Dear NICU Mama

In this week’s episode, we are sharing a replay centered on grief and the many ways it can show up throughout the NICU journey and beyond. As mentioned in the introduction, our Wave of Light episode will be published on October 14. Below, you’ll find a form where you can share the name of your baby or babies so we can gently honor and remember them during that episode. Thank you for trusting us with their names and allowing us to remember them alongside you. Wave of Light Form: https://form.jotform.com/dearnicumama/wave-of-light-podcast-episode When we think of grief, we often think of grieving someone that has passed away. But what about when we grieve something we have lost, like an experience or the motherhood journey we always envisioned we would have? On this week's episode, we speak with Jessica Hotchkiss from Praireland Counseling Services about grief and its relation to NICU motherhood. In this episode we cover: Myths and truths about grief What healthy grieving looks like What NICU mothers might grieve Will grief always hurt and is there a timeline? How to move through grief without rushing the healing process Our hope is that this episode affirms that no matter where you are in your healing journey, that your grief is valid and not too big. You are never ever alone! Jessica Hotchkiss is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of North Dakota and a Certified Child Life Specialist. Specializing in death, grief, and bereavement, Jessica has 10 years of experience in both the hospital and outpatient settings providing support to children, adults and families. She also holds certification as a grief counselor conducting training and presentations at the local, national, and international levels. Jessica has created courses for master's and doctoral counseling students in the area of bereavement and is passionate about preparing individuals to work with grief and loss. Her research and expertise works to combat burnout, compassion fatigue, and death anxiety. She specializes in working with children and families living with chronic or terminal medical conditions or experiencing medical trauma. To get connected with Jessica: Website | Instagram | Facebook To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram

In this week's episode, we sit down with NICU Mama and longtime member of this sisterhood Maddie to hear the story of her daughter, Josie. After a textbook pregnancy, Maddie was suddenly diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome at 29 weeks, airlifted to a hospital four hours from home, and soon delivered Josie by emergency C-section. Maddie shares honestly about the fear and overwhelm of those early days, nearly seven weeks in the NICU during COVID, and the complicated emotions that came with learning how to mother a baby she was terrified to lose. We also talk about the years that followed, how Maddie found Dear NICU Mama in the middle of her own NICU stay, and how her experience eventually inspired Bows for Jo, a business that gives back to NICU families and organizations. This is an honest, tender conversation about survival, healing, giving back, and the reminder that it is okay to not feel okay. Connect with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Connect with Bows for Jo: Website | Instagram

In this week's episode, we sit down with Keira Sorrells, NICU mama and founder and Executive Director of NICU Parent Network. Keira shares her journey through infertility, an unexpected pregnancy with quintuplets, and ultimately welcoming her daughters Avery, Lily, and Zoe at just 25 weeks and 5 days. Keira reflects on their months in the NICU, the people who helped her find her voice as a mother and advocate. She also shares how her own experience eventually led her to found NICU Parent Network and bring NICU organizations and parent leaders together to advocate for meaningful change for families. Together, we talk about the power of peer support, family-centered care, advocacy, and what can happen when NICU families use their voices together. And nearly 20 years into her journey, Keira leaves us with a beautiful reminder: there is time to give back, but first, give yourself permission to heal, be present, and take care of yourself too. To connect with Keira and learn more about NICU Parent Network, check out the links below. Website | Instagram To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with NICU mama Kelsey to hear the story of her son, Rory, who arrived unexpectedly at 35 weeks and spent seven days in the NICU. Kelsey vulnerably shares the loneliness of being separated from her baby after birth, waiting 72 hours to hold him, navigating the unexpected challenges of bonding, and the survival mode that followed her long after they came home. Together, the mamas talk about the grief of not getting to mother the way you imagined, postpartum anxiety and anger, and why the length of a NICU stay never determines the significance of a family’s experience. Whether your NICU journey lasted one day or many months, this conversation is a gentle reminder that your story is worthy, your experience is valid, and you are the mom your baby needs. It’s also Walking Letter of Hope Day week! Here’s how to walk with us: Whether you’re gathering with us in Fargo or walking wherever you are, we invite you to walk alongside NICU families and celebrate this incredible community. • Walk where you are: Gather your family, friends, or loved ones and walk with us on September 20th. • Walk with us in Fargo: Join our local community gathering at Trollwood Park from 4:00–6:00 PM. • Support the mission: Create a fundraising team or make a gift to help Dear NICU Mama continue providing connection, resources, and hope to NICU mothers and families. Create your team and give at dearnicumama.com/give. However you join us, take a photo, tag @dearnicumama, and use #WalkingLetterOfHopeDay so we can celebrate with you. Wherever you are, we walk with you! To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram Support the show

In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by Melody Weston, CEO of Embrace Global, for a powerful conversation about neonatal care around the world and the life-saving impact of something as simple as warmth. Melody shares how Embrace Global is working to decrease neonatal mortality by ensuring premature and low birth weight babies have access to safe thermal support, particularly in communities where traditional incubators and resources may not be accessible. Together, they discuss the realities of newborn care in low-resource settings, the incredible dedication of healthcare workers and families, and why lasting change requires empathy, partnership, and listening. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that while NICU care may look different around the world, the fierce love of a parent is universal. The sisterhood extends far beyond our own NICUs, and every baby deserves the opportunity to not only survive, but thrive. Connect with Embrace Global: Website | About the Organization | Camaroon | Zambia Connect with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | Instagram This episode is sponsored by Prolacta Bioscience. To learn more about Prolacta and their human milk-based nutritional products for critically ill and premature infants, head here. Support the show