NICU Babies Parent Support

S6 E100: Real or Filtered? Sharing Your NICU Story on Social Media ft. Scott & Kathryn Whitaker

You’re living your hardest days in the NICU, so you turn to social media for support, encouragement, solidarity and community. Can you share too much? When does your story become their story? Veteran NICU parents and active social media users Scott & Kathryn Whitaker share some tips for sharing your NICU baby’s journey on social media, setting healthy boundaries and inviting people into your suffering.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   ...

S6 E99: This One's For the Dads ft. Will Hay

To every dad who has endured a NICU stay with his son or daughter, we see you. NICU dad Will Hay shares his hardest day, the thing that gave him hope and how he took his fear and turned it into a beautiful resource for other parents. Dads, this one’s for you.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Will Hay: Instagram   🔗Links to resources: Book, The Littlest Penguin: A NICU Story   📺Socials 📺 Instagr...

S6 E98: Should I Pay That Medical Bill? ft. Marshall Allen

Never pay the first bill, at least that’s what podcast guest and medical investigative journalist Marshall Allen advises. At some point, every NICU family has to deal with an insurance company, government agency, medical billing office or all three. Learn how to speak a language that billing offices understand, advocate for your rights and save yourself money, headaches and long hours on hold with medical stakeholders.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook...

S6 E97: What You Need to Know About Medical Billing & Insurance ft. Kelley Coleman

Paying the medical bills and determining insurance coverage can almost be as stressful as caring for your NICU baby (and sometimes more so). Kelley Coleman - author, disability advocate and mom of a medically complex child - shares questions to ask, provides an overview of programs and shares advice from both her lived experience, as well as insurance and medical billing experts.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the gu...

S6 E96: Advocating for Paid Parental Leave in your Workplace ft. Sherenne Simon

Does your employer offer paid parental leave or are you struggling to find a game plan for how to care for your baby after NICU discharge while tending to your job responsibilities? Sherenne Simon, social impact expert, shares how she influenced major policy change in her workplace to accommodate NICU parents. Her book, Own Your Influence: An Unconventional Journey to Making an Impact at Work, hits shelves in November and can show you how to capitalize on your own power of influence to enact...

S6 E95: Postpartum Depression & Anxiety, One Mom’s Story ft. Britt Moreno

Sometimes we are called to share our stories, in a big way. Emmy-award winning journalist Britt Moreno experienced postpartum complications following the birth of her second child. Instead of quietly working through them, she chose to use her platform as an NBC affiliate news anchor to amplify the crisis of postpartum depression and anxiety in the hopes of helping other women through her interviews and in-depth investigations.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  ...

S6 E94: Do I Have Postpartum Depression or Anxiety? ft. Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins

Are you worried you might be suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety? Whether it’s been days, weeks or months since the birth of your baby, board-certified OB/Gyn Dr. Nicole Rankins shares what PPD and PPA are, common symptoms, treatment options and where to seek  help.    💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website  |  Podcast   🔗 Links to res...

S6 E93: Season 6, Life after a NICU admission ft. Kathryn Whitaker

You’ve been admitted to the NICU or you’re in the thick of raising a NICU baby and you look around and might wonder how this is your life and what’s next - for your baby, your family and your life. THIS is the season that will serve you during your NICU admission and long after your discharge. In season 6 - life after a NICU admission - we tackle postpartum depression and anxiety, paid parental leave, medical billing/insurance, a dad's perspective, pelvic floor physical therapy, sex and inti...

NICU Babies, Parent Support Podcast Trailer

Episode 92: Season Finale for 2023!

2023 was filled with a plethora of amazing guests and topics. So many exciting things are in store for the podcast in 2024!   In this episode, I share: Highlight some of our guests and topics. How listeners can share their feedback on next year’s seasons, by sending us a DM on social media or emailing us at [email protected] Take a quick 30-seconds and review, rate and subscribe to our podcasts. It’s how more people find us. Kathryn Whitaker is the author of Live Big, Love Bigge...

Episode 91: New Tech for Moms & Babies ft. Katie Linendoll

Technology and gadgets, when used with purpose and discernment, can be a true aid to a NICU family’s life. In this episode Emmy-winning tech expert, Katie Linendoll, shares her go-to products for moms and NICU families, all at varying price points.   In this episode, we chat about: How did you get interested in the field of technology and coding as a woman? What do you hope people take away by utilizing new gadgets or participating in new technology? Let's chat about your best ideas f...

Episode 90: Chaplaincy & the NICU ft. J.S. Park

We all have preconceived ideas about what a hospital chaplain is, or isn’t. So, in this conversation with author and chaplain J.S. Park, we discuss how families might utilize their services, receive an advocate and find someone to hold space in a difficult moment.    In this episode, we chat about: What led you to pursue a career as a hospital chaplain? When we hear the word "chaplain" that may conjure up many things for many people. What's your primary role as a hospital chaplain? Do...

Episode 89: Food Allergies & the Holidays ft. Vanessa Gonzalez Kraft

Food and the holidays go hand-in-hand, but when there is an allergy or restriction they can often be stressful and full of anxiety. Cottage bakery owner and food allergy mama, Vanessa Gonzalez Kraft, walks you through what an allergy might look like, ways to be a hospitable host and tips for adjusting to an allergy-free kitchen.   In this episode, we chat about: Tell me a little bit about your NICU stay with your twins. When did you first notice food allergies in your children? How di...

Episode 88: Using TikTok to Normalize Family Life ft. Allison Sullivan

As we continue to share stories In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, mom of 5 (including a son with DS) Allison Sullivan shares how she uses TikTok to normalize family life. And, with more than 1.2M followers, we say she might be onto something.   In this episode, we chat about: Tell us a little about your family. When and why did you decide to launch a TikTok account? What’s your primary content on your account? One of your children has Down Syndrome. Did you ever worry that s...

Episode 87: Receiving a Down Syndrome Diagnosis ft. Stephanie Weinert

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we shed some light on life with a DS child with PICU mom, Stephanie Weinert. She shares how she received the diagnosis and how Beckett’s entrance into the world changed her life. In this episode we briefly discuss death, dying and grief.   In this episode, we chat about: The day she learned her son was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. What were some of the things you had to re-learn as a mom after Beckett's diagnosis? What were some of Beckett's...

Episode 86: Did I Leave the NICU with PTSD? ft. Dr. Tiffany Gladdis

The NICU often leaves caregivers, and babies, with anxiety and overwhelm and sometimes something more complex, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Tiffany Gladdis shares the difference between anxiety and PTSD and what parents can do to address their triggers and receive treatment.   In this episode, we chat about: How did you get interested in clinical psychology, specifically focusing on the NICU? What's the difference between anxiety and PT...

Episode 85: Just Landed in the NICU? Start Here. ft Kathryn Whitaker

Did your baby just get admitted to the NICU? Feeling overwhelmed? Scared? Frustrated? Tired? Kathryn Whitaker, mom of six (including her own NICU baby), shares the things she wishes someone had told her upon admission. If you want to be seen in your NICU experience, this episode is for you.   In this episode, Kathryn shares: A letter to NICU moms How to advocate for your baby Finding resources for your mental health How to accept help and what to ask for   Kathryn Whitaker is the ...

Episode 84: An Honest Conversation with a NICU Nurse ft. Dr. Lisa Davenport

The person that spends the most time with your child is likely a NICU nurse. NICU parent, former NICU nurse and current director of NICU nursing, Dr. Lisa Davenport, and I have an honest conversation about the highs and lows of nursing, what things have changed and how parents can have the best relationship possible with their baby’s NICU nurse.   In this episode, we chat about:   Of all the professions, why nursing and why NICU nursing? What differentiates a NICU nurse from a pediat...

Episode 83: Finding the Best Pediatrician for Your NICU Baby ft. Dr. Ari Brown

Your child’s pediatrician is likely one of their most important; it’s where all things begin. Author of the “411” series and revered pediatrician, Dr. Ari Brown, gives great insight on traits you should look for in your own pediatrician, vaccine schedules and resources to help you be the best advocate for your NICU baby.   In this episode, we chat about: After receiving your degree in child development, what made you pursue a career in pediatrics? What are things your pediatrician shou...

Episode 82: Common NICU Breastfeeding Problems ft. Dr. Leah Jordan

Women often hear that breastfeeding is natural, but many encounter challenges or hurdles. Neonatologist and breastfeeding advocate, Dr. Leah Jordan, shares tips on establishing a good milk supply, finding good lactation support and advice on managing stress when nursing your NICU baby doesn’t go as planned.   In this episode, we chat about: What led you to pursue a career in neonatology? Why are you so passionate about breastfeeding and health equity? What should a new mom know about ...

Episode 81: The Importance of Donor Milk ft. Veronica Cogwin

When formula or breastfeeding isn’t a viable option for your NICU baby, donor milk may be the next best alternative. Former Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin Board Member and NICU mom, Veronica Cogwin, shares about her daughter’s personal experience as a donor milk recipient.   In this episode, we chat about: Tell us about Victoria’s birth. What did your breastfeeding journey look like with your micropreemie? When did donor milk become a viable possibility for your daughter? What were som...

Episode 80: Helping Your Child in School Through IEPs and 504s ft. Amber Feller

IEPs! 504s! Sometimes those services provided by the school can feel overwhelming, even when know they can benefit our child. School Board Trustee and NICU mom, Amber Feller, breaks it all down into practical steps, with action items to help you focus so you can assist your child in receiving the services he or she needs.   In this episode, we chat about: What led you to pursue a fulfilling, but sometimes contentious, spot on the local school board? You have both school board and paren...

Episode 79: What to Do When Your NICU Kid is Bullied ft. Sr. Josephine Garrett

Just when you find your rhythm, something like school bullying enters the picture and it can often feel overwhelming and frustrating. Sr. Josephine Garrett, a licensed mental health school counselor talks strategies, perspective and encouragement in dealing with bullying.   In this episode, we chat about: How and why did you pursue counseling? You serve both a school and have a private practice. What are the similarities and differences in serving those two populations? Some NICU babi...

Episode 78: Breastfeeding Awareness, Birth Photography & Doulas ft. Leilani Rogers

Today, you get the trifecta! Doula, birth photographer and breastfeeding advocate Leilani Rogers shares about her breastfeeding awareness passion project, which was an outgrowth of her work as a birth photographer. Those two passions then led her to obtain her doula certification. Her knowledge and experience in all three is certainly a gift!   In this episode, we chat about: How did you find your calling in birth photography? Your birth photography accolades are many! You even hosted ...

Episode 77: Palliative Care of Neonates ft. Dr. Elvira Parravicini

Trigger warning: In this episode we talk about death and dying.   Not every baby leaves the NICU but it has been Dr. Elvira Parravicini’s passion to serve those families with infants who have life-limited or life-threatening illnesses. The Neonatal Comfort Care Program seeks to address those needs and support those families from diagnosis, to delivery and beyond.   In this episode, we chat about: How were you led from your specialty of perinatology and neonatology to your work in pa...

Episode 76: How One Mom’s Grief Moved Her to Action ft. Misti Staley

Trigger warning: In this episode we talk about death and dying.   Sometimes, families leave the hospital without their NICU baby. Misti Staley shares about the beautiful life of her son and how the challenges they encountered during his care inspired her to honor his memory after his passing. That outgrowth of generosity is now blessing NICUs and their families around the world.   In this episode, we chat about: Freeman’s birth. What devices/assistance came home with him and how di...

Episode 75: Caring for Your Child's Wounds ft. Media Esser

NICU baby skin is sensitive and often requires proper wound care, either from a lack of development or other treatments required by the NICU staff. Media Esser, a board-certified wound nurse shares common causes of skin damage, suggestions on making wound care easier and tried and true rules of thumb when caring for damaged neonate skin.   In this episode, we chat about: What is a wound care specialist? What is it that makes NICU/micropreemie babies’ skin so sensitive? What are some c...

Episode 74: Preparing Your Baby for Surgery ft. Dr. Tory Meyer

So, your baby is having surgery. Whether it’s acute, routine or planned, pediatric surgeon Dr. Tory Meyer, shares what parents can expect, what questions to ask and how to approach the procedure with the best possible information.   In this episode, we chat about: What led you to pursue a career in pediatric surgery? What are the most common surgeries you perform? For planned surgeries, parents have time to prepare their child for the procedure. What can a parent expect at the appoint...

Episode 73: Mental Health: Can a Psychologist Help My Child? (pt 4) ft. Dr. Dina O'Brien

Our NICU adolescents and teens sometimes find themselves trying to cope with a difficult medical diagnosis or a major life change. Dina O’Brien, a pediatric psychologist and NICU mom speaks from experience, on both sides, on how a parent can help their child.   In this episode, we chat about: Why did you pursue a career in pediatric psychology? What is the primary purpose of a pediatric psychologist? How did your background as a pediatric psychologist help or hinder your experience as...

Episode 72: Mental Health: Why We Said Yes to Marriage Counseling (pt 3) ft. Scott & Kathryn Whitaker

A NICU stay, and subsequent surgeries, can put extreme strain on a relationship. Scott and Kathryn Whitaker share why they sought out help from a licensed marriage counselor, their barriers to get there and how it changed their relationship.   In this episode, we chat about: What led them to the counseling door? What were some of their reservations about going to counseling? Strategies learned in counseling that benefited their marriage? How did they overcome the stigma of needing he...

Episode 71: Mental Health: Does my Child Need a Psychiatrist? (pt 2) ft. Dr. Larry Mitnaul

Our NICU babies grow up and sometimes find themselves struggling to manage stress, anxiety, depression or navigating a disorder. Dr. Mitnaul, a child psychiatrist, shares how a child or adolescent may benefit from some extra assistance navigating those challenges.   In this episode, we chat about: How did you get from a biology degree to a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist? What is a child psychiatrist? How is that different from a child psychologist? Often, parents of NICU ba...

Episode 70: Mental Health: Couples' Counseling (pt 1) ft. Regina Boyd

Parents of NICU babies often find themselves struggling in relationships or facing difficult feelings. Licensed therapist Regina Boyd shares how to determine if, and when, therapy can help.   In this episode, we chat about: What does a therapist do / not do? What's the difference between a therapist and a licensed therapist? What are some signs you might benefit from seeing a therapist? How do you find a good therapist? The NICU often leaves parents with PTSD, anxiety, depression an...

Episode 69: Let’s Hit the Road: Traveling with Medically Complex Children ft. Christy Wilkens

Traveling with a medically-complex child can be stressful, overwhelming and daunting. Christy Wilkens, a mom of six, including a special needs child, shares how her family has conquered plane trips overseas and domestically, as well as road trips with their children in tow.   In this episode, we chat about: When did you feel safe and secure enough to embark on travel with a special needs child? What things did you do, or specialists did you consult to make you feel that way? How do yo...

Episode 68: Pre-eclampsia: How to heal from trauma (pt 4) ft. Parijat Deshpande

Your diagnosis doesn’t have to determine your outcome. As we conclude our four-part series on pre-eclampsia, Parijat Deshpande, a somatic trauma professional, shares how to heal from trauma.   In this episode, we chat about: What is a somatic trauma professional and what led you to that profession? How does your book, Pregnancy Brain, empower parents, especially those who are high-risk or find themselves in the NICU? If a woman finds herself in a high-risk pregnancy, is there anything...

Episode 67: Pre-eclampsia: One couple’s story of grief, guilt and healing (pt 3) ft. Steve & Kelly Gurvis

As we continue our four-part series on pre-eclampsia, this couple’s story about infertility, guilt, grief and healing will touch you, particularly NICU dads who often feel unseen in their loss.   In this episode, we chat about: Was your pregnancy considered high-risk from the beginning? When were you given a preeclampsia diagnosis? What do you want people to know about your experience with preeclampsia? How do you honor the life of your baby? As a couple, what did you learn about yo...

Episode 66: Pre-eclampsia: One Mom’s Story of Fear, Survival & Resilience (pt 2) ft. Dana Adams

As we continue our four-part series on pre-eclampsia, this mom’s story of fear, survival and resilience will both empower and encourage you.   In this episode, we chat about: Was your pregnancy considered high-risk from the beginning? When were you given a pre-eclampsia diagnosis? What was your relationship like with your OB/GYN and maternal fetal medicine doctor? What do you want people to know about your experience with pre-eclampsia? What were some of the challenges you experienc...

Episode 65: Preeclampsia: What is it and should you be scared? (pt 1) ft. Dr. David Berry

Pre-eclampsia affects more than 200,000 pregnancies every year, just in the US alone. Dr. David Berry, a maternal fetal medicine doctor, helps us kick off the first of a four-part series where we dive into the intricacies of this disease by sharing symptoms, signs and treatment options.   In this episode, we chat about: What is pre-eclampsia and how is it diagnosed? As a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor, what percentage of your patients are affected by pre-eclampsia? How does that compar...

Episode 64: How Child Life Specialists Help Kids Cope with Hard Things ft. Katie Taylor

It might look like child’s play, but child life specialists work with parents in hospitals and other settings to help children cope with the challenges of illness, hospitalization and disability.   In this episode, we chat about: What led her to pursue a career as a child life specialist? How do child life specialists serve babies and children in the hospital or in a specialized doctor's office? How do you gain confidence and speak up in rounds and with the care team? How can you sup...

Episode 63: Is It Possible to Balance Home & Career with a NICU Baby? ft. Kelly Ferguson

The truth is, home and career balance look different for every NICU family. Kelly Ferguson, NICU mom and business owner, shares her honest struggle about finding the right balance for her family in her particular season.   In this episode, we chat about: How and why did you start Kelly Wynne handbags? After you gave birth to your first daughter, how did you adjust to being a mom and running your own business? How did your second birth differ from your first? When you found yourself i...

Episode 62: Black Maternal Health, Advocacy & Awareness ft. Justina Kopp

Black Maternal Health Week is recognized each year, April 11-17, to bring attention and action in improving Black maternal health. Justina Kopp, mom to quadruplets and a NICU baby herself, shares how her experience led her to advocacy.   In this episode, we chat about: The moment she found out she was pregnant with quadruplets. Justina’s relationship with her OB/GYN. Her difficult relationship with her MFM doctor and how that made her feel. Her care in the NICU. How this experience ...

Episode 61: Feeding Therapy, Taking the Battle Out of Mealtime ft. Laurie Layne

Feeding your NICU baby can often be a challenge. April is Occupational Therapy month and pediatric OT Laurie Layne and I focus on how feeding therapy can be utilized and some of the challenges NICU parents may face.   In this episode, we chat about: For pediatrics, what exactly does an occupational therapist do and how does it differ from other pediatric therapies? When should a parent seek out occupational/feeding therapy? What are some things parents should look for in an occupation...

Episode 60: Let's Figure This Birth Thing Out ft. Lo Mansfield "The Labor Mama"

Birth can be many things: incredible, traumatic, beautiful, scary, empowering or all of them. Birth and postpartum nurse Lo Mansfield will talk about bringing intuition, grace and evidence into the birth experience.   In this episode, we chat about: Why nursing, specifically why labor and delivery? On your social media channels you talk about balancing intuition, grace + evidence. What do you mean by that? You sometimes mention the loss of your own mom while you were pregnant. Many of...

Episode 59: Where's Baby? How Books Can be Great Teachers ft. Dr. Jenny Koo

Your baby knows your voice from the beginning! Dr. Jenny Koo, neonatologist and children’s author, shares why reading is important and her latest project, aimed at NICU siblings.   In this episode, we chat about: This is Dr. Koo's fourth children's book, but her first about the NICU. What prompted her to write the book? Where did she find the time to write a book as a doctor and new mom? What are some of the analogies she uses in the book to explain the complicated world of the NICU t...

Episode 58: Diet & Nutrition in the NICU ft. Keli Hawthorne

Diet and nutrition are top priorities in helping your baby grow and thrive in the NICU. Registered dietitian Keli Hawthorne shares how you can play a pivotal role in your baby's daily nutrition.   In this episode, we chat about: Why did you choose to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics, specifically neonatal/pediatric? What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian? Where can parents go for assistance and help? What are some questions a parent should ask their...

Episode 58: Diet & Nutrition in the NICU

Diet and nutrition are top priorities in helping your baby grow and thrive in the NICU. Registered dietitian Keli Hawthorne shares how you can play a pivotal role in your baby's daily nutrition.   In this episode, we chat about: Why did you choose to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics, specifically neonatal/pediatric? What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian? Where can parents go for assistance and help? What are some questions a parent should ask their...

Episode 57: Day-to-Day Life with Cerebral Palsy ft. Katrina Moline

It’s one thing to receive a diagnosis and a whole other to live it. NICU mom Katrina Moline shares how cerebral palsy has, and has not, affected their daily life.   In this episode, we chat about: What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)? For children/babies who have CP what are some of the symptoms, developmental challenges? When you learned of the diagnosis, what did you do? How has CP affected your daily family life? What has been the hardest adjustment? How have you grown in the last 13 year...

Episode 56: Navigating a High-Risk Pregnancy ft. Dr. Jenny Summers

No high risk pregnancy is the same. Dr. Summers joins me for a conversation about mitigating the risks, working with your OB/GYN and questions to ask.   In this episode, we chat about: What defines a high-risk pregnancy and what places a woman in that category? If you have some of those risks, what should you look for in an OB/GYN to give you proper care and attention? What are some things women can do to mitigate the risks of a high-risk pregnancy? When should a women consider meds,...

Episode 55: Living with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome ft. Kasie Marek

As we celebrate American Heart Month, heart mama and two-time cancer survivor, Kasie Marek, speaks openly and honestly about what it’s like to have a son with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrom (HLHS). We have a beautiful discussion about the realities of caring for a child with a serious and rare heart condition.   In this episode, we chat about: What is Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)? How does HLHS affect a family: emotionally, logistically and financially? What are the treatmen...

Episode 54: Introducing NICU Babies Parent Support ft. Kathryn Whitaker

It’s a new era in the podcast and new host Kathryn Whitaker shares what listeners (and YouTube fans!) can expect this year.   In this episode, Kathryn chats about: Her background and why this podcast means so much to her heart. Why the new format (audio and video)? What are some topics and guests listeners can expect this year? Why don’t more NICUs have Dr Pepper on tap? (ha!) Kathryn Whitaker is the author of Live Big, Love Bigger, an award-winning book about living an intention...

Episode 53: Super Scar - How a NICU Mom Used Humor to Share Her Story

Guest: Lauren Aboulafia Lauren is a writer, actor, director, and animator. Lauren most recently animated and directed an animated comedy-drama called “Super Scar”, based on her own traumatic birth experience and NICU story. Hear more about Lauren's story, and what motivated her to create Super Scar, an animated comedy-drama about a new moms' support group where Lauren, an aspiring superstar, describes her experience of giving birth 3 months early, and her struggle to stay sane amidst the...