NICU Stories

On this episode of NICU Stories, a direct, yet third party recount of a NICU Journey. Angela is the Grandma or better yet the GlamMa of a NICU Warrior Bryson. She gives a riveting account of the NICU experience with her Daughter.  An accident, which turned into a fateful diagnosis. Then a journey through the NICU. Angela shares how her family rallied together for both her Daughter and Grandson. I was so moved by Angela's Daughter Bianca, it brought me to tears. Bianca's wisdom, optimism and most importantly Faith is a testimony that can impact anyone.  Angela shares how she navigated caring for her Autistic Son, while caring for her Daughter and Grandson. She shares how her Grandson was later diagnosed with Autism. He and his Mother Bianca found a beautiful way to bond through music. It's his was to express his love for his Mother.  Take a listen to Angela's recount of her Daughter's NICU Story!    Angela is the founder of Belvonae' Hair Vitamins. The company supports various cancer societies. You can follow her on Instagram:              @Belvonae          &         @nurseangiern   If you are someone you know would like to be a guest on NICU Stories please send us an email at: admin@nicustories.com

I had the great pleasure of speaking with 2x NICU Graduate Mama and Author Sarah.  Through lots of laughs and aww moments, Sarah had a way of verbally illustrating the NICU experience. She reminded even me of some of the tough moments in the stages of the NICU experience.  She even shares how her NICU Dad husband, found a way to cope and navigate the NICU journey in his own special way.  Sarah shares her NICU journey with her Twin girls and return to the NICU with her Son. Though two completely different experiences, no one ever wants to journey through the NICU more than once.  Sarah spoke of the incredible support she received from March of Dimes and Beads of Hope. Both foundation offered unique heartfelt support to her and husband during the NICU.  Take a listen to how Sarah and her Family birthed Little Ward Books from their 2x NICU journey! 

In this episode, I had a great conversation with the Founder of Supreemie Baby, Nico Shanel. We laughed and were blown away by our NICU Stories.  Nico shares how her unexpected pregnancy led her to the NICU for her First Son's premature birth. She shares her experience with her NICU Team. She also shares the wonderful support she received from The March of Dimes during their 6 month NICU Journey.  She noticed the emotional effects the NICU had on her by the Trauma responses she was experiencing. She sought therapy to support her healing and regain her mental wellness. Nico shares how the post NICU trauma responses were heightened due to the pandemic. Having to feed her son via feeding tube, find supplies to sterilize were scarce. The COVID pandemic caused immense stress trying to maintain daily functions such as cleaning her son's g-tube.  Take a listen to the unique conversation starter that birthed, Nico's Brand Supreemie Baby.    Follow Supreemie Baby on Instagram @supreemiebaby.  Check out her website: www.supreemiebaby.com   If you would like to be a guest storyteller on NICU STORIES please send an email to:     admin@nicustories.com

In this episode of NICU Stories, I had the pleasure of hearing the NICU Story of a Clinical Therapist. Amy of NICU Families shares the raw side of the NICU from a mental health perspective.  Amy's son is not only a NICU survivor, but he is living each day with cerebral palsy. Though he was born full term, her son ended up in the NICU due to the meconium passing to his lungs. He also tested positive for GBS though Amy testing negative prior to his birth. Amy illustrates the effects of the NICU for most parents in one sentence, "The person that went into the NICU is not the person that came out." This Latino Mom, points out some identifiers of depression and anxiety, which she faces constantly as a Mother of a special needs son.  Also how it affected some of her cultures precious moments.  Though her NICU journey and post NICU life have been difficult, she believes it has made her a better therapist for her clients. She now has in depth experience, coupled with her education to support those suffering from depression & anxiety.  To connect with Amy follow her on Instagram and YouTube at NICU Families.    If you or someone you know would like to share your NICU Story please contact us at admin@nicustories.com

On this episode of NICU Stories, I had the pleasure of speaking with the Founder of Matronee, Cailin Werner. This episode was truly a learning experience concerning the NICU. Just when you think you have heard it all, you learn something new.  Cailin is a 3x NICU Mama. Her 3rd NICU journey was by far was the most traumatic but birthed her brand Matronee. She and her Mother created Scalp IV caps for babies.  Take a listen as Cailin shares her NICU Stories. Her stories takes you from a breeze in the NICU, to drug abuse accusations, seizures and the birth of her company, Matronee.    Please visit her website www.matronee.com if you would like to support her mission and brand. 

This personal journal episode, I talk about a Meme created regarding Spilled Milk. As the saying goes, "Don't cry over spilled milk". Well, a NICU Mama will sob over wasted Breast Milk.  Take a listen of my experience of wasted liquid gold and why I CRIED OVER SPILLED MILK. 

This episode Rhonda shares her emotional rollercoaster NICU Story. She shares the emotional difficulties of having a micro-preemie toggle between two separate NICUs at the height of the Pandemic. We talked about the highs and lows of the NICU. From incredible staff to major set backs.  To Rhonda, the pandemic did afford the benefit of having her older children convert virtual learning. This enabled her to spend more time with her micro preemie newborn in the NICU. With the help of her supportive Husband and the understanding of her older children, the McCallas navigated the NICU during the toughest time of all of our lives.  Take a listen to this episode of NICU Stories during the pandemic!    If you would like to be a guest on NICU Stories, please send an email to admin@nicustories.com. We would love to hear from you!. 

In this episode Kricia takes on Mateo's journey through not one, not two but THREE NICUs. Prior to Mateo's story, Kricia endured 2 failed pregnancies and 1 infant loss of her 20 week old daughter Giana due to a hematoma.  Kricia and her husband didn't give up hope of raising a family and tried again 6 months later.  Kricia gave birth to micro preemie, Mateo, who triumphed over a life threatening infection. He has baffled all of his clinical team. Through faith, prayer and resilience, in the words of Sana Latrese, Mateo has a story that will make you believe in GOD.  Tune in and listen to Miracle Mateo's AMAZING NICU Story!  Also follow this Latina Mama on Instagram @Kricia_cruzalegui and get updates on her sharing her story with the Latino NICU Community. Kricia shares her story in Spanish for all of the Spanish Speaking NICU Families! 

The Olusadas shared their intense heartfelt journey to Parenthood. They began their journey with successful IVF treatment. They were able to produce multiple embryos and were able to freeze them. Their cycle landed them with a positive pregnancy.  This pregnancy landed them in the NICU at 23 weeks with their Son. After being transported another NICU he passed away shortly after.  By faith and though grieving they tried again with a Frozen Embryo Transfer. Another successful pregnancy but back in the NICU.  Take a listen to this incredible story and how the Juliet Foundation supported them during their journey. 

A healthy baby born just a little early with jaundice turned into a NICU stay in a completely different State.  Janiene shares how her 3 day hospital stay turned into a much longer NICU stay and what caused it. Though her 2 older children missed having their Mom with them for their birthdays, they were able to enjoy the amusement park like feel of Pittsburgh's NICU.  Take a listen to the incredible NICU Story of Justice 4 Joi's founder Janiene!  If you would like to support the amazing work Justice4Joi does for NICU Parents in various hospitals, please consider donating on Amazon by searching Justic4Joi NICU Love & Support

We had the pleasure of hearing the incredible story of Jessica, the Founder of The Bearing All Project.  Jessica's incredible NICU Story took us through an incredible journey to Motherhood. Jessica's had to make some tough decisions from medical abortion, to undergoing IVF, then experiencing the NICU with her second child.  She shares her son's life post NICU from the severe medical conditions here encountered at birth. Like many NICU Parents, the story doesn't end with the NICU, there's life after the NICU.  Jessica's story is one full of inspiration for any Parent. Take a listen to this trying yet resilient NICU Story from Jessica of The Bearing All Project!

A Young Husband excited to build his family. Instead multiple pregnancy losses shook this man of great faith.  However, it was his Faith that lead him to believe he will one day have a child.  Though his wife battled Lupus and preeclampsia, a near fatal birth brought them to the NICU.  Take a listen to this NICU Dad's incredible Rainbow Baby NICU Story! 

Having a Child at 17 yrs old is one thing. Having a Child at 17 yrs old born 3 months early is another ball game in itself.  Mike shares how his faith in God and his Family village helped him navigate the NICU Experience.  He & his now 24 year old son are in the Fashion Design business. Both have applied their creativity and love for Fashion and are relaunching their brand MAJR!  Take a listen to a then teenager's perspective of the NICU Journey!

As we continue the March for Dads series, we met with Shawn Brown. Shawn candidly expresses his heart concerning he and wife's loss of their twin boys. Though tragic, Shawn found the experience prepared him for the NICU. Their rainbow baby was born prematurely. Rather than panic, Shawn took the wisdom he learned from their Pregnancy to help navigate the NICU Experience.  Take a listen to the real raw emotions and thoughts of Shawn Brown's NICU Story!

As we continue the virtual "March for Dads", we spoke with Carl of PremDad_UK. Truly a heartfelt and enlightening conversation.  Carl touch our hearts when he said, "I didn't know how to split my love with three people". He touches on some of the emotional challenges he had to overcome during his Twin Boys NICU Journey.  He has founded PremDad_UK to give a voice to Fathers, because he didn't find a platform that supported his own voice.  Also TODAY IS HIS BIRTHDAY!!! Let's celebrate Carl's birthday by listening to his story and letting him know his voice MATTERS! 

NICU Stories first NICU Dad story! Adam Wood shared his journey from IVF to having a Preemie in the NICU.  He shares his wife's life threatening condition that led to their Son's early arrival. His humorously heartfelt story takes us from aww's and ooh's to laughter.  Adam candidly expresses his concerns for his wife's well being as well as his Son's. His positive outlook on their NICU Journey truly shifts the narrative of a NICU Stay. The NICU is certainly no laughing matter. However, take a listen to how Adam birthed something joyful during a most known stressful experience, the NICU. 

This NICU Story is so touching. Jadacy Engram is a NICU Mom of a Rainbow Baby. Jadacy shares the emotional journey of loosing her first child to still birth at 30 weeks gestation.  Unexpectedly she became pregnant with her son Maxwell. Maxwell spent 117 days in the NICU. Jadacy shares the hassle the pandemic caused visiting her Son in the NICU. Limiting her family's ability to support in the NICU, she found comfort with other NICU Moms.  Jadacy found comfort in a unique way to cope with the thoughts of her Angle Baby Little Eddie and son Maxwell in the NICU.  Take a listen to her beautiful triumphant journey. 

We decided to invite another vital role of the NICU Clinical Team. That role is the role of a Nurse Practitioner.  Our Special Guest Jennifer Miller, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Children's Hospital of Colorado, Denver, shares some helpful tips to aid during the NICU Journey! She also shares the important role of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Jenn breaks down the varying NICU Levels in Hospitals.  Jenn's compassion for NICU Families and her heart for their overall well being as a whole makes this episode so intriguing! Her concerns for families dealing with NICU PTSD, infant loss and navigating the NICU during COVID is astounding. Her attention doesn't stop at the baby, both Mom & Dad's well being are vitally important to her as well. Jenn truly pours her heart out and shares the other side of the NICU experience. 

Kamillah tells her Son Christian's NICU Story. Christian's NICU journey started because he was unable to breath on his own. Due to a seizure, Christian became ventilator dependent.  Though he is ventilator & feeding tube dependent as well as having a trache, Christian is a joyful 8 year old! Kamillah shares how is playful in his own way and always smiling.  Christian has spent 5 months in the NICU and 2 months in a step down unit at Children's of Alabama. During his hospital stay Kamillah and her family stayed the entire time at the Ronald McDonald house. She is now an ambassador for the Ronald McDonald.  Take a listen to the details of Christians incredible NICU Story! 

Here at NICU Stories we're all parents just simply telling our stories. We don't realize however, there's a way to effectively tell our story. At times, we can be all over the place sharing our story and loose our audience's attention.  Sana Latrese has joined us to share some quick tips on how to share your story with impact. She shares the heartfelt moment when she realized she was destined to be a Storyteller. She has now made a career coaching and teaching others, not to heal from the effects of their story but to share it seamlessly.   We want you to feel comfortable naturally sharing your story effectively. The goal is to captivate our audience and lead them to want to follow your journey after you've shared your story! I encourage all listeners and future NICU Storytellers to tune in and learn these helpful tip.

Tanisha joins us to share her Son Jaleel's precious NICU Story. Jaleel's beginning stages of life has come with some many challenges. Jaleel has spent 157 days in the NICU and has undergone 10 surgeries before the age of 3 yrs old. While waiting for his Kidney Transplant, Jaleel has experienced more than you can imagine. From ventilators to oscillators, HD & PD Catheters, a lower urinary tract obstruction, and kidney shunts, just to name a few, Jaleel is still fighting!  Before we could air his show, Jaleel celebrated his 3rd birthday and on February 4, 2021, he received his kidney transplant. We are beyond ecstatic to hear this amazing news! Congratulations Jaleel!!  

Nae Castille is sharing her Twin NICU Story! Nae candidly shares her experience in the NICU as well as the Ronald McDonald House. She shares how a Mother's instincts kicks in. Between her and her husband they managed twins in the NICU & two older children at home!  Listen to the challenges Parents of Twins face in the NICU. 

Nakiea shares her Son's infant diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease. Listen to her moment of sharing the trying continuous journey her Family is having with her Son. Though born full term, Nakiea's Baby Boy developed his own NICU Story due the neonatal disease. The diagnosis lead him to have surgery at just 9 days old. No Mother or Father wants to experience the NICU more than once.  However so many families do. Learn more about Hirschsprung disease and Nakiea's Son's ongoing journey to conquer the effects of the disease. 

As NICU Parents our lives and parenting is shared with complete strangers who turn Family! The NICU Clinical team are the strangers that play a pivotal & important role in our Stories. There are many roles played in every NICU Story. One of the most sensitive yet important roles, is that of a Neonatal Nurse. As NICU Parents, we only see our NICU Story from our point of view. Neonatal Nurses are like extended Moms & Dads to our NICU Warriors.  Christina Garcia is our First NICU Nurse to share her role in the NICU Story. Christina passionately and joyfully shares the other side of the NICU Story.   

Nakiea has two very unique stories. Her Daughter was born at 23 weeks gestation, while her Son was a planned c-section at 38 weeks. They have two very different experiences. No Parent wants to experience the NICU twice. NICU Parents just want to bring their Babies home. However, their life is shared with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Moms, Dads, Siblings & Families from around the World can identify with her story. Take a listen to the Founder of NICU Stories very own NICU Story. 

Welcome to NICU Stories! Here we share our emotional, edge of your seat, rollercoaster NICU Journey! No two stories are the same and not everyone has happy endings. What's so powerful about them all is the unmatched Love, Resilience and Tenacity of NICU Parents.  Join me and my special guests weekly as we share our NICU Stories!   * I own the rights to this original music produced by Justin Wilkinson*