The Preemie Podcast

We're back! February is Full Term Awareness month and we're kicking off this season highlighting the multitude of emotions families can feel having a full term admission to the NICU. As always, you can follow us on Instagram @thepreemiepodcast and you can send us your stories to [email protected] you for all of your support up to this point, we truly appreciate you all. Love, Catriona and Taylor x

Join us this week as we reflect back on on our second season of The Preemie Podcast!  We are so grateful to everyone who listens, shares and has supported us throughout our podcasting journey.  Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.  Catriona and Taylor x

Hi everyone!  What a special episode we have for you today.  We were joined by Amy, who was a NICU nurse, a preemie mum and now works for Pampers, helping to design nappies for our incredible NICU babies!   What an incredible woman, and such a pinch me moment for us.  We hope you love it!  Catriona and Taylor x

Hello!  We are so excited to share this episode with you all, we have our first guest!  Sarah tells us all about her two NICU journeys with each of her daughters.  This chat is full of laughter, some tears and so much NICU love.  We know you're going to love it.  Catriona and Taylor x

Hello!  Join us this week as we discuss navigating being discharged from the NICU and the wide range of emotions this can bring up.  A lovely mum suggested this episode to us and gave us her own story of what going home looked like for her and we're so glad we had this chat.  Remember, no matter where you are in your NICU journey, you have got this! Love, Catriona and Taylor x   Resources: https://www.bliss.org.uk/ https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/about-maternal-mental-health/ Right On Time Podcast 

Hello! Firstly, apologies for the poor sound quality on Catriona's end, we've done everything we can to rectify it and hope it isn't too off putting.  Join us this week while we discuss the importance of Safe Sleep and how you can keep your baby safe whilst sleeping.  We discuss the difference between safe sleep in the NICU and safe sleep at home and why these are so different at times.  All of our information for this episode has come from The Lullaby Trust - https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/  As always, be in touch with us via email at [email protected] or on Instagram @thepreemiepodcast   Catriona and Taylor x  

Hello! Join us this week to hear about going home NG feeding or with home oxygen.  Drawing from personal experiences and insights from the community team, we discuss the challenges and triumphs of supporting families in their own environments. Whether you're a healthcare professional or a parent, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving role of community nursing in neonatal care.  Catriona and Taylor x   Email: [email protected] Instagram @thepreemiepodcast 

Join us this week while we dive into the intricacies of discharge planning from the NICU. We discuss the journey from admission to going home, emphasising the importance of medical stability, caregiver education, and family bonding. With insights from our own experiences and stories from other parents, we hope to give you the knowledge on how to prepare for the transition from NICU to home. As always, follow us on Instagram @thepreemiepodcast and send us your stories to [email protected] We hope you enjoy! Catriona and Taylor x

We're back!!  A week later than we had intended... two full time nurses and one full time Mum, a house move and all the other things life throws at us.  BUT we're so happy to be back and to be discussing such an important topic.   As always, we love hearing from so please send us a message on Instagram @thepreemiepodcast or email us at [email protected]   Catriona & Taylor x

Wow, we can't believe we've already finished our first season!  Thank you all so much for listening and interacting with us.  We will be back in a few weeks with more NICU love.    Catriona and Taylor x

Join us this week for a more informal chat about developmental care and the reasons behind the NICU use certain techniques for your precious preemie babies.  Subscribe, message us on Instagram @thepreemiepodcast or send us an email to [email protected]. 

Join us this week to find out about DuoPAP and Invasive Ventilation. We thought it was important to split this up from our Non-Invasive Respiratory Support episode, otherwise your brains would be mush!  We break down the differences of DuoPAP and conventional ventilation, why babies might need this level of respiratory support and talk through what you can expect if your baby should need these interventions. As always, we discuss the importance of family centred care throughout the NICU journey and try to make what can be a challenging topic somewhat upbeat.  We hope you enjoy!  Catriona and Taylor x 

In this episode of The Preemie Podcast, we break down the basics of non-invasive respiratory support in the NICU. From CPAP to high-flow, we explain the hows and whys behind the breathing support options commonly used for premature and unwell babies.   Whether you’re a NICU parent trying to understand what all those tubes and machines are for, or a healthcare professional looking for a fresh take on the fundamentals, this episode delivers clear, compassionate info—served with our usual dose of friendly chat and real-world insight.

In this episode, we reflect on Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place 5th-11th May 2025.  We discuss the unique challenges that NICU families face and the importance of mental health support during this time.  We highlight resources available for parents navigating NICU life and hear from previous NICU families who offer some powerful advice.  Follow us on Instagram @thepreemiepodcast  Or send us an email at [email protected] Resources include: https://www.bliss.org.uk/ https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/ https://perinatalmentalhealthpartnership.com/ https://nicuandyou.co.uk/  

Join us this week to find out about hypoglycaemia. In this episode we break down what hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) means for newborns, why it happens, how it’s treated, and how you could be involved as parents as partners in care. Each episode aims to give you clear, compassionate information to help you feel more confident and empowered during your baby’s NICU journey.

Join us this week to find out about enteral feeding, the different types of milk that can be used and hear some real stories from real NICU parents! As always, be in touch with your stories via our Instagram page @thepreemiepodcast or send us an email at [email protected]   Catriona and Taylor x

Welcome to episode three of The Premie Podcast, where NICU nurses Catriona and Taylor discuss the essential topic of thermoregulation in the neonatal unit. This episode provides vital information on how to maintain temperature stability for premature and sick infants, crucial for their growth and development. Learn about the primary ways newborns can become cold—evaporation, conduction, convection, and radiation—and discover how these heat losses can be prevented. Highlighting differences between term and preterm infants, the importance of maintaining a stable body temperature is emphasised to avoid stress and ensure healthy development. The episode covers methods used in the NICU, including the use of incubators, heated mattresses, and skin-to-skin contact, often referred to as kangaroo care, which supports thermoregulation. Join Catriona and Taylor as they explore various aspects of keeping babies warm, the transitions from incubator to cot, and the crucial involvement of parents in this process.

*The information provided in The Preemie Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. All information included is in this episode is up to date at time of recording.* In this episode of the Preemie Podcast, NICU nurses Taylor and Catriona take a deep dive into the topic of jaundice in newborns. They provide a comprehensive overview of what jaundice is, its symptoms, and the various treatment options available. Parents will learn how jaundice is managed both in the neonatal unit and at home, empowering them with knowledge and confidence during their NICU journey. The hosts explain the causes of jaundice, how to recognise symptoms, and discuss effective treatment options including regular feeding, phototherapy, and alternative feeding methods when necessary. They emphasise the importance of monitoring bilirubin levels to prevent complications. The episode also touches on the balance of medical interventions and parental bonding through skin-to-skin contact. This informative discussion is lightened with anecdotes and advice, making it an essential listen for new parents and caregivers looking to better understand and navigate their baby’s health. The episode combines educational content with relatable stories, ensuring parents feel involved and informed.

Welcome to The Preemie Podcast, hosted by Catriona and Taylor, two passionate NICU nurses dedicated to guiding you through the neonatal unit. In this introductory episode, get to know your hosts as they share their experiences and motivations for starting this educational podcast. Aimed at empowering and informing NICU parents, The Preemie Podcast offers insights into navigating the challenges of neonatal care. Join us to gain valuable knowledge that will support you and your baby during your NICU journey.