11 | The Motherwhelm with Jen | NICU, Exclusive Pumping & Postpartum Anger

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Jen to talk about life in the NICU, postpartum anger, anxiety, exclusive pumping, and learning to advocate for your baby.Jen shares the story of her son, Luca, who was born prematurely at 33 weeks' gestation, and reflects on the unexpected challenges of becoming a mother in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She opens up about experiencing postpartum anxiety and postpartum anger, the emotional impact of an early birth, and the identity shift that came with motherhood.Together, we explore how the NICU experience changed Jen's perspective as both a mother and a social worker, the importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for your child, and the resilience she discovered throughout Luca's journey. Jen also shares her experience with exclusive pumping, the transition to becoming a stay-at-home mum, and the ways motherhood transformed both her relationships and her sense of self.If you've experienced premature birth, life in the NICU, postpartum anxiety, postpartum anger, or you're navigating an exclusive pumping journey, I hope Jen's story reminds you that you're not alone, and that your voice as a parent matters.Instagram accounts mentioned in this episode@miraclekidsnparentnetwork@handtohold@growwithjenloweTopics discussed: NICU, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, premature birth, 33-week baby, postpartum anxiety, postpartum anger, maternal mental health, exclusive pumping, pumping for a preemie, NICU advocacy, motherhood identity, stay-at-home motherhood, parent advocacy, resilience.