PODCAST · society
Dear NICU Mama
by Dear NICU Mama
The DNM Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by NICU mamas and team members of Dear NICU Mama, Ashley + Aisha! By hosting interviews with trauma-informed medical and maternal mental health experts and sharing vulnerable interviews with NICU mamas around the world, our hope is that you feel like you’re sitting across the table from another NICU sister and feel seen and validated in your experience. No matter where you are on your healing journey, this podcast is here to remind you that you are not alone. Welcome to the sisterhood! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Wave of Light: Saying Their Names
In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and the International Wave of Light, this week's episode is dedicated to remembering and honoring the babies who left this world far too soon. In this week's podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha share the names and stories of babies whose lives...
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REPLAY | Redefining Grief with Jessica Hotchkiss
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…
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Preeclampsia, Prematurity & Josie’s NICU Journey | Maddie’s Story
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…
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When Our Stories Become Advocacy with Keira Sorrells
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...
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You Are the Mom Your Baby Needs: Healing After a Seven Day NICU Stay
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,...
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When Warmth Saves Lives: The Work of Embrace Global
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...
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From Survival Mode to Healing | Savannah's Story
WE ARE BACK!!! And what better way to kick off a new season of the Dear NICU Mama podcast than during NICU Awareness Month! In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by NICU mama, artist, and writer Savannah O'Malley as she shares the story of her twin boys, Lachlan and Lex. Born at…
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July Mamas Call In
It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because they give us the chance to hear directly from YOU. This month’s prompt was: “What does it mean to be a Walking Letter of Hope?” In this episode, two incredible NICU mamas share what becoming a...
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Nicole | Severe Preeclampsia, a Medical Flight, and Layla's NICU Journey
In this week's episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by Dear NICU Mama Board Member Nicole as she shares the story of her daughter, Layla. After a year and a half of trying to conceive, Nicole became pregnant with Layla and was carefully monitored due to a congenital heart condition. At 32 weeks,...
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Mental Health Roundtable | A Replay Episode
In this week's podcast episode we're revisiting a beautiful roundtable conversation from season 8 for an honest discussion about mental health after the NICU with Dear NICU Mama volunteers, Kamille and Lexxa. Together, they share vulnerably about their own experiences with postpartum depression,...
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Katie | Returning to the NICU, This Time as a Mom
In this week's podcast episode, Katie shares the remarkable story of her daughter Annie's early arrival and the incredible full circle moments woven throughout their NICU journey. At 25 weeks pregnant, Katie was unexpectedly diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and hospitalized before delivering...
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June Mama's Call In
It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because they give us the chance to hear directly from YOU. This month’s prompt was: “What words of hope or encouragement would you offer to a NICU mom who feels like it’s all too much right now?” In this...
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The Power of NICU Doula Support with Mary Farrelly
In this week's episode, we're welcoming back Mary Farrelly, founder of The NICU Translator and NICU Doula Academy. Since her first appearance on the podcast, Mary has turned a dream into a growing movement. As a Level IV NICU nurse and professionally trained doula, she is passionate about helping...
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Katonya | From Home Birth to 180 Days in the NICU
In this week’s podcast episode, Katonya shares the incredible story of her son Kareem and the unimaginable journey that led her into motherhood. At just 22 weeks and 6 days pregnant, Katonya unexpectedly went into labor and delivered Kareem alone at home before emergency responders arrived. She...
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May Mama's Call In!
It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because they give us the chance to hear directly from YOU. This month’s prompt was: “Tell us about a moment when you felt unexpected courage.” From emergency deliveries and NICU stays to the challenges of...
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"Your NICU Story" with Emily Souder & Mahaley Patel
In this episode, Emily Souder and Mahaley Patel join us to share their motherhood journeys, their experiences navigating NICU trauma and loss, and the heart behind their new resource for NICU families, “Your NICU Story”. Mahaley vulnerably shares the story of her daughter, Sachi, who passed away…
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Emma | Grady’s Neonatal Stroke Journey
In this week’s podcast episode, Emma shares the story of her son Grady’s unexpected NICU journey after experiencing a rare neonatal stroke at birth. What began as a healthy, full-term pregnancy quickly turned into a series of medical emergencies, including respiratory distress, seizures, an...
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Mother's Day Mama's Call In
It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because they give us the chance to hear directly from YOU. This month’s prompt was: “What words of hope would you offer to another NICU mama this Mother’s Day?” From reminders that your feelings are valid,...
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Latoya’s Story: A NICU Journey, Loss, and Honoring Skylar
In this week’s episode, Latoya shares her motherhood story of welcoming her daughter Skylar at 28 weeks and navigating a long and complex NICU journey. She opens up about the challenges they faced during Skylar’s 10-month NICU stay, the joy of bringing her home, and the deep love that defined…
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C-Section Roundtable Part 2 | A Replay Episode
In this week’s episode, we’re continuing part 2 of our C-section roundtable with Ashley, Aisha, and two incredible NICU mamas from our community, Lindsay and Kristen. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, we encourage you to start there because today we’re picking up right where we left off! In...
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C-Section Roundtable Part 1 | A Replay Episode
In this week’s podcast episode, we are sharing a replay episode from a c-section roundtable with Ashley, Aisha, and two incredible NICU mamas from our community, Lindsay and Kristen! In this honest and gentle conversation, we share about the moments leading up to our C-sections, whether they were...
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Sharon’s Story: A Twin NICU Journey at 30 Weeks
In this week’s podcast episode, we share the story of Sharon and her journey of becoming a NICU mom to her twin daughters after a high-risk pregnancy. After learning she was expecting twins, Sharon’s pregnancy quickly shifted as one of her daughters experienced growth restriction, leading to...
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Brent & Suzette: Holding Grief and Joy in Medical Parenthood
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Brent and Suzette to share the story of their daughter Chloe and her journey with a rare mitochondrial disorder. What began as a typical pregnancy quickly shifted into a complex medical journey marked by uncertainty, advocacy, and deep resilience. Brent…
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March Mama's Call In
It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because it gives us the chance to hear from this remarkable sisterhood. This month’s prompt was: “What would you tell a NICU mama who just received a new diagnosis for her baby or NICU grad? What is...
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Cerebral Palsy Is a Spectrum: A NICU Mom Roundtable
In this week’s episode, in honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we’re hosting a powerful roundtable conversation sharing real, honest stories from NICU moms navigating this diagnosis with their NICU miracles. Melissa, Vilma, Andrea, and Aisha together share about what it’s like to hear the...
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Life After the NICU: Oakley’s NICU Story | Part 2
In this week’s podcast episode, we continue Emilee’s story as she shares what life looked like after Oakley’s diagnosis and their transition home from the NICU. Emilee opens up about navigating the unknowns of Oakley’s rare genetic deletion, making decisions about medical interventions like a...
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A Full-Circle Diagnosis: Oakley’s NICU Story | Part 1
In this week’s podcast episode, Emilee shares Part 1 of her son Oakley’s unexpected NICU journey, a story marked by emergency decisions, a rare genetic diagnosis, and a powerful full-circle moment within her own family. After a healthy pregnancy, Emilee delivered Oakley six weeks early via...
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February Mama's Call In Episode
It’s time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because it gives us the chance to hear from this remarkable sisterhood. This month’s prompt was: “If you could go back in time and share a word of love with yourself while you were fresh in the NICU, what...
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Jessica | A Heart Diagnosis and 84 Days in the NICU
In this week’s podcast episode, Jessica shares the remarkable story of becoming a NICU mom through adoption. She opens up about her and her husband’s journey through foster care, infertility, and the unexpected call that would introduce them to their son, Noah. Just weeks before his birth, they...
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Sex & Healing after NICU with Jill Ehrmantraut
In this week’s podcast episode, we’re sharing a 2026 refresh of one of our most requested and revisited conversations, originally recorded in 2021. We’re joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Jill Ehrmantraut of Apex Therapy for an honest and affirming discussion about pelvic floor health,...
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Sex & Intimacy After the NICU with Natalie Reiter
We are back!!! In this week’s podcast episode, we’re sharing a 2026 update and re-release of a conversation originally recorded in 2020, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. We’re joined by maternal mental health therapist Natalie Reiter for an honest and compassionate discussion about sex and...
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Our Final Episode of 2025 & Introducing the Holiday Book Drive!
In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down for a cozy end-of-year conversation to close out the 2025 podcast season. Together, they reflect on the stories, experts, and full-circle moments that shaped this year’s episodes, and share how the Dear NICU Mama sisterhood continues to impact…
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Meet the Illustrator of Right On Time + Exciting Book Update!
In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with two very special guests: Allie, a PA who cared for Ashley’s son during his NICU stay, and her husband, Troy—the illustrator of Right On Time, Dear NICU Mama’s first children’s board book. Together they share the full-circle story of how their...
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Right On Time: Navigating Milestones with KC from Milestones & Motherhood
On this week’s episode, we welcome Dr. KC from Milestones & Motherhood — a pediatric physical therapist, early intervention specialist, and trusted guide for parents navigating developmental milestones. KC shares her own experience with late-preterm babies and how it shaped the compassionate,...
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The OGs Reunite: A Conversation with Co-Founder Martha!
In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with Dear NICU Mama co-founder Martha for a vulnerable and joy-filled conversation about the early days of the sisterhood and how it all began! From the first coffee date and color-coded binder to the launch of the podcast and the years of...
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Encouragement from NICU Dads Ryan & Andy
In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with their husbands, Ryan and Andy, for an intentional conversation about their experiences as NICU dads! Ryan and Andy share vulnerably about the moments that shaped their journeys, from emergency deliveries and hospital stays to…
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Right On Time | G-Tube Roundtable: Redefining Milestones After the NICU
In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and Aisha sit down with NICU mamas Vilma and Sam for a vulnerable roundtable conversation about feeding journeys after the NICU, and what it’s like when a G-tube becomes part of your story. They share vulnerably about the emotions that come with this...
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Healing After Birth and NICU Trauma with The Birth Trauma Mama
In this week’s podcast episode, we share the audio from our recent Walking Letter of Hope Day virtual event featuring licensed therapist and birth trauma survivor Kayleigh Summers, known as The Birth Trauma Mama! Kayleigh joins us to talk about the lasting impact of birth and NICU trauma, what...
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Right On Time | Understanding IEPs with Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed.
In this week’s podcast episode, Ashley and former and beloved podcast co-host Martha revisit an important conversation for our NICU sisterhood: understanding IEPs and how to advocate for your child in school. This replay episode features special education expert Catherine Whitcher, founder of...
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Kristen | Right On Time: Healing, Hope, and “Inchstones”
In Part 2 of Kristen’s story, Ashley and Aisha dive deeper into the unique “right on time” milestones that marked her and Amelia’s 11-month NICU journey! Kristen shares about the courage it took to face a trach and heart procedure, and how Amelia’s progress has unfolded through what she calls...
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Kristen | When Time Stood Still: Amelia’s 11-Month NICU Journey
In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by Kristen, a NICU mom whose journey spans 11 months in the NICU, hospital transfers, heart surgery, and eventually a trach for her daughter, Amelia. Kristen vulnerably shares about her water breaking at 23 weeks, the unexpected 11 weeks of...
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Carrie Part 2 | When the Hard but Right Thing Looks Like Heart Surgery
In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined once again by their dear friend Carrie for the long-awaited part two of her family’s story. In part one, Carrie shared about her daughter Hattie’s unexpected NICU stay after being born full term. In this follow-up episode, Carrie opens up about...
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When Our COVID NICU Babies Start School
In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha are joined by their dear friend and DNM team member, Kamille, for a heartfelt conversation about kindergarten milestones and what it means to parent COVID NICU babies now entering school. Kamille and Aisha vulnerably share their journeys of navigating the...
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Welcome Back + A Big Announcement!
WE'RE BACK! In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha return after a summer break to reflect on Walking Letter of Hope Day, share big back-to-school milestones, and give exciting Dear NICU Mama updates. They also announce the release of Right On Time, Dear NICU Mama's very first children’s book....
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S10 E20 | Carey | Three Surgeries, 113 Days, and Finding Her NICU Sisters
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Carey, a remarkable NICU mom and cherished member of our Dear NICU Mama community and team. Carey vulnerably shares her story of an unexpected diagnosis of preeclampsia just days after moving across the country—and the delivery of her daughter Eliana at 29...
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Walking Letter of Hope Day 2025 – Everything You Need to Know!
In this week’s episode, Ashley and Aisha share all about one of our favorite events of the year: Walking Letter of Hope Day! Happening on Thursday, July 31st, Walking Letter of Hope Day is a special day where we honor NICU journeys, celebrate the strength of our sisterhood, and raise crucial…
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Andrea | Two-Time NICU Mom & NICU Alumni Founder
In this week’s episode, we’re honored to welcome Andrea Hickson—two-time NICU mom and founder of NICU Alumni. Andrea shares the emotional and unexpected journeys of welcoming her daughters Lucy and Felicity, both born prematurely and with unique NICU experiences. From emergency C-sections and...
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Brianna | Two Preterm Deliveries, 14 Months Apart
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…
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Navigating Friendships After Birth and NICU Trauma with The Birth Trauma Mama
In this episode of the Dear NICU Mama podcast, we're joined once again by the remarkable Kayleigh Summers, also known as The Birth Trauma Mama, for a heartfelt conversation about how friendships shift in the wake of birth trauma and NICU experiences. Together, Ashley, Aisha, and Kayleigh open up...
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Sam | Navigating the NICU and Medical Motherhood - Part 2
In this week’s episode, we continue part 2 of Sam’s remarkable motherhood journey as she opens up about the emotional and physical toll of life after a traumatic birth and the journey of becoming a NICU and medical mama. Sam shares vulnerably about her daughter’s fragile start after being born at...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The DNM Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by NICU mamas and team members of Dear NICU Mama, Ashley + Aisha! By hosting interviews with trauma-informed medical and maternal mental health experts and sharing vulnerable interviews with NICU mamas around the world, our hope is that you feel like you’re sitting across the table from another NICU sister and feel seen and validated in your experience. No matter where you are on your healing journey, this podcast is here to remind you that you are not alone. Welcome to the sisterhood!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
Dear NICU Mama
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Dear NICU Mama have?
Dear NICU Mama currently has 217 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Dear NICU Mama about?
The DNM Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by NICU mamas and team members of Dear NICU Mama, Ashley + Aisha! By hosting interviews with trauma-informed medical and maternal mental health experts and sharing vulnerable interviews with NICU mamas around the world, our hope is that you feel like...
How often does Dear NICU Mama release new episodes?
Dear NICU Mama publishes regularly with 217 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Dear NICU Mama?
You can listen to Dear NICU Mama on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Dear NICU Mama?
Dear NICU Mama is created and hosted by Dear NICU Mama.
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