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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

Nicole Nyberg

Is your baby currently in the NICU? Was your baby born prematurely? Or is your term baby in the NICU for high jaundice levels, low blood sugars, or because they have some Respiratory Distress and need oxygen or additional support?
Are you wondering what in the heck is a small baby unit or kangaroo care? Why do NICUs use donor breast milk and what on earth does RDS, BPD, IVH, NEC, ETT, CPAP, HFNC, UVC, UAC, po, ng, NEC, ABG, CBG, CBC, and CMP stand for? Are you asking yourself how will we ever get through this, what questions should I even ask, and when will my baby come home?
If you are a NICU parent who is scared, nervous, unsure, and full of questions, then hit the subscribe button so you do not miss another show!
Welcome to the "Empowering NICU Parents Podcast" where we will answer ALL of these questions and SO MUCH more! Your host, Nicole Nyberg is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner with years of NICU experience - but she also brings her unique perspective to this podcast as a mother of a 23-weeker.
Along with sharing answers to the NICU medical questions you have, Nicole addresses and supports you through the incredibly difficult emotional struggles that only a NICU parent can understand.
She provides you with knowledge plus tangible tips to guide, educate, empower, and support you through your baby's NICU journey and once they are home. Tune in to hear from someone who knows exactly what you're going through, another NICU Mama.
Check out all of our show notes and additional information at empoweringnicuparents.com
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Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Empowering NICU Parents Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Empowering NICU Parents Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Empowering NICU Parents Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Empowering NICU Parents Podcast - Stronger Together: Nicole Nyberg on NICU Challenges and Family
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10/23/24 • 49 min


I’m honored to share a replay of my guest appearance on Mary Coughlin’s Care Outloud Podcast.
Together, we dive deep into the personal and professional impact of my journey as a NICU parent after the premature birth of my son William at 23 weeks. We explore how that experience transformed my life, inspiring my dedication to family-centered care, trauma-informed care, and mental health support for NICU families.Throughout our heartfelt conversation, I also discuss my work as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Product Specialist at AngelEye Health, as well as how I created Empowering NICU Parents to provide resources and support to families during their NICU journey.
It was an incredible honor to join Mary, someone I have admired for so long. Mary’s expertise in trauma-informed care, coupled with her compassion and wisdom, made this conversation truly special.Tune in to hear more about our shared passion for improving neonatal care and the importance of connection and support for NICU families.
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 63 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode63
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
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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast - Finding the Beauty in Life After the Loss of a Child
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11/01/23 • 42 min

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
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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast - Supportive Organizations and Resources for Bereaved and NICU Families
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10/25/23 • 36 min

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
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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast - Embracing Parental Advocacy and Empowerment in the NICU
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09/25/23 • 49 min

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
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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast - RSV in Infants and Children: Symptoms, Prevention, and Synagis Criteria
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10/14/22 • 28 min

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/episode39
Episode 37 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode39
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
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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
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
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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast - Trauma-Informed Care in the NICU with Mary Coughlin
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07/05/22 • 42 min

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
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
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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast - The Positive Effects of Parental Engagement in the NICU
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03/29/22 • 36 min

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
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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast - NICU Cast Members: Leading and Supporting Roles
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02/02/21 • 28 min

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.
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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast - Nurturing and Supporting Mental Health in NICU Parents
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05/31/24 • 27 min

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
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FAQ

How many episodes does Empowering NICU Parents Podcast have?

Empowering NICU Parents Podcast currently has 64 episodes available.

What topics does Empowering NICU Parents Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Parenting, Kids & Family and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Empowering NICU Parents Podcast?

The episode title 'Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding: Is It Really A Big Deal?' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Empowering NICU Parents Podcast?

The average episode length on Empowering NICU Parents Podcast is 35 minutes.

How often are episodes of Empowering NICU Parents Podcast released?

Episodes of Empowering NICU Parents Podcast are typically released every 15 days, 18 hours.

When was the first episode of Empowering NICU Parents Podcast?

The first episode of Empowering NICU Parents Podcast was released on Feb 1, 2021.

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