaminMaintaining Breastfeeding Goals- SKIN-TO-SKIN can play a huge role and has many benefits even beyond milk supply, pumping, and breastfeeding.- Grisel is often asked, "How long should you continue to pump and breastfeed?", and her answer is, "For however long you can, whether it’s 2 weeks or 2 months, or more! Any length of time is a success." Some of Grisel's favorite resources for NICU and Post-NICU Support- Don’t forget about Skin-to-Skin! 💜- LaLeche League International on Hand Expression- Breastfeeding tips from Dept of Women, Infants, and Children- Support in MiamiInformation and ConsultationsBreastfeeding helpline: 786.336.1336- The Federal Office on Women’s HealthNational Hotline 800.994.9662- Additional Consultation Services from the Lactation NetworkLet's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Alexa Marsellos, a board-certified music therapist and music educator joins us to discuss how she implements adaptive music lessons for students of all ages and abilities. In 2023, she founded Neurobeat Music Therapy (@neurobeatmusictherapy), a practice dedicated to fostering growth, improving lives, and advocating for the transformative power of music therapy.Quick Takeaways from the Episode:Music therapists work with people of all ages, and all diagnoses, utilizing music to achieve non-musical goalsYou don’t have to be a musician to incorporate music into your daily life and integrating it into fun learningOnce you get home — give yourself grace. Your baby is learning and growing, and so are you!As your kiddo grows, they’re going to develop and outgrow methods that worked previously, don’t be afraid to try new things and to look for new strategiesResources for finding children’s' songs:Super Simple Songs: Find simple, familiar songs in both English and Spanish, also on IG @supersimpleofficialMusic for Kiddos: Music therapist and educator who writes music for children, also on IG @Music_for_kiddosResound Music Therapy: Music therapist who shares songs and activities @resoundmusictherapy Social Media Accounts with resources and DIY activities:@Early.explorer: DIY Activities, Crafts, Play-Based Learning.@busytoddler: Ideas for hands-on play and support for others in their parenting journey.@dayswithgrey: playful activities for kids.Brands that have sensory toys and also share resources: @Lovevery: Products designed for the child's developing brain.@Learningresources: Educational toys.@Lakeshorelearning: Educational materials and toys.@Beginlearning: Products that promote early learning.Music toys and instruments with links for unfamiliar ones:ThundertubeRain stickOcean drumBellsXylophoneToy echo microphonesMaracas/ Egg Shakers Tambourines DrumsScarves Disclaimer - We have not been compensated by these organization in any way to share their resources and information with you. 🩵  A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Brittany Aquart is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist, and mom of two, one of whom had a NICU stay. Quick Takeaways from the Episode:Going through the NICU with her own child is an experience that changed her perspective as a Physical Therapist and her practice.She understands that it is really easy to feel insignificant in the NICU and like you don’t have a role with your baby while they are there.Now, as a provider, her practice aims to remind parents that they are the experts in regards to their child. 🤍 When she brought her baby home from the NICU it felt like a whirlwind. She had the discharge packet, and had set up the follow ups, but she realized she was riding the adrenaline from one day to the next. Her advice? Recognize that you have been through something really life-altering and it’s ok to just "do nothing" for a while.The part of our brain that makes decisions, (executive function), and that focuses on things like planning, and organizing, basically goes offline when you’re working from a fight-or-flight response. It’s no surprise that things can go by the wayside (like remembering to make follow up appts) when you’re dealing with something as life changing as a NICU experience. Give yourself a couple weeks. The early intervention therapy will be there. Take the first few weeks to build that connection you desire with your baby.Sign up for the NICU Alumni Grad Guide Series to receive timely reminders so you can focus on what matters - spending time with your baby!What is a Neurodiversity Affirming Approach?  A connection-based approach to therapy where the foundation is nervous system regulation (commonly impacted in babies that have had a NICU experience).We talk about our three bonus senses which Brittany also wrote about for the NICU Alumni Resource Library:Vestibular senseProprioceptionInteroceptionBrittany’s NICU Alumni Grad Guide - advice for after the NICU -Build the right team for your babyYou can get 2nd opinions and advocate for the best fit for your child and for your familyHow to play with your baby infographic by Lemon CityToy Guide and Sensory Guide by Lemon CityYou can reach out to Brittany through via instagram @lemoncitycollective or through their website www.lemoncitycollective.com Let's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Tune in for a Special Episode: "Reflecting on One Year of the NICU Alumni Podcast" with our Board of Directors! 🎉Join us as we look back on a year of inspiring stories, valuable insights, and heartfelt connections. Hear from the dedicated individuals behind the scenes who have made this podcast possible.Quick Takeaways from the Episode:FL Partners in PolicymakingThe Zaky HUG collaborationNICU Alumni Parent GroupsNICU Parent NetworkGIVE MIAMI DAYNICU Alumni Grad Guide - Board of Directors EditionFollow NICU Alumni 🩵 Advocate for your child 💪 Gentle reminder: It’s ok to ask for help! You are not alone!You’re home! Soak it up! Hug that baby! And give yourself grace. 🤍 Nose Frida hack - connect one end to your breast pump instead of doing the suction yourself! 🤯  Nobody does this parenting thing perfectly - be kind to yourself!Subscribe to our NICU Alumni Grad Guide email seriesThank you for an amazing year!Let's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Savannah Jane O’Malley is a wife and working mother of 3 former preemies. She works full-time, pursues her artistic passions part-time, and moms all the time. We talk about her twin boys who were born 3.5 months early, how they spent their first 3 months fighting for the chance at life despite being given many devastating diagnoses, enduring countless ups and downs, and achieving absolutely incredible triumphs.This season of her life made her discover her true role as a mother and set her on a brand-new trajectory. Through social media, writing, public speaking and painting, she is a voice of hope to families going through similar trials. She is an ally to people with disabilities (especially cerebral palsy, like her son), a cheerleader to families during and after a NICU stay, a momma mental health advocate, and a self-proclaimed spreader of reckless hope.Quick Takeaways from the Episode:Providers will check on you and your mental health at many postpartum follow ups. Since these follow ups may take place while your child is still in the NICU, you may easily overlook the need to focus on your mental health.It may take months, even years for you to recognize that your mental health still needs some love and attention. We were honored to have Savannah write a guest feature for our resource library about her experience with unprocessed trauma. Click here to read her heartfelt message.It’s easy to think that, “they’re out of the hospital, they survived… it’s all good now.” But there is still grief around the experience and giving yourself space to process it is worth it.One thing that really helped Savannah (and that keeps coming up from other guests of the podcast) was journalingAfter sharing some of these experiences on social media through @savyjaneomalley, Savannah, who is also an artist, was inspired to create art through a series called, Cards of Hope. Through this campaign Savannah will send a signed print of one of her paintings to any mother of birth trauma that requests one.Savannah's NICU Alumni Grad Guide:What was it like once you were home? - Like being in "Survival-Mode"It was tough to find resources.When you leave the NICU for the last time, after everyone celebrates, you leave the sounds and support, and then it’s just quiet.Once you’re on the other side, there will be triggers… things that remind you of the experience… you can’t control them, and you may not be able to process them right in the moment, but they can bring awareness to a new part of your healing.Advice for families in the NICU now: Stay present ✨ Take more pictures 📸 😊 You can learn more about Savannah and her work on her website at www.savyjane.com. Also, be sure to check out her Cards of Hope here!  💌 Let's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Jennifer Degl is the mother of four, including a micro preemie born at 23 weeks gestation. As the founder of Speaking for Moms and Babies, Inc., her mission is to educate the public on maternal and neonatal health issues. She's also the author of three books and has published articles in both the Journal of Pediatrics and the Journal of Perinatology.Quick Takeaways from the Episode:Jennifer described coming home from the NICU with one word: Scary. This shouldn't be the case! At NICU Alumni, the heart of our mission is to support families like Jennifer's, so they feel more secure and less anxious when they leave the NICU.As a primary caregiver, you often don't focus on yourself. Most of the time, you might not even recognize how you're feeling.Take advantage of peer support. It's incredibly helpful to talk to someone who understands the experience you've been through. Here are some organizations we love that offer this support: Dear NICU MamaHand to HoldNext month, we're hosting our first virtual support group, and the topic will be on anxiety and mental health tips leading up to the holiday season. Reach out to us here if you'd like to be added to the waiting list.Jennifer's NICU Alumni Grad Guide - her advice for after the NICU: Remember you're not alone. Trust your gut! Don’t be afraid to advocate for your kiddo.Get connected - whether locally or virtually, and in whatever way that works for you! Some more recommendations from Jennifer include: NICU Parent Network, with members across the United States and InternationallyCall your NICU, they may be able to recommend local supportAuthor, Kasey Matthews and her book on her experience as a mother to a preemieJennifer’s memoir - hearing from others who have gone through a similar experience can help and may inspire you to write your own story! You don't have to be a published author to write, and journaling can really help with your healing process.Jennifer's children's book about the NICU experienceJennifer's children's book about bedrest (co-written by Angela Davids, creator of www.KeepEmCookin.com, an educational website and online support group for women who are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.)As you heal mentally and physically through your journey you are a better help and support for your baby!Connect with Jennifer through her website  or Instagram.Let's stay in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Martha Sharkey is the Founder & CEO of Today is a Good Day, a non-profit providing personal and financial support for families who experience the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).Martha and her husband, Paul, founded Today is a Good Day in honor of their daughter, Claire, and in memory of their daughter, Mary. They welcomed their identical twin girls at just 23 weeks and 5 days on November 14, 2010. Quick Call Outs from the Episode:Mange expectations in the NICU - remain hopeful, but remember that hope can evolve and changeThe NICU experience never leaves us even years laterTake comfort knowing that everything happens for “a chunk of time” - this season is not going to last foreverThe NICU is one chunk of time, but then you get into a new chapter when you go homeWhen you get home it can be hard to express that you’d like people to keep distance when you are starting to venture out and take part in activities with your NICU gradYou may experience the desire to be in community, but also want to take good care in not exposing your baby to germs unnecessarily especially after being in the hospital - and it’s ok to express that!Do what works best for your family and change it up as you feel comfortableIt is likely that you will be managing follow up appointments with specialists, as well as visits to your child’s pediatrician - take a listen to the Today is a Good Day podcast episode - Building a Strong Relationship with Your Pediatrician for some helpful tips like: what you need to know for your first pediatrician visit.Journaling is helpful for many reasons like: keeping track of your baby’s progress, and writing about how you’re feeling. You can keep the journal going when you are home and can use it to refer to when you see your child’s health care providers and want to share about particular progress that was made.Martha’s NICU Alumni Grad Guide - her advice for after the NICU:Start with what is locally availablePrioritize Early Intervention - request an evaluation so that you can get started as soon as possible. The onboarding process takes time. Even if you think that your child is too young and not really doing much as a newborn, the therapists provide great support through simple exercises that can be built upon to foster your child’s development. (We published an Early Intervention 101 Guide, click here and we'll send it to you!)Take time for self care. When you’re caring for yourself, you’re able to care for your baby, (we share some great self care tips here)More about Today is a Good DayAt Today is a Good Day, they take great care in creating welcome packages for the families they serve. The packages include messages of celebration (they firmly believe that every birth should be celebrated 🎉), stories from other families, and helpful items.If you are wondering what you can give a NICU family as a gift when they welcome their baby to the world, con A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

This week we are interviewing Alexandra Sportini, a NICU Mom to an IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction) miracle baby who will soon be 15 months old.We talk about Alexandra's journey with breast milk which actually started before her son was born while she was in antepartum. From there, we discuss her son's NICU experience, and how, following his birth, she became an exclusive pumper. She was eventually able to nurse her son, and later also became a donor for Prolacta Bioscience, a company dedicated to transforming care for vulnerable babies by unlocking the power of human milk.Alexandra has currently donated over 4,000 OUNCES of breast milk to NICU babies while still feeding her sonQuick Call Outs from the Episode:Lactation and nursing your baby in the NICU can be stressfulExclusive Pumping Private Facebook Groups can be a good place to startDid you know? Most pumps come with 24mm or 28mm flange size parts, which is not the average size many need. Typically a more appropriate size is 19mm or even 17mm.If you start with a flange size that is too big, you won’t empty all the way and that can lead to you thinking that you aren't able to produce enough milk and you may end up feeling defeated Pumping is hard! It may sound simple: pump, feed, clean parts, and repeat, but it is time consuming and the routine can be difficult to maintain.In addition to getting the right flange size, here are other tools that can help:Flange InsertsSpectra S2 Plus Hospital Strength PumpLansinoh Smartpump 3.0 Manual Medela PumpWhen using a pump it’s helpful to test out different settings. It’s tempting to immediately set the pump to the high suction setting however, that can be painful and is not how a baby would nurseAlexandra recommends starting slow and steady. Start on a lower setting and when you are consistently producing at that setting, then increase it“The thing with pumping is, you are tricking your body.”Play with the pump settings to try to stimulate how a baby will suckle, suckle, suckle, and then do long draw sucks.We talked about a safety tips guide for sterilizing your pump parts, if you'd like to refer to it, click here!Alexandra's NICU Alumni Grad Guide - her advice for after the NICU:As your baby prepares to transition home, consider discussing the option of shutting the monitors off with your medical team. This can help you gradually rely on them less, while ensuring the nursing team still has access to your baby's stats at the nurse's station. Please note: This should only be considered if approved by your medical team as not all units are the same.Talk about your experience, process what you’ve gone through. It can be incredibly helpful, even after the NICU.Other helpful supportMental Health checks (talk to your OB) A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Michelle Klein, a pediatrician at Uptown Pediatrics in NYC. Originally from California, Dr. Klein earned her BA in Neuroscience from UCLA, followed by a master’s degree in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, and her medical degree from New York Medical College. Her journey continued as she completed her pediatric residency, chief residency, and pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Klein is passionate about sharing her expertise with families and future pediatricians, and we are thrilled to have her on the podcast.Quick Call Outs from the Episode:Leaving the NICU is one of the hardest transitions with your baby. You’re caring for your baby without the NICU, and also there is a transition of having a different doctor care for your baby.NICU babies have been watched so closely, for so long. The transition from hospital to home, without the reassurance of constant 'vitals' monitoring, can be quite nerve-wracking. While some families may return home with monitoring equipment, in most cases, the babies have progressed and achieved stability. When you feel anxiety creeping in, remember that the reasons they were monitored so vigilantly are no longer as significant.Finding the right Pediatrician for your familyIf possible, connect with a pediatrician before your baby is discharged - set up a virtual meeting, it's a great way to establish a connection!Provide the pediatrician with background information so they can be prepared for the first "in office" visit with the baby.Dr. Klein's NICU Alumni Grad Guide - her advice for after the NICU: Track and monitor - but modify!Since there is such a high level of order and organization when you’re in the NICU, you may already be in the habit of keeping track of things, but the granularity of the NICU is no longer needed.Having some sort of list, whether it is written down, or through phone apps, etc, is fine! What are some things you can keep track of?Feedings (And you can track an estimate of ounces, it does not have to be mLs anymore!)Bowel MovementsWet DiapersNapsMedication ListsFollow Up ApptsCommunicating with your PediatricianSet up an email chain with your pediatrician and specialists to keep everyone on the same page.Be open and honest about communication needs - ask, what is the best way to get in touch with you? Email? Portal?Dr. Klein shared her own personal NICU experience. Despite her familiarity with the NICU setting from working there numerous times, it was still quite overwhelming. One crucial piece of advice she imparts is the importance of finding your voice to advocate for both yourself and your child.Additional Resources to check outNICU Alumni Grad GuideAmerican Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website (healthychildren.org) Check Up Checklists A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Trish Ringley has been a NICU nurse since she graduated from nursing school in 1997. After more than 15 years serving NICU families, she realized how hard it is for parents to find the products they crave to support them during their NICU experience. So in 2014, she founded Every Tiny Thing, a brand devoted to providing the NICU products parents need and deserve.Quick Call Outs from the Episode:Trish shared that the Every Tiny Thing journal and the milestone cards serve as more than just “a nice gift”, they are tools that really empower parents and give them a sense of hope and appreciation during their baby's time in the NICU.Learning to be your child’s primary caregiver while in the NICU helps you to be involved in their care, and helps during the transition home!Ideas on things you can do to feel like you are the primary caregiver while your baby is in the NICUCall the NICU for updatesChange diapersRead to your babyHold your baby/ do Kangaroo CareGive your baby a bathJournal and keep track of milestonesThis involvement sets the stage for you so that when you go home, you feel more prepared to care for your baby “on your own”Before you leave the NICU ask staff for recommendations and tips, like:Do they recommend certain pediatricians?How do they give a bath?How do they like to swaddle, and why?Do they know of support groups in the area? Trish recommends checking out Hand to Hold and Project NICUIf you're in South Florida, join us for our NICU Alumni Parent Support GroupTrish's NICU Alumni Grad Guide - her advice ahead of your transition home:Become familiar with things like the carseat (how it attaches in the car, how it attaches to the stroller)Become familiar with any medication your baby will have when they go homeBecome familiar with any medical equipment your baby will go home withClick here to receive our NICU Discharge checklistTake some time to do a little bit of research, you can start here by browsing the NICU Alumni resource library, or click here for our helpful linksIt’s ok that it feels hard to transition home. You made it! You’re going to get through it! You are prepared!Remember, you can learn more about Trish at www.everytinything.com, on amazon, and at their instagram account @everytinything!Let's keep in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

In this heartwarming episode, we interview our founder's daughter and dive into the beautiful tradition NICU Alumni started of collecting The Zaky HUGs® to distribute within our community.What is The Zaky HUG®? 🤗 It is a soft, weighted hand-shaped pillow that simulates the touch and warmth of a parent's hand. It's designed to provide comfort, security, and a sense of closeness for premature and sick babies during their NICU journey and beyond. 🩵 Embracing the NICU Alumni Tradition 🩵 Here's how you can get involved and make a difference:1️⃣ Listen to this episode and share it with your friends, family, and fellow NICU Alumni to spread awareness and inspire others to join the movement. 2️⃣ Visit www.nicualumni.org/zaky-tradition to learn more about The Zaky HUG® and how you can help make a difference.3️⃣ Use the link on our page to purchase The Zaky HUG®. It will be sent directly to us so that we can distribute them to a local NICU.4️⃣ If you are not able to purchase The Zaky HUG® at this time, but would still like to contribute to NICU Alumni and our programs, you can support us here.We know that together, we can spread love and comfort, one HUG at a time! 💕 🌟Let's keep in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Krystal Janet is a full time working momma and stepmom. She embraces all parenting a child with special needs, coparenting and life changes with good books and cafecito. Krystal enjoys traveling, attending community events, eating sushi and trying all the red wines. This momma strives to continue strengthening and growing her village through her family and friends, both local and out of state, and has a soft spot for Autism Moms, Stepmoms and graduates of the NICU. Check her out on instagram @theinclusivemama. Sensitive topic: Code PinkQuick Call Outs from the Episode:Leaving the hospital is a huge milestone, but it can be challenging for friends and family to understand that being discharged from the NICU doesn’t necessarily mean the difficulties are over. You and your baby may still have ongoing concerns that need to be monitored and supported. The time after the NICU can be very overwhelming and isolating.Krystal reminds us that taking time to think of yourself and to take care of yourself, will help you to be able to care for your child.Take a look at our NICU Alumni article, "10 Self-Care Tips for Parents of NICU Grads".After learning about her son’s autism diagnosis, Krystal shares that it was hard to grapple with, and she was upset by how hard it was to get the support he neededWe asked Krystal, "when did you feel like you went from being in 'survival mode' to 'thriving'”?Krystal shares that it's ok to take a minute to grieve that what you thought, expected, planned, and dreamed, will look differentEmbrace what the new expectations, plans, and dreams can look likeFIND YOUR PEOPLE! Community and support make a meaningful difference. Do not stay isolated.Additional ResourcesFree support: UM-NSU Card (free services and programs for those in the South Florida area that are affected by autism and related disabilities)Miami Mom Collective - Miami Mom Collective is a website that aims to connect area moms to relevant resources, local businesses, can’t-miss happenings, and most of all — each other!Krystal’s posts on Miami Mom Collective Follow Krystal on Instagram @theinclusivemama!Let's keep in touch!You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Alesia DiSano, is a Senior Pediatric Occupational Therapist with 19 years of experience in the field. We met through a mutual contact, Leah Jayanetti, a PT that we also had on the podcast earlier this year. In Leah's words… “Alesia is a renowned occupational therapist with a wealth of experience in early intervention, inpatient and outpatient therapy and has worked in the Sensory Integration and Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CIMT) worlds for a long time. She is the best OT I know and her patients thrive under her care.” It was such pleasure to speak to her and we hope you enjoy listening to our chat!Quick Call Outs from the Episode:More about Sensory Integration - it relates to sensory processing and the experience we start to have first in utero and then as babies, with our environment. Kids with various diagnoses can benefit from support with sensory processes through Sensory Integration and it can be very unique and specific to the child.More about Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CIMT) - it involves casting an unaffected arm with a removable cast to facilitate the use of the affected arm by taking a way competing information, which can lead to positive gains.Preparing to Graduate - Trust your intuition/ and advocate for your childThink about the environment you are going home to (this keeps coming up across all of our episodes)Think about people you can reach out to for support whether in family or friendsNICU Grad Guide - You’re finally home, now what?It’s going to take time to get into a routine - that's ok!Skin-to-skin and babywearing can help you become familiar with your baby's cues so you know when they are overstimulated. In addition to that, the baby getting to experience this form of movement as you walk around and go about your daily tasks can be  extremely beneficial to them and the development their vestibular sense. Firm, deep pressure is calming vs. light tickling touches which can be irritating Early Intervention - You don’t have to start with everything all at once, you can kick off early intervention with occupation therapy first and then build your child’s support team a little bit at a time from there.Early on, OT can cover milestones across multiple disciplines from speech to physical therapy, so it’s a great place to start for guidance and supportResources and products Alesia recommendsYour Baby’s Bottle Feeding Aversion, by Rowena BennettMotherly podcastBaby wearing - ErgoBaby and Baby K'tan (the one Alesia mentioned but didn’t have the name.) Ultimately, find what is comfortable for you, and explore the systems that are out there. These are just two that we know can be helpful.You can connect with Alesia via email - adisano@lifespan.org!Let's keep in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, an A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Marci Launer, is the owner and founder of Launer Speech Language Therapy, a private speech language pathology practice based out of Long Island, NY. While working in early intervention she found her passion for feeding and swallowing in infants and specializes in treating infants and toddlers with Feeding and Swallowing difficulties. Marci has worked with preemies, micro preemies, infants and toddlers with various genetic disorders, syndromes and their families.Quick Call Outs from the Episode:Focusing on feeding and swallowing can be a big part of the post-NICU journey for many familiesWhile your baby is in the NICU, under the care of medical staff, try to prepare your mind, your body, and your environment for when your baby will be home. Use that time to start to build your community.Meal Train/ Meal Baby plans are such a blessing! Not having to think about groceries and meals a few times a week gives parents space to focus on the more important matters that they are experiencing at the timeFeeding and Swallowing can cause a lot of anxiety for parents of NICU grads. It can be challenging to get into a routine and become comfortable with bottles, positioning, and training infants how to chew and swallow properly as well as how to manage textures.Spending time working on feeding and swallowing doesn’t just help make feeding more pleasant for parents and infants, but it also helps lay the foundation for speech and language!Every experience is different - try not to compare your child's development to the experience of others. Surround yourself with community as you support your NICU grad.Marci's Grad Guide recommendation - Keep a journal and document your journey. You can use it to track food, and ounces, and communicating with your child’s team. When you look back, you will see progress, collaboration, and relationships.Thanks for joining, Marci!! You can connect with Marci on instagram at Launer Speech Language Therapy, her website, or marci@launerspeechlanguagetherapy.com.Let's keep in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Yamile Jackson, is the Creator of The Zaky HUG and International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day. In this interview, Yamile shares about her experience in the NICU with her son and how skin to skin helped them both thrive even in the midst of a tropical storm, and being transferred between two hospitals.From these experiences she went on to found Nurtured by Design®, where she has harnessed her experience of being a mother to a micro preemie, as well as her professional experience in engineering to create innovative healthcare products for babies in the NICU. Quick Call Outs from the Episode:Andrea shares her personal connection to the Zaky Hug The transition home is hard, but how you interact with them while in the NICU, and participating in Kangaroo Care, helps parents gain confidence to care for their baby once they are homeJoin NICU Alumni’s Annual Zaky TraditionClick here to send a Zaky to a baby in the NICUKangaroo Care Day is May 15th!There are so many benefits to Kangaroo Care, and bringing awareness to it empowers families to participate in the care of their babyCheck out  https://kangaroo.care/ for more information about Kangaroo Care Day!You can connect with Yamile at thezaky.com, on instagram @thezaky, and via email at yamile@thezaky.comLet's keep in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.