Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

For this podcast, I continued my conversation with Jessica Wolff. We discussed what their life was like once they brought Lily home. She explains how they adjusted to caring for Lily with her tracheostomy along with the necessary life-saving equipment and how all of that completely changed once COVID hit.
We discussed how the plan for Lily’s decannulation went completely sideways, how they coped with it, and how they learned that Lily actually needed a full laryngotracheal reconstructive surgery. Jessica proudly shares how Lily is doing today, medically, developmentally and emotionally and how they are navigating everything as a family, especially in preparation for sweet Lily to head to Preschool!
We conclude the episode speaking about Nolan, Jessica and Pat's son who they welcomed earlier this year who also spent some time in the NICU.
Jessica shares some great information and advice pertinent to other families who are either currently in the NICU and weighing the heavy decision of a tracheostomy for their child, or for the families who have a child at home with a tracheostomy, as well as families who have suffered or may suffer a loss. Listeners will be surprised to hear some of the unexpected emotions that Lily and the Wolff family has had to work through once Lily had her trach removed. And again, you will be amazed by how strong and resilient Lily and the entire Wolff family is! I hope you enjoy the episode!
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/
Finn + Emma: http://shrsl.com/2py7d
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode38
Episode 37 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode37
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For this podcast episode, I was very honored to be joined by Ms. Mary Coughlin. Mary is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, but also a published author of several pieces of work. She is well-known in the neonatal world for her development of the core measures for developmentally supportive care, but most recently with her published work and creation of the trauma-informed professional certification program as well as additional programs, workshops and masterclasses through Caring Essentials Collaborative.
I was so honored to be able to sit down and discuss Mary’s work experience that led her to the transformational work she is doing today. Just listening to Mary is transformational!
As NICU clinicians, Mary reminds us of the importance of our role and why it is so crucial for us to embrace our vulnerability, take our armor down and truly connect with each other on a human level. Trauma-informed care is not about doing more as a clinician, it is about being more of your loving, compassionate self so you can make a difference by fully showing up for your patient and their family.
We also discussed the trauma that is so common for NICU parents throughout their NICU journey and in the years to follow. So many NICU parents feel alone and isolated in the process, yet it is common to so many. We discussed the word trauma and why it is often downplayed or not spoken openly about it NICUs like it should be. And most importantly, we share the importance of working through and moving through your trauma, which will be difficult but is essential for the well-being of the entire family unit.
Trauma-informed care is a concept that has been applied to several areas of medicine and patient care, but its application to the NICU is still emerging. Mary learned about trauma-informed care and knew that she had to introduce it into the NICU world.
Not only does trauma-informed care in the NICU directly affect the baby, but it also addresses the family as well as the clinicians who are caring for the infant and family. Mary explains why the personal journeys we all go through and each of our stories play into an intricate web that involves each and every one of us. It is through this that we can all more intimately connect and heal one other.
Empowering NICU Parents
Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/
NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode31
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If your baby is currently in the NICU, and you are doubting the importance of your role as a parent, this podcast episode is for you! I hope as NICU parents you have been educated on the importance of your involvement with your baby - even while they are in the NICU! Parental engagement in the NICU has a plethora of benefits and not just for your baby, but for you as parents as well!
Although as a NICU parent, you may feel completely powerless, you need to remember that you play a major role in the success of your baby by being present and simply loving on them! In the NICU, we cannot have positive outcomes for our infants without empowering and involving the parents! This is not meant to put additional pressure on you, but to simply remind you of your worth! Please realize that your role as a parent is incredibly important, even in the NICU!
Our guest, Katie Ross, is a Neonatal Occupational Therapist. She is very passionate about positively fostering the development of our specialized NICU population from the earliest stage of life.
We continued our conversation on infant mental health and how it can be positively affected by parental involvement.
After I had my son William at 23 weeks, it has become even more apparent to me just how important parental engagement is for NICU babies. Not only do we both believe in the power of parental participation, but research has shown that when parents are present, they do skin-to-skin care, begin to respond to their infant’s cues, and learn to care for their own baby, it results in positive short and long-term outcomes for the baby.
Tune in to learn how parental involvement is so impactful. Once you recognize the importance of your role as a parent to your NICU baby, your anxiety and stress will decrease, it will enhance your ability to bond with your baby, promote continued engagement, and ultimately result in positive developmental outcomes for your baby! Yes, you as a parent can actually positively change the trajectory of your infant’s developmental outcomes by being present, learning and responding to your infant’s cues, and by giving them the love they need!
Our NICU Roadmap: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/
Website: https://empoweringnicuparents.com
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode27/
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

If you’ve suddenly found yourself in the NICU after your baby was born, multiple staff members have probably introduced themselves to you - but who are they? More importantly, what is their role and how will they help my baby or our family?
In this episode, we will break down many of the NICU cast members that are on your baby’s care team including the Neonatologist, Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Dietician, Respiratory Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Social Worker, Chaplain, Lactation Specialist, Palliative Care Team, and the Discharge Planner.
After listening, you will have a better understanding of all of the leading and supporting NICU care team members plus what their roles are and and how they will help and guide you and your baby during the NICU journey.

Listen to the Empowering NICU Parents' Podcast as we dive into the emotional challenges of having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This episode explores the profound feelings of guilt, anxiety, and trauma that NICU parents face, and emphasizes the importance of seeking support.
You will learn practical self-care strategies, hear expert insights, and find comfort in knowing you're not alone. Whether you're still in the NICU or have transitioned home, this episode provides valuable resources and encouragement to help you navigate this difficult journey and prioritize your mental health. Subscribe now for support, guidance, and hope.
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/
Primally Pure: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/primallypure
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/
Episode 60 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode60
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