Tiny Miracles: Stories of Hope from the NICU

In this episode of Tiny Miracles, we hear from Josie Kramer whose twins, Sterling and Emory, were born at 25 weeks. We also hear from Dr. Gillian Headley, a neonatologist with over 25 years of experience. Sterling and Emory were some of the first babies in the Small Baby Unit at the hospital where they were born. Dr. Gillian Headley was part of the team that developed and launched that Small Baby Unit back in 2017. Topics covered in this episode: Small Baby Unit NEC Brain Bleeds Reading at the Bedside Life after the NICU Advice from Josie: I asked Josie what advice she would give to families whose babies are currently in the NICU. Her first piece of advice is to talk to someone: a family member, friend, or licensed counselor. Journaling was also something Josie found to be helpful during her children’s NICU stay. The second piece of advice Josie gave is to be bold in asking questions of the nurses and doctors. After her children were discharged from the NICU, Josie joined the NICU support group that the hospital provided for NICU graduate families. Support groups can be incredibly helpful during the transition from the NICU to home, and for the years following your baby's discharge from the NICU. Families should not have to experience their NICU journeys alone. Below you will find links to organizations that support NICU families: My Preemie Baby Book (Journal) - https://www.mypreemiebabybook.com/ March of Dimes - https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/nicu-family-support Project Sweet Peas - https://www.projectsweetpeas.com/ Hand to Hold - https://handtohold.org/ Graham's Foundation - https://www.grahamsfoundation.org/ Ideas for Supporting NICU Parents - https://handtohold.org/unique-ways-support-nicu-parents-ideas-nicu-care-basket/ Most hospitals provide support for NICU families as well. Reach out to your baby’s nurse and ask if the hospital offers any services specific to parents with babies in the NICU. Music: Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay Juan Sanchez from Pixabay

In this episode of Tiny Miracles, you will hear from Ashley Johnson whose daughter Ava was born at 24 weeks. You will also hear from Teresa Lundeen, a NICU nurse with 16 years of experience. Topics covered in this episode: Preeclampsia Retinopathy of Prematurity Reactive Airway Disease/Asthma NICU Support Families should not have to experience their NICU journeys alone. Below you will find links to organizations that support NICU families: My Preemie Baby Book (Journal) March of Dimes Project Sweet Peas Hand to Hold Graham's Foundation Ideas for Supporting NICU Parents Most hospitals provide support for NICU families as well. Reach out to your baby’s nurse or doctor and ask about support that the hospital may provide. Documentary music:  "Spirit Landscape" by Lexin Music "Gentle Feelings" by SergePavkinMusic "Price of Freedom" by Daddy_s_Music "Cinematic Documentary Piano" by The Mountain "Lullaby for a Frantic World" by Juan_Sanchez_Music "Sad Piano & Cello" by LiteSaturation