The NICU Space by Miracle Moon

This week, we're bringing you a special episode that sheds light on an important perspective. Join us as we speak with Lizzie, a mum-to-be who is about to start her NICU journey. At the time of recording, Lizzie was currently pregnant and knows that she is going to be spending some time in neonatal care with her baby. LIzzie reached out to me and asked if it would be helpful to share her story, her experiences and feelings. We are going to hopefully also do another episode with her once she has had her baby, to talk about how the experience was for her. 

Lizzie's story is a testament to the varied paths to motherhood. As a solo mum who utilised a sperm donor, she underwent three rounds of IVF. Her journey included not just one, but two surgeries and the heart-wrenching experience of a miscarriage. 

At the 10-week scan, Lizzie's reality took a new shape. She's a midwife herself, and her knowledge added depth to her experiences. Her baby was diagnosed with an abdominal wall defect known as exomphalos, creating a huge uncertainty for the rest of her pregnancy. Lizzie discusses how she has coped with the uncertainty, the anxiety, the grief and how she is preparing to start her journey as a NICU parent. 

We explore topics such as: 

• Single Motherhood 

• IVF and Sperm donation

• Being a “geriatric” Mother

• Coping with a medical diagnosis 

• The importance of community 

• How to prepare for NICU 

• Bonding with your baby, in the womb and in NICU 

• Navigating the unknown 

Lizzie's journey is just beginning, and she's preparing to step into the world of NICU. Her story is one of hope, uncertainty, strength, and community. As we conclude this episode, we invite you to join us in sending positive thoughts Lizzie's way as she embarks on this journey. We are hoping to catch up with Lizzie again in the future when she is home.

We love engaging with our listeners! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @miraclemoonuk when you're tuning in.

Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode.

If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can also find us on our website, www.miraclemoon.co.uk.

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week, we're honoured to have a truly inspirational guest on The Miracle Moon Podcast: Lottie, the driving force behind Leo's Neonatal, a charity that provides crucial support for NICU parents based in the North East. Lottie's journey is one of resilience, strength, and determination, as she opens up about her personal experiences and the vital work her charity does.

Living with Loss and Navigating NICU -- Trigger warning- Baby Loss

Lottie was pregnant with twins, Leo and Oscar, at 21 weeks, her waters broke around Leo. She delivered Leo at 24 weeks, and he passed away after 4 hours. Lottie's pregnancy journey continued and she gave birth to Oscar just 4 days later, at 25 weeks. In our conversation, Lottie sheds light on her experience of having a child in NICU for over 100 days. She discusses the challenges of managing respiratory issues, the rollercoaster of hospital visits, and the impact on her mental health. 

Transitioning from NICU to Home 

The path from NICU to home comes with its own set of challenges, from health anxiety to the search for control in an unpredictable situation and we discuss all of the ways that it may feel on transitioning from hospital to home. Our conversation touches on various topics, including the need for control after NICU, health anxiety, how tricky “normal” experiences like baby groups are and the lasting impact on mental health

Leo's Neonatal: A Beacon of Support for NICU Parents in the North West

Lottie established Leo's Neonatal in honor of her son. This incredible charity offers a range of support services, including NICU-friendly baby groups, trauma-informed care, and peer and professional support for NICU parents. They also provide a much-needed space for baby loss support, an area often overlooked. Lottie highlights the wonderful work that Leo's Neonatal is doing, making a significant impact on the lives of NICU parents.

NICU Mental Health Awareness Week

Lottie's dedication to supporting NICU parents extends to organizing NICU Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place from September 18th, 2023. During this week, Leo's Neonatal will be raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by NICU parents and offering ways for people to get involved and show their support.

To learn more about Leo's Neonatal and the incredible work they do, visit their website at leosneonatal.org or follow them on Instagram @leosneonatal. If you're in the North East, you can access their valuable support services through their website.

We love engaging with our listeners! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @miraclemoonuk when you're tuning in.

Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode.

If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can also find us on our website, www.miraclemoon.co.uk.

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Today on the Miracle Moon Podcast, we're honoured to have Madeline Cheney join us, the creative force behind the podcast and Instagram page @therarelife . Madelines platform serves as the ultimate solidarity hub for parents navigating the uncharted territory of raising children with rare conditions. Just like we do here, Madeline fosters an environment of candidness and authenticity, creating a validating and normalising community for medical parents.

Neonatal Care & Rare Conditions

In this episode we discuss Madeleine's experience of finding out at 20 weeks that her child would have medically complex needs and would need a neonatal admission when they were born. We also talk about their journey through NICU with a child with medically complex needs and a rare genetic disease, whilst also juggling the care of a toddler at home. We discuss the impact of becoming a medical parent and how it can influence mental health, relationships and our world view. We discuss feelings that many medical parents feel but may not always articulate- such as resentment, jealousy, bitterness, grief, intense primal love and uncertainty. 

Key quotes: 

“The day you find out something is different about your child, you become the person you never thought you would be” 

“I had a lot of feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm and having no idea what anyone was saying. I knew nothing about the NICU.” 

“I will do anything to keep this child alive… it was survival mode” 

“NICU wasn't all trauma, I have fond memories… this feelings of I get to see my baby, I felt so much excitement” 

“The first few weeks at home were hellish adjusting to being home without the nurses there to hold our hands and we didn't know what we were doing with the medical devices” 

“I ache for the pain she went through (my daughter at home), cos I was in pain. I grieve everything she went through and I went through” 

“The unknown part of it complicates grief, you're grieving what you have gone through but you are also not sure what else is going to happen” 

“I feel the protective feeling that most parents feel but on steroids because of everything he has been through” 

“When I recognise it is grief and sadness, sometimes that feels more unmanageable than anger” 

Connect with Madeline:
For those seeking a community that understands the unique challenges of parenting children with rare conditions, Madeline's podcast and Instagram page, @therarelife, offer valuable insights and a sense of belonging. Her work resonates with parents navigating similar journeys, providing a place where experiences can be shared and understood.

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We love engaging with our listeners! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @miraclemoonuk when you're tuning in.

Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode.

If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can also find us on our website, www.miraclemoon.co.uk.

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Join us this week to dive deep into a topic that hits home for many parents who've walked the NICU journey alongside us. Remember that Instagram post we shared a while back? The one where we shed light on the challenges NICU parents face while navigating maternity wards? The response was simply overwhelming – so many women shared their stories, revealing just how much stress NICU parents go through on top of an already challenging situation.

We start by reflecting on the incredible impact that Instagram post had. It sparked a global conversation, bringing to light the struggles NICU parents encounter within maternity wards.

We dive into some of the emotional stories that were shared with us. These stories showed us firsthand the urgent need for change and support in these situations.

In this episode we are joined by the amazing Bethany (@_hairby_bethany), who's graciously sharing her own journey of having a premature baby at 32 weeks. She opens up about the challenges she faced within her local hospital.

We talk about the shock of being considered a low-risk pregnancy and the rollercoaster of emotions that came with giving birth prematurely.

Motherhood within the context of neonatal care is a complex landscape, and we delve right into it.

Bethany's determination to drive change shines through as she discusses how she raised a formal complaint about her experience.

You'll get to know about the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), an invaluable resource for addressing concerns with medical care.

Ever heard of Maternity Voices Partnerships (MVPs) and Patient Advisory Groups (PAGs)? We're talking about these local avenues for advocacy and how they play a crucial role in bringing about change and how you can get involved in your local community.

We're underscoring the incredible impact of seemingly small adaptations in maternity wards. These seemingly minor changes can create a world of difference for NICU parents' experiences.

Our mission with this podcast is to be a part of advocating for these changes. We're hoping to inspire you to join this cause and be agents of change.

It's important to note that this episode was recorded prior to the Letby case verdict. It is crucial to remember that the need to raise concerns and advocate for change remains as important as ever.

We love engaging with our listeners! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @miraclemoonuk when you're tuning in.

Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode.

If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can also find us on our website, www.miraclemoon.co.uk.

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Join us for an enlightening and much needed conversation with Katie Ross, known as @bloominglittles on Instagram. Katie's expertise as a neonatal occupational therapist and a mother with NICU experience brings a wealth of insights to our podcast. In this episode, we delve into how we can enhance NICU care by advocating for positive touch, empowering parents and caregivers, providing information about how to care for your baby and how to best support them in a baby-led way.

Katie's background as a Neonatal Occupational Therapist, combined with her personal NICU journey, enables her to offer a comprehensive perspective on the needs of NICU babies and their caregivers. Her role as a mother who has spent time in NICU and a professional who has worked within the NICU setting gives her insights a unique depth, she is able to understand the emotional impact of NICU as well as what we can therefore do to support parents to learn and develop to look after their babies best on NICU.

Throughout this episode, Katie talks about critical aspects of NICU care and advocacy. She highlights the link between nurses and parents, shedding light on how this dynamic can impact the care journey. Katie discusses the importance of advocating for positive touch and skin-to-skin contact, emphasising the need for education to facilitate these practices effectively, both for parents and staff. We also talk about how learning this information after having your child in NICU can at times feel tricky, but the importance of knowing that you did the best you could with the information you had and also the need to spread this awareness and knowledge for all. 

We explore important questions such as... 

“What if one nurse tells me something is OK and another says something different” 

“How can I advocate for me and my baby in times of stress and trauma”, 

“How can I connect and care for my my baby whilst they are in NICU”

“How do babies communicate in NICU?”

“How would you know your baby is in pain, what would you need to do?”

“The importance of physical touch” 

Empowering Caregivers and Parents:

One of the core missions of Blooming Littles, Katie's platform, is to educate parents and NICU staff to support the development of NICU babies. Katie has developed an online program that is  designed to equip NICU parents with the knowledge and tools needed to care for their babies during their time in NICU. Katie advocates for baby-led interaction and underscores the significance of recognising babies' cues and signs of stress. You can find out more about Katie on instagram at @bloominglittles and on her website www.bloominglittles.com where you can also find more information about her course. 

Key Quotes and Takeaways

Throughout the conversation, Katie provided some powerful quotes... 

- "I had been treating as the therapist, in the same room where I had my child 7 hours later."

- "We can have and create positive experiences in the NICU."

- "I advocate for baby-led interaction and experience, learning your baby's cues is a great place to start."

- "There are different signs of stress and overstimulation to look out for...when we stop and offer support (for our babies) we see that stress sign diminish."

Join us in this episode and please let us know what you think by tagging us @miraclemoonuk when you tune in. Consider leaving us a review, and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode.  If you have been impacted by this episode or have any questions, please contact us on instagram or at [email protected] or www.miraclemoon.co.uk 

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Griffith Atkins, a Marriage and Family Therapist, mother of a child with a disability, and a passionate advocate for parents. Amanda's Instagram platform provides a supportive space for parents of children with disabilities to connect and share their experiences.

During our conversation, Amanda opens up about her personal journey into parenthood and her experience raising her first child, Asher, who has Prader-Willi syndrome. We discuss her time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the challenges of raising a child with complex medical needs.

Amanda shares insights into the emotional toll of parenting a child with special medical requirements, including the impact on work, relationships, and personal well-being. She discusses coping with difficult emotions like jealousy and grief, as well as managing the uncertainty that comes with such a journey.

Throughout the episode, Amanda provides valuable advice and perspective, offering comfort to parents who may be facing similar challenges.

Connect with Amanda on Instagram: @amanda.griffith.atkins or visit her website: www.amandagriffithatkins.com.

Join us in this episode and please let us know what you think by tagging us @miraclemoonuk when you tune in. Consider leaving us a review, and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode.  If you have been impacted by this episode or have any questions, please contact us on instagram or at [email protected] or www.miraclemoon.co.uk 

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we speak to Nicola, Katie and Chloe. These women attended our first Miracle Moon Therapeutic Group and kindly agreed to share their experience. We also hear about their stories, how NICU has impacted them and how the group helped. 

We cover topics such as self blame, meaning making, second guessing yourself, anxiety, grief, PTSD and how the group has helped these women feel less alone, validated and supported. 

To join our next therapeutic group, please find out more at ⁠www.miraclemoon.co.uk⁠

Join us in this episode and please let us know what you think by tagging us @miraclemoonuk when you tune in. Consider leaving us a review, and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode.  If you have been impacted by this episode or have any questions, please contact us on instagram or at [email protected] or www.miraclemoon.co.uk 

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we speak to Karen. Karen is a parent who has been through neonatal care herself and she now works as the Parent and Family Engagement Lead For Yorkshire and Humber ODN (operational delivery network). In this episode we discuss. 

We discuss Karen’s experience of becoming a parent and how as a result she changed her job to support other families experiencing NICU. Karen talks about her role as a parent and family engagement lead and the work she does to help other families and neonatal units. Karen shares a little bit about how the system is set up to support parents and the work that is being done to make changes and put neonatal care on the radar of maternity services and how changes are needed for NICU parents on maternity wards. We also discuss how you as a NICU parent can become involved in making changes in your local area through parent advisory groups and maternity voice partnerships. 

Find out more about Karen and the work she does at @neonatal-yh or contact her on [email protected]

Join us in this episode and please let us know what you think by tagging us @miraclemoonuk when you tune in. Consider leaving us a review, and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode.  If you have been impacted by this episode or have any questions, please contact us on instagram or at [email protected] or www.miraclemoon.co.uk 

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we talk to Dr Jess Daigle, Paediatrician, NICU Doctor, Newborn care specialist, Founder and CEO of mom and me MD. Jess is also a NICU Mum to a 31 weeker and a 36 weeker and one child who she lost through miscarriage.

We discuss Jess’ experiences of pregnancy, loss, birth, prematurity and NICU, given that she was used to being on the other side as a medical professional.

We talk about Jess’ passion to support other parents after their NICU experiences and how she does so in her practice, including the importance of postpartum care for NICU parents.

Jess talks about how the medical team can become a part of your “village” and how important developing that support is for neonatal parents especially. 

Find out more about Jess at @momandme_md 

Join us in this episode and please let us know what you think by tagging us @miraclemoonuk when you tune in. Consider leaving us a review, and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode.  If you have been impacted by this episode or have any questions, please contact us on instagram or at [email protected] or www.miraclemoon.co.uk 

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Today we are talking to Beth Sandland. Beth is a NICU Mum and has a wonderful instagram account where she discusses all things Motherhood, travel and NICU. She is training to become a coach and runs an online magazine called the motherhood edit. This episode is split into two parts. 

In this episode (part two), we discuss Beth’s experience of pregnancy after NICU, how she went on to recover from her PTSD and how she is approaching this pregnancy after experiencing NICU first time round. We also discuss how she plans on juggling having two children and whether she is considering planning for another NICU stay. We discuss common feelings people may have in having another child after NICU.

You can find more about Beth @bethsandland and you can find her online magazine at: motherhoodedit.com

Join us in this episode and please let us know what you think by tagging us @miraclemoonuk when you tune in. Consider leaving us a review, and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode.  If you have been impacted by this episode or have any questions, please contact us on instagram or at [email protected] or www.miraclemoon.co.uk 

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Today we are talking to Beth Sandland. Beth is a NICU Mum and has a wonderful instagram account where she discusses all things motherhood, travel and NICU. She is training to become a coach and runs an online magazine called The Motherhood Edit. This episode is split into two parts. 

In this episode (part one), we discuss Beth’s experience of pregnancy after experiencing a miscarriage, the impact of anxiety on her pregnancy, her birth of Ziggy at 34 weeks and NICU experience. We discuss common feelings people may have when going through NICU and when you come home. We also discuss mental health, PTSD and EMDR.

You can find more about Beth @bethsandland and you can find her online magazine at: motherhoodedit.com

Join us in this episode and please let us know what you think by tagging us @miraclemoonuk when you tune in. Consider leaving us a review, and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode.  If you have been impacted by this episode or have any questions, please contact us on instagram or at [email protected] or www.miraclemoon.co.uk 

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Today we are talking to Kayleigh Summers, aka the Birth Trauma Mama. Kayleigh is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specialises in working with parents who have been through birth trauma. She runs an amazing online community and has her own podcast, where she talks openly about her own experience of birth trauma. 

In this episode, we discuss Kayleigh’s experience of birth trauma. Kayleigh experienced an amniotic fluid embolism whilst in labour, leading to her coding and needing to be resuscitated. Her baby also needed to be resuscitated and also spent some time in NICU whilst Kayleigh regained consciousness. Kayleigh speaks about her experience of coming to terms with not being present for the birth of her child and the impact of trauma on her mental health. We discuss manifestation, grief, guilt, loss, health anxiety, jealousy, resentment and how to cope with all of those feelings. We also discuss how to manage feelings around not being able to have another child after birth trauma and how this can impact us. 

You can find more about Kayleigh @thebirthtraumamama or www.thebirthtraumamama.com 

Join us in this important episode and please let us know what you think by tagging us @miraclemoonuk when you tune in. Consider leaving us a review, and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode.  If you have been impacted by this episode or have any questions, please contact us on instagram or at [email protected] or www.miraclemoon.co.uk 

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we speak to Scott from @p_m_h_support. Scott is a Consultant in paternal mental health and parent education, he is a peer support trainer, a Dad to 7 boys, a husband and an army veteran. This episode was recorded two years ago, so we have been waiting to release it. 

We release this episode around the time of Father’s Day and we feel this is such an important conversation that needs to be had. To support Father’s and birthing partners in birth trauma, perinatal mental health and neonatal care. 

We discuss Scott’s experience of birth trauma, neonatal care and mental health following the birth of his children, we talk about the stigma and lack of support available. We discuss topics such as guilt, jealousy, fear of failing, bonding, the impact of the pandemic. As well as other important issues such as, how to support your partner when they do not acknowledge that they need support themselves, or do not want to open up. 

Join us in this important episode and please let us know what you think by tagging us on Instagram @miraclemoonuk when you tune in. Consider leaving us a review, and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode.  If you have been impacted by this episode or have any questions, please contact us on instagram or at [email protected] or www.miraclemoon.co.uk

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A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Dr Frankie & Georgie talk to Dr Jenna Brough, AKA Tribe Psychology, a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in supporting parents throughout the perinatal period.

Jenna talks about proactively supporting parents to reduce later implications of trauma. We talk about the “positive birth” movement and how this can impact people who have been through birth trauma and NICU. We also discuss having another baby after birth trauma and how to access support that is trauma informed.

Follow Jenna at @tribepsychology to find out more about the wonderful work she is doing.

Find us on instagram: @miraclemoonuk

Or on our website www.miraclemoon.co.uk

Or email on [email protected]

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

We would love to hear from you.

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode we talk to Sarah Digregorio, author Early about her book and her experience of neonatal care. Sarah had her daughter at 28 weeks and as a result wrote a very honest and open account of her experience. In the book she also explores the history of supporting NICU babies and discusses some of the ethics surrounding the care of premature and sick babies.

In this episode we discuss what brought her to write a book, the process of writing the book and who it is helpful for. We talk about the importance of social support, the impact of uncertainty and anxiety, normalising feelings and how NICU can continue to impact you years down the line. 

Find out more about Sarah on her instagram @sarahdigregorio 

Find her book here

Find us on instagram: @miraclemoonuk

Or on our website www.miraclemoon.co.uk

Or email on [email protected]

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

We would love to hear from you.

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Welcome to Season 2 of the Miracle Moon podcast with your hosts - Frankie and Georgie. We are so excited to be back and talking about all things NICU, birth trauma and perinatal mental health with you.

In this episode, Georgie and I talk about what life has been like for us since Season 1. We also decided to do something a little different. We wrote three questions for each other and neither of us knew what they were going to be asked. We talk about OCD, anxiety, breastfeeding grief, control, guilt, having another baby after NICU, the pandemic, and more.

Find us on instagram: @miraclemoonuk

Or on our website www.miraclemoon.co.uk

Or email on [email protected]

A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk

We would love to hear from you.

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week Georgie & Frankie discuss pregnancy after NICU. 

Frankie talks about her current pregnancy after having her first child in NICU, how she has felt about it and how she is coping. 

We also discuss anxiety around pregnancy, managing anxiety, worry about your current baby, how it can impact Dads, having conflicting feelings about getting pregnant and being in the NICU again and generally about mental health. We also discuss how you can get involved with campaigning for better mental health support after NICU.

Please share, like, rate and subscribe for episode notifications, it means so much to us.

To read more from other NICU mums you can find us at www.miraclemoon.co.uk or on Instagram or Facebook @miraclemoonuk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we talk to Jen who had her baby at 33 weeks unexpectedly. She experienced PTSD herself and is on a mission to support NICU parents in how to recover emotionally and physically. Jen is a trained physiotherapist and we talk about her experiences, how to recover in the NICU and when you're home, the impact on mental health and how emotional and physical health are so closely linked.

This week we talk to Emily & Lindsay, Occupational Therapists and co-authors of Sensory Babies, educational sensory training courses for all neonatal and early intervention providers. You can find them on instagram @sensorybabiesuk

Emily is a Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist running a small private practice in London and working in a level 2 and level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), in London. In the NICU Emily leads on developmental care, neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental assessments and developmental interventions including follow up after discharge.  Emily is passionate about family-centred care and creating the optimal sensory environment for the preterm baby and their family.

Lindsay is Director of Clinical Services at Pace, a therapy and education centre for children from birth -18 years. At Pace Lindsay leads a team of occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech & language therapists who provide Early Intervention Services for ex-preterm infants and those at risk of developmental delay, therapy for children with cerebral palsy, Autistic spectrum and other learning difficulties and emotional-behavioural challenges. She provides clinical supervision and mentoring to a number of therapists working within the NHS and privately and has developed a number of courses on child development, neurodevelopment and sensory processing.

We talk more about the role of an OT in NICU and beyond, developmental milestones in NICU babies, what parents can do to aid their babies' development post-discharge and whether we really do need a Tuff Tray.

This week we talk to Jessica and Kayla from @beyond.thebeads 

Jessica and Kayla are from Canada and we compare our experiences from the other side of the World, realising that even though we're thousands of miles away, we still share the same thoughts, feelings and our messages are still identical. Your feelings are valid no matter your experience.

Jessica and Kayla found out at their 20 week scans that they would need NICU stays. Jessica had two stays in the NICU with her boys due to Gastroschisis and Kayla was in the NICU with her baby due to Esophageal Atriscia.

They talk to us about how they coped with their long and traumatic hospital stays and how they want to help other mums of sick children to raise awareness and let families know they aren't alone.

We talk about what other people can do for you to support you, and we have linked our resource that supports that on our website here.

Please share, like, rate and subscribe for episode notifications, it means so much to us. To read more from other NICU mums you can find us at www.miraclemoon.co.uk or on Instagram or Facebook @miraclemoonuk.

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we talk to Sam, The NICU Mummy about her experience of having her baby T at term in the NICU. At Sam's 20 week scan, the radiographer found a shadow in T's lung, as a result she had an anxious rest of her pregnancy. She speaks about her experience of NICU and how hard it was to take it all in. T needed to be rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital because his condition worsened and Sam opens up about how this impacted her. Sam went onto have another baby who did not need a NICU stay and we discuss how her second pregnancy was and how she experienced having a baby who did not need a NICU stay. 

Sam has set up a blog and Instagram page to talk about her experience as a way of supporting other mums. She wants to raise awareness of the NICU, especially for term babies.

Please share, like, rate and subscribe for episode notifications, it means so much to us.

To read more from other NICU mums you can find us at www.miraclemoon.co.uk or on Instagram or Facebook @miraclemoonuk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Today we have Tash on the podcast. Tash speaks about her experience of having her baby prematurely at 30 weeks (need to check). We discuss her experience of having a cervical stitch and how this impacted her. We also talk about first birthdays, returning to work and the importance of developing your "village", be it in NICU or after.

Please share, like, rate and subscribe for episode notifications, it means so much to us. To read more from other NICU mums you can find us at www.miraclemoon.co.uk or on Instagram or Facebook @miraclemoonuk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week on the Miracle Moon Podcast, we spend some time just the two of us reflecting on 2020, the good, the bad and how it has left us feeling now. We think about what we want 2021 to look like for us individually and for Miracle Moon. 

We reflect on our NICU journeys and where we are at now as two self-employed mums navigating leaving our babies for the first times and starting nursery. 

We want to thank everyone for listening and sharing and being such a wonderful community throughout 2020, we hope we can continue to grow in 2021. 

Please share, like, rate and subscribe for episode notifications, it means so much to us. To read more from other NICU mums you can find us at www.miraclemoon.co.uk or on Instagram or Facebook @miraclemoonuk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Abbie had her baby Grayson at 30 weeks due to pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She talks about the shock of having her baby early and how she felt like she didn't process it at the time. Abbie speaks about coming up to Grayson's first birthday and how she feels like she is starting to process and reflect on some of the moments in NICU now. 

Abbie openly talks about her experiences of post natal depression and how she manages her mental health positively at the moment. 

We talk about body image, how Abbie has struggled and how she has managed to challenge her thinking around feeling like her body had failed her. 

To listen to the episode click the link in our bio or search for miracle moon on iTunes or Spotify, as always we would love to hear your feedback. 

Please share, like, rate and subscribe, it means so much to us.

To read more from other NICU mums you can find us at www.miraclemoon.co.uk or on Instagram or Facebook @miraclemoonuk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode, we talk to Emma about the experience of finding out at your 20 week scan that your baby is highly likely to be born prematurely and preparing for the prospect of a NICU stay. Emma's second child, Noah was born at 29+3 due to IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) and ultimately reversed end diastolic flow.

We talk about comparison and how it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing your premature baby to other babies of a similar actual age.

Noah is now 2 years old and thriving and Emma speaks about her experience, reflecting on it in a positive way, giving hope to other parents who know that their baby is going to be born prematurely.

Emma can be found on Instagram @myteeniepreemie

To read more from other NICU mums you can find us at www.miraclemoon.co.uk or on Instagram or Facebook @miraclemoonuk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we talk to Kirsten about her experience of giving birth to her son, Machair.

Kirsten was 300 miles from home when she went into labour. She experienced placental abruption and her birth was traumatic. Kirsten spent 8 days in two different NICU's and we speak about how it is not about the length of time, but the way you experience it. Kirsten is seeking help for her PTSD currently.

Kirsten talks openly about her experiences in the hope that it will help other Mum's to understand their own birth trauma.

To read more from Kirsten and other NICU mums you can find us at www.miraclemoon.co.uk or on Instagram or Facebook @miraclemoonuk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode, we talk to Tori about having her first baby, Phoenix at 25 weeks. Phoenix weighed just 670g at birth and spent 80 days in NICU at two different hospitals, ending her journey during the height of lockdown.

Tori talks about her experiences of being in two different hospitals with Phoenix, how she managed her anxiety and how she found that hope was the main thing that got her through.

We speak about Tori's breastfeeding/ expressing journey and her feelings surrounding that as well as pregnancy after loss and the feeling of becoming a Mum.

To read more from Tori and other NICU mums you can find us at www.miraclemoon.co.uk or on Instagram or Facebook @miraclemoonuk

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week on the podcast we talk to Olivia who tells Lenny's story after being born at 24 weeks due to Chorioamnionitis, about his heart surgery to correct Pulmonary Valve Stenosis and how she's feeling around the one year anniversary of the procedure.

A big thank you to Olivia for joining us and for talking so honestly.

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we are talking about what not to say to a NICU Mum and what to say instead. We acknowledge that if you have not been through the NICU experience, it can be hard to know what to say, that words often come from a place of wanting to reassure and not from a place of ill intent. We talk through common phrases that our community has heard and how they can impact us, with a hope of spreading awareness and starting the conversation about how to support a NICU Mum in an empathic way.

We also speak with Salma, @pandemic_preemie who talks passionately about her experience of being in NICU at the start of the pandemic. Salma had her baby Eesa at 27 weeks, following a smooth pregnancy, she went into spontaneous labour, her son spent 95 days on the NICU, her story is on our blog at www.miraclemoon.co.uk

Salma works in policy and speaks about how to challenge policies currently in place surrounding COVID-19 and how the experience of being in NICU during the pandemic impacted her, her husband and her eldest son who she was also having to homeschool.

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

If you are a NICU parent, past, present or future, this podcast is here to support you through it all. We will talk about common things that NICU parents have been through with the hope of normalising how you feel. We are a couple of past NICU Mum’s who have got together to support others through their NICU journeys.

Each week we will be talking about topics all parents go through, because we’ve been through it too and we don't want you to feel alone in it.

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com