Podcasts about preterm

Send us a textThis episode sets the stage for a collection of conversations inspired by a recently published special issue in Children: Implications of Preterm Birth for Health and Well-Being Over the Life Course. Host Dr. Daphna Barbeau is joined by the editors, Dr. Susan Hintz and Dr. Jonathan Litt of Stanford University, to discuss why the concept of “life course” is so critical for understanding the long-term impact of preterm birth.Dr. Hintz and Dr. Litt explain how survival is only the beginning of the story. Preterm birth often shapes health trajectories well into childhood and adulthood, influenced not only by medical factors but also by family, environment, and community supports. They highlight how the issue's twelve articles bring together diverse perspectives—from developmental science to family voices—that reveal both the challenges and opportunities faced by preterm infants and their families.For busy clinicians, this conversation reframes day-to-day NICU care within a broader, lifelong context. It shows how even routine interactions in the NICU can influence resilience, parental well-being, and future outcomes. More than an introduction, this episode is an invitation to think differently about what it means to care for premature infants—not just today, but across their entire life course.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Tim Nelin and Dr. Yarden Fraiman, two authors from the recently published special issue of Children on the life course implications of preterm birth. Together, they explore how inequities—both environmental and social—can shape the long-term health trajectories of preterm infants.Dr. Nelin introduces the idea of “micro” and “macro” environments, showing how factors such as air pollution, green space, violence, and neighborhood social vulnerability not only contribute to preterm birth risk but also affect infants once they leave the NICU. His research underscores how the same exposures tied to prematurity continue to drive health disparities long after hospital discharge.Dr. Fraiman focuses on ADHD as a case study of inequity across the life course. He describes the “ADHD care cascade,” illustrating how systemic bias and structural racism impact recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD among children born preterm. The conversation highlights how inequities layer over time, widening gaps in health and educational outcomes.While the challenges are significant, the discussion also points to solutions—ranging from policy interventions and community partnerships to family-centered approaches. This episode emphasizes the urgent need to think upstream, addressing the drivers of inequity to create meaningful change for preterm infants and their families.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Daphna Barbeau sits down with Dr. Richard Shaw (Stanford University) and Dr. Soudabeh Givrad (Weill Cornell Medical College), child psychiatry experts and co-authors of Neurodevelopmental, Mental Health, and Parenting Issues in Preterm Infants. Their conversation shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked intersection of prematurity, neurodevelopment, and family mental health.Dr. Givrad explains how the rapid brain growth that normally occurs late in pregnancy makes preterm infants especially vulnerable to stress, pain, separation, and environmental influences in the NICU. She and Dr. Shaw outline the higher risks for challenges in cognition, language, and motor development, while emphasizing opportunities for early interventions that can positively shape outcomes.The discussion then turns to “infant mental health” and the ways relationships in the early years set the stage for emotional regulation, social development, and resilience. Both guests highlight how parental trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety affect not only caregivers' well-being but also how they interact with and raise their children. Concepts such as vulnerable child syndrome, overprotection, and parental guilt are explored in depth.Ultimately, this episode underscores why supporting parental mental health is as essential as any medical treatment—because how parents experience and process the NICU journey profoundly shapes the lifelong health and development of their children. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Daphna Barbeau is joined by Dr. Neal Halfon (UCLA) and Dr. Shirley Russ (Cedars-Sinai/UCLA), two leading voices in life course health development, to explore how this framework reshapes our understanding of preterm infant care and follow-up. Together, they discuss their article, Ensuring Optimal Outcomes for Preterm Infants After NICU Discharge: A Life Course Health Development Approach to High-Risk Infant Follow-Up.Dr. Halfon introduces the seven principles of life course health development—development, unfolding, complexity, timing, plasticity, thriving, and harmony—and explains how each reveals the dynamic, multilayered nature of health trajectories. Far from abstract, these principles highlight how small adjustments in the NICU can shape long-term outcomes, with early interventions compounding over time.Dr. Russ reflects on how harmony across biology, family, and society is essential, while also emphasizing the risks posed by mismatches between development and environment. The discussion expands to consider how interventions can be more developmentally tailored, family-centered, strength-based, and designed for long-term optimization rather than short-term problem detection.This episode encourages neonatal professionals to see beyond the walls of the NICU, adopting a design mindset that views care as a team process and recognizes the far-reaching impact of early decisions on a child's ability not just to survive, but to thrive. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Editor's Summary by Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, Editor in Chief, and Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editor of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for articles published from September 13-19, 2025.

Born at just 21 0/7 weeks and weighing only 285 grams, Nash Keen entered the world with odds that were essentially nonexistent. Yet from his very first breath, he showed a will to live that defied every expectation.Refusing to give up on their son, Mollie Keen and her husband, Randall, made a life-changing decision to transfer to University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital—where an extraordinary team, rooted in a steadfast belief and culture of giving infants at his gestation a chance at life, stood ready to fight alongside them.What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Against relentless setbacks, fragile moments, and months of intensive care, Nash's determination only grew stronger. Mollie watched in awe as her tiny son—born smaller than a can of soda—met every challenge with quiet, unwavering strength. Today, Nash has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most premature baby to survive.In this special episode for NICU Awareness Month, Nicole Nyberg sits down with Mollie as she shares their family's extraordinary journey—the heartbreak that came before, the terrifying and traumatic moments in the NICU, the small but mighty victories, and the resilience that continues to inspire everyone who meets him. This is more than a story about survival—it's a powerful testament to hope, love, and the belief that even the smallest beginnings can rise into something extraordinary.Dr. Brown's Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com  The Infant-Driven Feeding™ (IDF) Program: https://www.infantdrivenfeeding.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 74 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode74  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

In the second part of this enlightening episode of the "Physical Activity Researcher Podcast," Dr. Sebastian Ludyga continues his discussion with host Dr. Olli Tikkanen, delving into the complexities of exercise and its effects on cognition, particularly in the context of long-term changes. Dr. Ludyga explains how different types of physical activities affect cognitive processes, emphasizing the intricate relationship between motor skills and cognitive functions. This episode further explores Dr. Ludyga's current research on the acute and long-term cognitive benefits of physical exercise. He shares insights into studies involving children with ADHD and preterm infants, illustrating how tailored physical activities can improve executive functions such as inhibitory control and working memory. The conversation sheds light on the mechanisms behind these improvements, highlighting the importance of coordinating motor skills and cognitive exercises to reap the most benefits. Listeners will also gain an understanding of the challenges and surprises encountered in translating acute exercise benefits into long-term cognitive improvements. Dr. Ludyga discusses the variable outcomes across different groups and the nuances of designing interventions that effectively support cognitive development in children, particularly those born preterm or with ADHD. This discussion is not only informative for researchers and practitioners in the fields of physical activity and cognitive science but also offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the practical applications of exercise science to enhance cognitive health and development across different populations. _______________________________________________________________ This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions. --- Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children. --- Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove. --- Explore our Wearables,  Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep,  Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles. --- Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods. --- Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide. --- Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview. --- Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ". --- For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability. --- Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher      

Send us a textIn this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Tim Van Hasselt, who is now a NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer and Neonatal Subspeciality Registrar (fellow-equivalent) at the University of Leicester, UK.. Tim describes his training in the UK, his pathway to doing his PhD in investigating the impact of preterm birth on readmissions to the PICU. We talk about how he went about finding his mentor and how the project came about. He used two national databases and investigated his research question, where he ultimately found that the odds of unplanned admissions to PICU were greater in the most preterm and those with significant neonatal morbidity. With this data, he, along with his team were able to create infographics that could help educate parents of NICU graduates. (https://timms.le.ac.uk/preterm-birth-and-paediatric-intensive-care/)He also describes his experience interacting with parents who provided valuable feedback for the infographics and for his project. Dr Van Hasselt has successfully published his data in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. Paediatric intensive care admissions of preterm children born | ADC Fetal & Neonatal EditionHe also has several publications related to this topic and has presented his work in several National conferences.  Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Welcome back to another installment of our birth story series! Today we chat about navigating the road of planning a homebirth after experiencing preterm labor, both emotionally and clinically. We reminisce on creating community through the midwifery model of care, and some major benefits we've seen from practicing midwifery as a team.00:00 Introduction to Kelly and Tiffany01:04 Diving into Today's Show01:13 Birth Story Introduction02:28 Current Reads and Recommendations08:38 Listener Reviews and Feedback14:08 A Memorable Birth Experience19:37 Reflecting on Midwifery and Home Birth20:52 Understanding Cervical Cerclage22:01 Managing Preterm Labor and Pregnancy Surveillance24:24 Challenges with Cerclage Removal27:41 Navigating Personal Challenges During Birth30:01 A Special Birthday Birth32:26 Postpartum Care and Reflections35:03 The Importance of Midwifery Partnership37:35 Resources for Birth Workers and Final ThoughtsLinks We Chat AboutMidwife Kelly's Current ReadMidwife Tiffany's Current ReadSustainability in Birth WorkBirth Worker Audit CourseAffiliate Information for Birth Education CourseOur Monthly Membership: Our Weekly NewsletterOur Childbirth Education Course, use code RADIANT10 for 10% offBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwifery

Send us a textImpact of Sedation on Ventilator-Induced Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in Extremely Preterm Infants.Hoshino Y, Arai J, Hirono K, Maruo K, Miura-Fuchino R, Yukitake Y, Kajikawa D, Kamakura T, Hinata A, Okada Y, Sato Y.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2025 May;60(5):e71126. doi: 10.1002/ppul.71126.PMID: 40365938Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textEarly Neurodevelopment of Extremely Preterm Infants Administered Autologous Cord Blood Cell Therapy: Secondary Analysis of a Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.Zhou L, Razak A, McDonald CA, Yawno T, McHugh DT, Whiteley G, Connelly K, Sackett V, Miller SL, Jenkin G, Novak I, Hunt RW, Malhotra A.JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Jul 1;8(7):e2521158. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.21158.PMID: 40608334 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textRetinopathy of Prematurity and Risk of Structural Brain Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Term Among Infants Born at Less Than or Equal to 32 Weeks of Gestation.Roy S, Peterson L, Kline-Fath B, Parikh NA; Cincinnati Infant Neurodevelopment Early Prediction Study (CINEPS) Investigators.J Pediatr. 2025 Jun 27;286:114711. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114711. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40582695 Free article.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday, Women of Strength! Today we are joined by our friend, Nichole, from Nevada who shares her SEVEN birth stories. Nichole has had a wild ride when it comes to birth. Every story is so different and so unique. This episode is jam-packed with things like placental abruption, NICU time, preeclampsia, a surprise HBA2C, induced VBA2C, changing providers, and two VBA3C stories. Her last birth, a 2VBA3C, sparks an important conversation about how interventions can sometimes be a necessary part of a successful VBAC. Knowing the general pros and cons of interventions is just the first step. We all then have to apply what we've learned to our specific situations, adapt, and do what feels best to us!Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% OffCoterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Delayed (AKA deferred) Cord Clamping (DCC) is extremely beneficial for both the preterm and term neonate. In September 2025, a new Clinical Practice Update (CPU) will be released by the ACOG regarding the amount of time DCC should be done for preterm newborns. This updates data from a Clinical Expert Series which was released in 2022, called “Management of Placental Transfusion to the Neonate”. Is the recommended amount of DCC 30 sec, 45 sec, or at least 60 seconds for preterm newborns? We will highlight this data in this episode. PLUS, we will very quickly summarize a separate yet related publication from JAMA Pediatrics regarding the use of supplemental O2 (100% PP face mask) during DCC for babies born at 22- 28 weeks. Listen in for details.1. ACOG CPU, Sept 2025: “An Update to Clinical Guidance for Delayed UmbilicalCord Clamping After Birth in Preterm Neonates”2. ACOG Clinical Expert Series, Management of Placental Transfusion to the Neonate”; 2022. 3. JAMA PEDIATRICS (July 21, 2025): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2836681

Send us a textIn this episode of Rupa's Fellows Friday on The Incubator Podcast, host Rupa Srirupa welcomes Dr. Ambika Bhatnagar, a third-year neonatology fellow at Yale. Dr. Bhatnagar shares her journey from medical school in India to fellowship in the U.S. and dives into her research focusing on moderate to late preterm infants—an often overlooked but significant portion of the preterm population.She explains why this group, though not as critically ill as extremely preterm infants, still faces unique morbidities and places a substantial burden on families and the healthcare system. Her study investigates long-term healthcare utilization in these infants over their first two years of life, analyzing not just hospital readmissions but also ER visits, subspecialty consultations, and therapy appointments.Dr. Bhatnagar discusses her findings, including the role of breastfeeding in reducing healthcare utilization and surprising trends in demographic factors. She also shares insights on mentorship during fellowship, building a research project from scratch, and her involvement with NeoQuest, an educational platform for neonatology fellows.This conversation highlights the importance of curiosity-driven research and its potential to improve outcomes for a vulnerable but under-researched neonatal population. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textEarly full enteral nutrition with fortified milk in very preterm infants: a randomized clinical trial.Salas AA, Gunawan E, Jeffcoat S, Nguyen K.Am J Clin Nutr. 2025 May;121(5):1117-1123. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.02.019. Epub 2025 Feb 21.PMID: 39986385 Clinical Trial.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textExtended Caffeine for Apnea in Moderately Preterm Infants: The MoCHA Randomized Clinical Trial.Carlo WA, Eichenwald EC, Carper BA, Bell EF, Keszler M, Patel RM, Sánchez PJ, Goldberg RN, D'Angio CT, Van Meurs KP, Hibbs AM, Ambalavanan N, Cosby SS, Newman NS, Vohr BR, Walsh MC, Das A, Ohls RK, Fuller J, Rysavy MA, Ghavam S, Brion LP, Puopolo KM, Moore R, Baack ML, Colaizy TT, Baserga M, Osman AF, Merhar SL, Poindexter BB, DeMauro SB, Kumar V, Cotten CM; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.JAMA. 2025 Jun 24;333(24):2154-2163. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.5791.PMID: 40294395 Clinical Trial.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textLate Permissive Hypercapnia for Mechanically Ventilated Preterm Infants: A Randomized Trial.Travers CP, Gentle SJ, Shukla VV, Aban I, Yee AJ, Armstead KM, Benz RL, Laney D, Ambalavanan N, Carlo WA.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2025 Jun;60(6):e71165. doi: 10.1002/ppul.71165.PMID: 40525736 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

In this moving episode, we follow Tina's powerful VBAC journey — from becoming a young mum at 21 and experiencing a caesarean under general anaesthetic, to reclaiming her birthing power with the vaginal birth of her MCDA twins.Tina opens up about the heartbreak of missing her son's first moments, the emotional toll of separation and how that experience shaped her path to becoming a midwife. She takes us through her next pregnancy — the shock of conceiving twins, the challenges of preterm labour and navigating birth during the height of COVID.Against the odds, Tina chose a VBAC, birthing her twins vaginally at 32 weeks. She shares the raw details and experiences — the mind game of having to push two babies out, the near en caul birth of her second twin, and the moment she met her daughters before they were taken to NICU. Tina's story doesn't end there! She also shares her deeply emotional NICU journey, her commitment to breastfeeding through enormous obstacles, and the deep empowerment she now carries as a mother and a midwife, influencing the way she can support other families on their own journeys.This is a story of which explores advocacy and self-empowerment; a story of resilience, and triumph. We hope you love it as much as we loved sharing it!Please join us on our journey to bringing you all kinds of VBAC stories from across the country from here on in by subscribing and following us on social media, @australianvbacstories on Instagram and Australian VBAC Stories on Facebook. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love to rate or review, and tell your friends!If you are feeling that you might benefit from mental health support after listening to our podcast, please reach out to one of the organisations below:PANDA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://panda.org.au/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gidget Foundation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠COPE Australia ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cope.org.au/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you've experienced mistreatment or disrespectful care in your pregnancy, birth or postpartum and are seeking advocacy support, please contact one of the following organisations:Maternity Choices Australia ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.maternitychoices.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Maternity Consumer Network ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.maternityconsumernetwork.org.au/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thank you for tuning in to our podcast.

How do you go from spreadsheets to spinning babies, and end up on national perinatal boards? In this episode, Hillary sits down with LaToshia Rouse, a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and speaker who brings her whole self (and sometimes her whole family!) to the work of changing maternal care from the inside out. We talk about: Parenting triplets and how NICU life shaped LaToshia's why How doulas can support clients without overextending themselves What it really takes to build connections with hospital systems Why flexibility, strong boundaries, and knowing your season are everything You'll laugh, nod along, and walk away feeling like you've just made a new doula bestie.

Join us on this episode of the Birth Journeys as Ruth shares how she always had a desire to homebirth. She shares her first sons birth at home and what she learned through that experience as well as a miscarriage birth and finally how her third pregnancy was a planned homebirth with twins but she unexpectedly gave birth in the hospital preterm and had a two week nicu stay. This episode covers homebirth, miscarriage, hospital birth, medical assault, preterm birth and NICU stay.Resources: Birthing instincts podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IYrdNqDATUbK7FDAk2EKc?si=HPLdu81PSXG3uExOEvnREAWork with Dr. Stu: https://www.birthinginstincts.com/workwithstuhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2IGK3JDmaHkVkjxQw0Q4ig?si=_j1JyvXFSp-GRGDRnuiAVw

Before ​we ​get ​started ​with ​today's ​show, ​we ​want ​to ​take ​a ​moment ​to ​dedicate ​this ​episode ​to ​someone ​very ​special. ​Emma, ​Sharon's ​granddaughter ​and ​the ​daughter ​of ​today's ​guest ​co-​host ​Michelle, ​was ​born ​prematurely ​and ​spent ​her ​short ​life ​in ​the ​NICU. ​She ​passed ​away ​just ​three ​days ​after ​she ​was ​born. ​Today's ​episode ​is released on ​Emma's ​birthday ​and ​we're ​honored ​to ​share ​it ​in ​her ​memory. Our guest today is a mother and former labor and delivery nurse who has become an incredible entrepreneur. Ashley Crafton joins us to share the incredible story behind her startup, Galena Innovations, and the development of the Hannah Cervical Cup, a device designed to help prevent spontaneous preterm birth. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:

Dr. Tony Capra and Dr. Marina Sirota, scientists from the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center (PRC) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), discuss their foundational finding that spontaneous, or unplanned, preterm birth is fundamentally different from indicated preterm birth.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Siobhan Corcoran, a distinguished consultant obstetrician at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, as we tackle the intricate subject of preterm birth. Dr. Corcoran brings her expertise to the table, sharing insights from her work at the preterm birth prevention clinic, and her pivotal role in the PREPOP study, which explores the potential of oral probiotics in reducing spontaneous preterm birth among high-risk pregnancies. Our discussion highlights the delicate balance between extending pregnancies safely and my role as a neonatologist caring for those who arrive too soon. The episode sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges of late preterm births, particularly the impact on families who navigate both practical and psychological hurdles. We explore the myriad health issues that contribute to preterm births, including infection and inflammation, and discuss prevention strategies that underscore the importance of robust maternal health and targeted antenatal care. Dr. Corcoran and I delve into the complexities of identifying high-risk pregnancies, touching on the debate surrounding universal cervical length screening and the need for a personalized approach to care. As we focus on prevention, we examine the multifaceted strategies available, from preconceptual counselling and lifestyle modifications to the use of cervical cerclage and progesterone interventions. Our conversation underscores the importance of a holistic approach to maternal care, integrating emotional support and mental health resources for parents. With Dr. Corcoran's valuable insights, we reflect on the broader implications for neonatal outcomes, long-term development, and the support systems crucial for families facing the uncertainties of preterm birth. Preterm Birth Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4S53qMaaomixfTzQSwvZYk?si=PWaSIFwmTYGDUN1t2HAPkA Proudly sponsored by: www.happytummy.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Brianna shares her experience as a two-time NICU mom. She shares about her first pregnancy, marked by an unexpected 20-week anatomy scan that revealed she was already two centimeters dilated. After an emergency cerclage and weeks of anxiety-filled bedrest, Brianna gave birth to her son at 28 weeks. His 60-day NICU stay, though miraculously smooth, left a lasting emotional impact.Just 14 months later, Brianna returned to the NICU after giving birth to her second son at 33 weeks. This time, the challenges of healing were compounded by the reality of having a baby at home while navigating the NICU once again.Brianna shares vulnerably what it's like to walk through two high-risk pregnancies, how her perspective shifted between them, and what healing looks like after back-to-back trauma. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, you are stronger than you think—and you are never alone.To get connected with DNM:Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramTo Give to the Mission of Dear NICU Mama: dearnicumama.com/giveSupport the show

Send us a textTreatment of Hypotension of Prematurity: a randomised trial.Alderliesten T, Arasteh E, van Alphen A, Groenendaal F, Dudink J, Benders MJ, van Bel F, Lemmers P.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 May 24:fetalneonatal-2024-328253. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-328253. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40413017As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Ben and Daphna sit down with Michelle Kelly, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Associate Professor at Villanova University. Michelle is a leading voice in recognizing the lasting impact of preterm birth on long-term health. She shares insights from her co-authored article, Addressing Preterm Birth History with Clinical Practice Recommendations Across the Life Course, which outlines how a history of prematurity should inform lifelong clinical care.The conversation highlights the gap between neonatal and adult healthcare systems, and why identifying preterm birth history should be a routine part of medical assessments. Michelle also discusses practical strategies to educate families, empower survivors of prematurity, and shift provider assumptions about long-term outcomes. This episode offers a thoughtful and grounded discussion on turning early-life health factors into actionable care across the lifespan. As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textTrajectory of Postnatal Oxygen Requirement in Extremely Preterm Infants.Groves AM, Bennett MM, Loyd J, Clark RH, Tolia VN.J Pediatr. 2025 Feb;277:114414. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114414. Epub 2024 Nov 20.PMID: 39577761As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textToday we are joined by Dr Radhika Madali, who is a third year NICU fellow from Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY. We talked about the QI efforts that she took during her fellowship in implementing faster enteral feed advancement and early fortification in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit. She shared the multidisciplinary experience that she developed with this project and also appreciates the support and mentorship she received. Radhika also shared insights on other projects that she got involved in- notably investigating the impact of glycemic variability on treatment-requiring ROP. She shared about her experience being a representative to the Fellowship Recruitment Action Team (FRAT) from the AAP Section on Pediatric Training. As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Understanding Unicornuate Uterus: What It Is, Prevalence, Risks, and a Positive Outlook A unicornuate uterus is a rare congenital condition where the uterus develops with only one half, or "horn," instead of the typical two-horned shape of a normal uterus. This happens during fetal development when one of the Müllerian ducts, which form the uterus, fails to develop fully. As a result, the uterus is smaller, has only one functioning fallopian tube, and may or may not have a rudimentary horn (a small, underdeveloped second horn). This condition falls under the category of Müllerian duct anomalies, which affect the female reproductive tract. For those diagnosed, understanding the condition, its implications, and the potential for a healthy pregnancy can provide reassurance and hope.   What Is a Unicornuate Uterus? The uterus typically forms as a pear-shaped organ with two symmetrical halves that fuse during fetal development. In a unicornuate uterus, only one half develops fully, creating a smaller-than-average uterine cavity. This anomaly can occur with or without a rudimentary horn, which may or may not be connected to the main uterine cavity. If a rudimentary horn is present, it might cause complications like pain if it accumulates menstrual blood, as it often lacks a connection to the cervix or vagina. The condition is often diagnosed during routine imaging, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or hysterosalpingogram (HSG), typically when a woman seeks medical advice for fertility issues, pelvic pain, or irregular menstruation. In some cases, it's discovered incidentally during pregnancy or unrelated medical evaluations.   How Prevalent Is It? Unicornuate uterus is one of the rarest Müllerian duct anomalies, occurring in approximately 0.1% to 0.4% of women in the general population. Among women with Müllerian anomalies, it accounts for about 2% to 13% of cases. The condition is congenital, meaning it's present at birth, but it often goes undiagnosed until adulthood because many women experience no symptoms. Its rarity can make it feel isolating for those diagnosed, but awareness and medical advancements have made it easier to manage and understand. Risks Associated with Unicornuate Uterus While many women with a unicornuate uterus lead healthy lives, the condition can pose challenges, particularly related to fertility and pregnancy. The smaller uterine cavity and reduced endometrial surface area can increase the risk of certain complications, though these are not inevitable. Below are some potential risks: Fertility Challenges: The smaller uterus and single fallopian tube may slightly reduce the chances of conception, especially if the rudimentary horn or other structural issues interfere with ovulation or implantation. However, many women with a unicornuate uterus conceive naturally without intervention. Miscarriage: The limited space in the uterine cavity can increase the risk of miscarriage, particularly in the first trimester. Studies suggest miscarriage rates may be higher (around 20-30%) compared to women with a typical uterus, though exact figures vary. Preterm Birth: The smaller uterus may not accommodate a growing fetus as easily, potentially leading to preterm labor or delivery before 37 weeks. Research indicates preterm birth rates in women with a unicornuate uterus range from 10-20%. Fetal Growth Restriction: The restricted uterine space can sometimes limit fetal growth, leading to low birth weight or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Malpresentation: Babies in a unicornuate uterus may be more likely to position themselves in a breech or transverse position due to the confined space, which could complicate delivery. Cesarean Section: While not mandatory, a cesarean may be recommended in cases of malpresentation, preterm labor, or other complications. However, this is not a universal requirement. Other Complications: Women with a unicornuate uterus may have a higher risk of endometriosis or painful periods, especially if a non-communicating rudimentary horn is present. Kidney abnormalities are also associated with Müllerian anomalies, as the kidneys and reproductive tract develop simultaneously in the fetus. Despite these risks, it's critical to note that not every woman with a unicornuate uterus will experience these complications. With proper medical care, many achieve successful pregnancies and deliveries.   A Positive Outlook: Normal Vaginal Delivery Is Probable The diagnosis of a unicornuate uterus can feel daunting, but it's important to emphasize that a healthy, full-term pregnancy and a normal vaginal delivery are entirely possible. Advances in obstetrics and prenatal care have significantly improved outcomes for women with this condition. Here's why you can remain optimistic: Personalized Care: Working with an experienced obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist ensures close monitoring throughout pregnancy. Regular ultrasounds can track fetal growth, position, and amniotic fluid levels, allowing for timely interventions if needed. Not Doomed to Cesarean: While some women may need a cesarean due to specific complications, many with a unicornuate uterus deliver vaginally without issue. The decision depends on factors like fetal position, labor progression, and overall health, not the uterine anomaly alone. Full-Term Pregnancies Are Achievable: With careful monitoring, many women carry their pregnancies to term (37-40 weeks). Preterm birth is a risk, but it's not a certainty, and modern neonatal care can support babies born slightly early if needed. Healthy Babies: Countless women with a unicornuate uterus give birth to healthy, thriving babies. The condition does not inherently affect the baby's development or genetic health. Support and Advocacy: Connecting with others who have similar experiences, whether through online communities or support groups, can provide emotional strength and practical advice. Knowing you're not alone can make all the difference. A unicornuate uterus is a rare but manageable condition that requires awareness and, in some cases, specialized care. While there are risks to consider, they are not insurmountable, and many women with this anomaly experience successful pregnancies and vaginal deliveries without complications. With the right support, you can embrace your unique journey, knowing that a unicornuate uterus does not mean you're destined for preterm birth, cesarean delivery, or pregnancy complications. Instead, it's a testament to your resilience and the incredible capabilities of modern medicine to support you every step of the way.   Connect With Us: YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources . Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources . Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com .    

Editor's Summary by Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, Editor in Chief, and Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editor of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for articles published from April 26-May 2, 2025.

How do we lower the amount of preterm or low weight births? Dongqing Wang, Assistant Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University's College of Public Health, examines one solution. Dongqing Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health. Wang's research focuses on the nutritional […]

Send us a textFunisitis increases the risk of death or cerebral palsy in extremely preterm infants.Jain VG, Parikh NA, Rysavy MA, Shukla VV, Saha S, Hintz S, Jobe A, Carlo WA, Ambalavanan N; Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Neonatal Research Network.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2025 As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textLung Recruitment Before Surfactant Administration in Extremely Preterm Neonates: 2-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial.Gallini F, De Rose DU, Iuliano R, Romeo DM, Tana M, Paladini A, Fusco FP, Nobile S, Cota F, Tirone C, Aurilia C, Lio A, Esposito A, Costa S, D'Andrea V, Ventura ML, Carnielli V, Dani C, Mosca F, Fumagalli M, Scarpelli G, Giordano L, Fasolato V, Petrillo F, Betta P, Solinas A, Gitto E, Gargano G, Mescoli G, Martinelli S, Di Fabio S, Bernardo I, Tina LG, Staffler A, Stasi I, Mondello I, Scapillati E, Vedovato S, Maffei G, Bove A, Vitaliti M, Terrin G, Lago P, Gizzi C, Strozzi C, Villani PE, Berardi A, Cacace C, Bracaglia G, Pascucci E, Cools F, Pillow JJ, Polglase G, Pastorino R, van Kaam AH, Mercuri E, Orfeo L, Vento G; IN-REC-SUR-E Study Group; Malguzzi S, Rigotti C, Cecchi A, Nigro G, Costabile CD, Roma E, Sindico P, Venafra R, Mattia C, Conversano M, Ballardini E, Manganaro A, Balestri E, Gallo C, Catenazzi P, Astori MG, Maranella E, Grassia C, Maiolo K, Castellano D, Massenzi L, Chiodin E, Gallina MR, Consigli C, Sorrentino E, Bonato S, Mancini M, Perniola R, Giannuzzo S, Tranchina E, Cardilli V, Dito L, Regoli D, Tormena F, Battajon N, Arena R, Allais B, Guidotti I, Roversi F, Meli V, Tulino V, Casati A.JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Sep 3;7(9):e2435347. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.35347.PMID: 39320892 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Early Detection and Early Intervention - where are we now (and what does the future hold)?The last time we had Alicia on the pod, we spoke about the Cochrane Review she led titled “Early developmental intervention programmes provided post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairment in preterm infants” which was published in 2024. In this week's episode, we thought we'd ask Alicia about the state of early intervention right now and what the provision of therapy looks like within our current context of early detection and early intervention for children with cerebral palsy.There have been some rather significant developments in the early detection and early intervention space over the past 20 years. From the rapid technological advances to the value of co-design and involvement of people with lived experience, we now have some impressive evidence to guide our clinical pathways. However, what is very clear now is the vital importance of implementation. The industry has generated substantial knowledge that now needs to be implemented into practice with one particularly important aspect that we must include - family involvement and well-being. Alicia speaks ever so passionately about our role as therapists and I cannot help but to feel even more compelled to ensure that the family is at the centre of everything we do. It is exciting to know that we have the evidence now, so it's time to put it into practice and it can start in your very next session.https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/27041-alicia-spittle

Send us a textThis week we have a couple of great Local interviews! Ochsner Children's Hospital has been one of our anchoring sponsors for years now and for our fifth season, We have created a BRAND NEW SEGMENT called         "A Mother's Giving: & the Milk Bank of Louisiana with Dr. Harley Ginsberg."Dr. Ginsberg is board certified in both pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine and has been on staff at Ochsner since 1987. He served as both the Section Head of neonatal medicine at Ochsner and the Medical Director of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center from 1989 until 2021. Dr. Ginsberg managed the team at Ochsner that took care of babies during Hurricane Katrina. Currently he is Medical Director of the NICU at Ochsner Kenner Medical Center. Dr. Ginsberg is the Founder and Medical Director of Mothers Milk Bank of Louisiana at Ochsner Baptist and is a member of the Standards Committee for the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. He has written chapters for medical textbooks on neonatology and has published scientific medical in articles in the New England Journal of Medicine, Pediatrics, Journal of Perinatology and Clinics in Perinatology. Fully accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, Mothers' Milk Bank of Louisiana at Ochsner Baptist was Louisiana's first human milk bank and the 24th nonprofit milk bank in the United States. Preterm infants are at risk for a condition called necrotizing enterocolitis, which results in inflamed intestines, bacterial infection and damage to the colon and intestines. Without proper care, the infant may die.Pasteurized donor human milk helps offset these potential dangers. Unfortunately, some mothers of preterm infants cannot produce their own milk. That's where Mothers' Milk Bank of Louisiana steps in.As of August 2020, Louisiana provides Medicaid coverage for using pasteurized donor human milk in a hospital. In 2022, Louisiana legislators approved inpatient and outpatient coverage for pasteurized donor human milk. Listen as Dr. Ginsberg and I dive into the Milk bank of Louisiana and hear the powerful impacts it has on our community and state! Go to https://www.ochsner.org/services/mothers-milk-bank-at-ochsner-baptist to learn more or to make a donation today!______________________________________________________________________________________________Then later we welcome back DIRTY DOGS! The local documentary making big waves in our city yall. Not only did the documentary chronicle the heated monopoly on New Orleans' food cart licenses for the French Quarter. What WAS a half century monopoly was essentially ended by a group of passionate film makers that felt convicted to MAKE THINGS RIGHT.  I am so excited to welcome restauranteur and host Brad Bohannan and Cinematographer, Adrian Sosebee to talk about their HOLLYWOOD AWARD they just received in  Beverly Hills! Brad also talks to us about his latest venture with his inspirational wife, Jefferson Parrish Council Person, Arita Bohannan. Together and with a village behind them, they work to bring inclusive and autistic friendly playgrounds to neighborhoods and communities tThank you to our family of amazing sponsors! Ochsner Hospital for ChildrenWww.ochsner.orgRouses MarkersWww.rousesmarkets.comSandpiper VacationsWww..sandpipervacations.comCafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com The Law Firm of Forrest Cressy & James Www.forrestcressyjames.comComfort Cases Www.comfortcases.orgNew Orleans Ice Cream CompanyWww.neworleansicecream.comERA TOP REALTY: Pamela BreauxAudubon Institute www.auduboninstitute.orgUrban South Brewery www.urbansouthbrewery.com

Send us a textResponse to Inhaled Nitric Oxide and Mortality Among Very Preterm Neonates With Pulmonary Hypertension.Baczynski M, Weisz D, Thomas L, Fevrier S, Castaldo M, Soraisham A, Hyderi A, Agarushi R, Bhattacharya S, Lalitha R, Sidhu A, Abdul Wahab MG, Altit G, Hébert A, Louis D, Elsayed Y, Mitra S, Deshpande P, Kharrat A, Zhu F, Ting J, Yoon E, Shah PS, Jain A; Canadian Neonatal Network Investigators.JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Feb 3;8(2):e2458843. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.58843.PMID: 39928335 Free PMC article.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textEvaluating decision regret after extremely preterm birth.Belden L, Kaempf J, Mackley A, Kernan-Schloss F, Chen C, Sturtz W, Tomlinson MW, Guillen U.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Feb 21;110(2):191-199. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327287.PMID: 39164062As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textShort Duration of Antenatal Corticosteroid Exposure and Outcomes in Extremely Preterm Infants.Chawla S, Wyckoff MH, Lakshminrusimha S, Rysavy MA, Patel RM, Chowdhury D, Das A, Greenberg RG, Natarajan G, Shankaran S, Bell EF, Ambalavanan N, Younge NE, Laptook AR, Pavlek LR, Backes CH, Van Meurs KP, Werner EF, Carlo WA; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network (NRN).JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Feb 3;8(2):e2461312. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.61312.PMID: 39982720 Free PMC article.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textWhole-Body Hypothermia for Neonatal Encephalopathy in Preterm Infants 33 to 35 Weeks' Gestation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.Faix RG, Laptook AR, Shankaran S, Eggleston B, Chowdhury D, Heyne RJ, Das A, Pedroza C, Tyson JE, Wusthoff C, Bonifacio SL, Sánchez PJ, Yoder BA, Laughon MM, Vasil DM, Van Meurs KP, Crawford MM, Higgins RD, Poindexter BB, Colaizy TT, Hamrick SEG, Chalak LF, Ohls RK, Hartley-McAndrew ME, Dysart K, D'Angio CT, Guillet R, Kicklighter SD, Carlo WA, Sokol GM, DeMauro SB, Hibbs AM, Cotten CM, Merhar SL, Bapat RV, Harmon HM, Sewell E, Winter S, Natarajan G, Mosquera R, Hintz SR, Maitre NL, Benninger KL, Peralta-Carcelen M, Hines AC, Duncan AF, Wilson-Costello DE, Trembath A, Malcolm WF, Walsh MC; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 Feb 24:e246613. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.6613. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39992674As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Today on the podcast, Radical Birth Keeper School graduate, Eveliina shares her three unique birth stories. At 30 weeks with her second child, Eveliina experienced bleeding and was coerced into an “emergency” c-section, leaving her with a painful vertical incision. The death of her daughter woke up Eveliina's inner mother lion. With Eveliina's third pregnancy, she had a wild pregnancy and freebirthed her beautiful healthy third daughter at home with her family in Finland.Follow Eveliina on Instagram @vapaasynnytyssuomi✨Doors to the Radical Birth Keeper School are OPEN! - The groundbreaking program for women embarking on the path of sovereign birth-work. https://www.freebirthsociety.com/radicalbirthkeeperschool✨ Matriarch Rising Festival tickets are now LIVE! Join us for our annual women's gathering -  https://www.matriarchrisingfestival.com/✨The FBS private membership community, “The Lighthouse” is the most epic space for conscious women! - Get on the waitlist for when doors open next! - https://www.freebirthsociety.com/membership✨Connect with Free Birth Society on Instagram at - https://www.instagram.com/freebirthsociety✨Check out our best-selling course, The Complete Guide to Freebirth - https://www.freebirthsocietycourses.com/cgtf✨ Join the waitlist for the MatriBirth Midwifery Institute - https://www.freebirthsociety.com/mmiwaitlist✨Get our FREE Freebirth starter kit here! - https://www.freebirthsociety.com/start-here✨Are you a sovereign birth professional? Get listed on the MatriBirth Directory here - https://Matribirthdirectory.com✨Join the MatriBirth Directory and connect with sovereign birth professionals near you! -  https://matribirthdirectory.com/✨ Get on the waitlist for REIGN ~ Emilee Saldaya's action-oriented coaching container that is guaranteed to elevate you into your next phase of life for 2025 - https://www.freebirthsociety.com/reign✨Donate to the podcast - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2YJBSCNYXT52Y✨Subscribe to our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBirthSociety✨Learn about everything we do at  - https://www.freebirthsociety.com~~~~~This episode is brought to you by MASA Chips. MASA is part of a growing movement to bring back real food. The kind of food our grandparents ate before Big Food got involved. MASA chips are just three simple ingredients: organic corn, salt, and beef tallow. No seed oils, no fillers, no ultra-processed garbage.When you snack, snack on something real! Go to https://masachips.com/discount/FREEBIRTHSOCIETY and use code FREEBIRTHSOCIETY for 20% off your first order!~~~~~When you need guidance from someone you can truly trust, someone who aligns with your values on sovereignty and natural living, look no further than Dr. Jennifer Tice, ND - Naturopathic Pediatrician + Homeopathic Expert

Send us a textIn this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Ilana Levene, who is now a Neonatology subspeciality trainee at Oxford, England. Ilana has done some fantastic work on exploring the important topic of human milk expression. She described her randomized control trial in using relaxing techniques to facilitate human milk expression in the NICU. She shared the challenges that she had in conducting her RCT. We also talked about RCTs with negative results and how negative results are also important in conducting research. Ilana has now created a website with printables for parents and staff in the NICU on human milk expression. This can be assessed for free here : http://www.hifn.org/printable . Ilana also shared her interest in perinatal equity and shared details on her project Spectrum which involves gathering photos of the lactating breast conditions/chest from people with a wide spectrum of skincolours. These will be provided as a free educational image library. Currently she is chairing a priority setting partnership for LGBTQIA+ perinatal care. As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dr. Phillip Bennett, a co-director of the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Imperial College London, discusses a historic randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will test a vaginal probiotic's ability to reduce preterm birth risk.

There is a lot doctors and scientists still don't fully understand about what includes labour, both pre and at term. But we do know that there are treatments that can reduce your chance of having a preterm birth, especially if you have had one in the past. Preterm birth can be especially traumatic for those living in remote communities which is why in our guests on today's podcast, Drs. Kirsten Duckitt and Jennifer Kask, developed a prevention of preterm birth pathway in Northern Vancouver Island that is spreading to other remote communities. They share with us a moving story of a pregnant individual from a remote community who had her baby in their hospital, and break down the definitions and rates of preterm birth, risks to mama and baby, and how they can be decreased. Listen to our podcast on Being a NICU parent! Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass. *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: November 3, 2021.

There is a lot doctors and scientists still don't fully understand about what includes labour, both pre and at term. But we do know that there are treatments that can reduce your chance of having a preterm birth, especially if you have had one in the past. Preterm birth can be especially traumatic for those living in remote communities which is why in our guests on today's podcast, Drs. Kirsten Duckitt and Jennifer Kask, developed a prevention of preterm birth pathway in Northern Vancouver Island that is spreading to other remote communities. They share with us a moving story of a pregnant individual from a remote community who had her baby in their hospital, and break down the definitions and rates of preterm birth, risks to mama and baby, and how they can be decreased. Listen to our podcast on Being a NICU parent! Taking you from anxious and overwhelmed to confident during your childbirth experience: Pregnancy to Parenthood Online Prenatal Masterclass. *This episode is a re-release. Original release date: November 3, 2021.

Send us a textDouble Jeopardy: A Distinct Mortality Pattern Among Preterm Infants with Congenital Heart Disease.Higgins BV, Levy PT, Ball MK, Kim M, Peyvandi S, Steurer MA.Pediatr Cardiol. 2025 Apr;46(4):939-946. doi: 10.1007/s00246-024-03519-4. Epub 2024 Jun 12.PMID: 38864860 Free PMC article.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textSimilarities and Differences in the Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Children with Congenital Heart Disease and Children Born Very Preterm at School Entry.Wehrle FM, Bartal T, Adams M, Bassler D, Hagmann CF, Kretschmar O, Natalucci G, Latal B.J Pediatr. 2022 Nov;250:29-37.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.05.047. Epub 2022 Jun 2.PMID: 35660491 Free article.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send us a textParental and Medical Classification of Neurodevelopment in Children Born Preterm.Richter LL, Janvier A, Pearce R, Bourque CJ, Church PT, Luu TM, Synnes A.Pediatrics. 2025 Feb 1;155(2):e2024066148. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-066148.PMID: 39786567As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Preterm infants, especially those born at periviability, are at inherent risk of a variety of short-term neonatal complications- depending on their gestational age- including sepsis, respiratory distress, IVH, and have an overall higher mortality compared to term born infants. Well known interventions are intended to reduce these complications; these include antenatal corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate for CNS protection, and antibiotics for latency in PPROM. This is an even bigger issue for those born in the periviable interval. That group is a unique population. But does mode of delivery matter? Cesarean delivery is currently not recommended before 25 weeks' gestation unless for maternal indications, even in the setting of malpresentation. We'll cover recently stated guideline in this episode. These recommendations are based on a lack of evidence of improved neonatal outcomes and survival following cesarean delivery and the maternal risks associated with cesarean delivery at this early gestational age. Plus, for non-vertex presenting fetuses, C-section has been reported to reduce risk of neonatal mortality, but what about vertex presenting preterm/periviable babies? In this episode, we will review the mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes in preterm birth with a special focus on those born in the periviable interval, like 22- and 23-weeks gestation. There's lots to cover here…so listen in for details.

Is that your water breaking or did you just pee yourself (again?) At this stage of pregnancy, it's important to learn the signs of pre-term labor in case that baby wants to make an early appearance! Sarah chats symptoms to look out for and some tell-tale signs birth is near, PLUS baby's development, tips for the week, and a to-do list to help keep us all on track Want more from Sarah? Personal Instagram: @SarahMerrill_Hall Share some Laughs: @bigkidproblems Check out the NEW IG @bottleserviceBKP Shop Sarah's Pregnancy/ Postpartum Must Haves on Amazon Shop Bottle Service MERCH!  Big Thank You to our Episode Sponsors! MANSCAPED - Get 20% off + free shipping with the code bottleservice at Manscaped.com Green Chef - The #1 Meal Kit for Clean Eating. Go to greenchef.com/bottleservice50 and use code bottleservice50 for 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next two months! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices