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Empowering NICU Parents

Empowering NICU Parents

Our Goal is to Support, Educate, and Empower NICU Parents

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Stronger Together: Nicole Nyberg on NICU Challenges and Family

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Cooper’s Legacy: Supporting NICU Families Through the Cooper Steinhauser Foundation

Edward Steinhauser, Cooper Steinhauser Foundatin
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Cooper’s NICU Journey: Honoring a Courageous Life Bolstered by Parental Strength

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Against All Odds: How Advocacy, Hope, and a Positive Mindset Saved Mikaela’s Life

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Breaking Down the #1 Question of Every NICU Parent

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The Minor and Major Morbidities of NICU Infants

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Small Baby Unit in the NICU – What is it really?

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About Our Site

Welcome! I am a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and a Proud Preemie Mama! I am here to help parents navigate through their NICU journey with my combined NICU medical background and personal experience. Please read the posts, listen to our podcast, and check out our unique NICU-related products specifically geared to help you and your baby through this difficult process. Thank you!

Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

Empowering NICU Parents Podcast
Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

A podcast specifically meant to educate and empower NICU parents as they endure their baby’s NICU journey. We provide you with tangible tips and support from my unique perspective as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) and a proud preemie Mama! Along with sharing answers to the NICU medical questions you have, Nicole will address and support you through the incredibly difficult emotional struggles that only a NICU parent can understand. Tune in and subscribe today!

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Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding: Is It Really A Big Deal?

To start 2024 out, our first episode focuses on marijuana use, its impact on pregnancy, the growing fetus and the child’s future development, as well as the implications of its use during breastfeeding.

Who would have thought that in 2024, we would be living in a time where marijuana use is so prominent and that it would be legal in 24 states as of January of 2024?!?

But, nonetheless, here we are! Because marijuana has been legalized in so many states, there are now false evolving perceptions on its general safety as well as its implications on the developing fetus and infant who are exposed to it either in utero or through breastmilk. In general, the perception of harm from marijuana is decreasing while the potency of marijuana is scarily increasing. Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug during pregnancy in the United States. And, its use in gaining speed amongst all adult age groups, in both sexes, and in pregnant women.

For our 56th episode, I reviewed the most up-to-date literature and will share the findings from several studies that reveal both short and long-term negative effects on the pregnant mother and developing fetus if used during pregnancy, and its future implications on the growing infant, child, and their transition into the teenage years, and as an adult after prenatal exposure. I will also point out the general concentration of marijuana in breast milk if used by a nursing mother, as well as how long it stays in the breast milk, and how it may impact the exposed infant.

This episode is packed full of useful information and will be ideal for any healthcare worker or for family members and friends who care about a pregnant woman or nursing mother who is currently using marijuana and want to ensure that she is fully educated on the implications of its use on her growing fetus or infant. And last, but actually, the most important, I encourage ALL women who are either considering becoming pregnant or who are currently pregnant and use marijuana on a regular basis, to listen.

Although marijuana use is so prevelant, it is so crucial that we fully understand its potential impact on the fetus and the child’s future development if used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
You will not want to miss this one!

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Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding: Is It Really A Big Deal?
Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding: Is It Really A Big Deal?
January 19, 2024
The BIG and Positive Impacts of Skin-to-skin Care in the NICU
November 24, 2023
Finding the Beauty in Life After the Loss of a Child
October 31, 2023
Supportive Organizations and Resources for Bereaved and NICU Families
October 25, 2023
Embracing Parental Advocacy and Empowerment in the NICU
September 25, 2023
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Meet Thursday’s 30 weeker! Forrest was born on Meet Thursday’s 30 weeker! Forrest was born on May 8th, 2023 at 30 weeks’ gestation. He weighed 2lbs. 2oz He had quite the battle and fought like a true hero. He was born with an imperforate anus and hypospadias. On his second day of life, he underwent a crucial surgery to address the imperforate anus, which led to a colostomy of the larger intestine. Despite the early hardships, Forrest showed remarkable resilience and progress, bringing hope to everyone around him. He became very ill when he was a month and a half old. He underwent an emergent exploratory laparotomy on July 20th. Unfortunately, they discovered a malrotation of his small intestines. In a courageous display of strength, Forrest survived the intricate surgery, but not without a toll. The medical team had to remove 44cm of his small intestine, leaving him with a temporary jejunostomy.  Unfortunately, during his reanastomosis, they found 15cm of his small intestine that was necrotic. The surgeons removed it which only left him with 30cm of small intestines total. Forrest had a G-tube and broviac central line placed to get nutrients from TPN and lipids. He has “short gut syndrome” and works everyday to build up his tolerance of food.   So far he has had six major surgeries and he faces another four daunting operations to create an anus and revise the hypospadias. Forrest has had a long and arduous journey. His Mama @mcanelo1028 said that they are so thankful to have him as their some and to have him home. They are in utter awe of his strength and determination to live. He is the most joyful little boy who lights up every room he is in.  His Mama said that she hopes his story inspires other NICU parents. “The days are long but there is light at the end of the tunnel and you are never alone. I pray for all the families and babies that are in the NICU and hope they all get better and get to come home soon.” - Madison Canelo #nicuparents #nicubaby #nicugrad #shortgut #hypospadias #nicustrong #preemiestrong #preemiepower #preemieparents #preemiepride #30weeker #prematurityawarenessmonth #preemiebaby
Instagram post 18041897378323338 Instagram post 18041897378323338
As a NICU parent and advocate for families, I’m As a NICU parent and advocate for families, I’m continually inspired by the powerful stories shared by NICU families 💜 This #PrematurityAwarenessMonth, I invite you to share your NICU story to spread hope to others. 💫 If AngelEye’s solutions—like their Camera System, staff messaging, education support, or MilkTracker—have been part of your NICU journey, please leave a comment. Your words can make a meaningful difference. ✨ Three selected stories will receive a $100 grant for the NICU of your choice to support family-centered care To participate, follow @AngelEye_Health and share your story in the comments by November 30. Winners will be announced on December 5. I’m grateful to be part of this journey with you. Together, let’s build a stronger, supportive community. 💙 #AngelEyeHealth #ShareYourStory #PrematurityAwareness #PreemieParents #NICUParents #nicubaby #nicuparents #nicugraduate #niculife #nicucams #nicunurse #preemiestrong #preemiepower #preemieparents #preemiemom
Instagram post 18010881815458863 Instagram post 18010881815458863
🎃 Happy Halloween to all the amazing NICU famil 🎃 Happy Halloween to all the amazing NICU families! 👻 Wishing you sweet treats, tiny miracles, and endless strength as your little pumpkin continues to amaze you each day. 🧡 Remember, you’re never alone on this journey! #NICUstrong #HalloweenInTheNICU #halloween #throwbackthursday #throwbackhalloween #nicumom #nicumama #nicuparents #nicuhalloween #happyhalloween #ilovemymummy
💜 Honored to be featured on Care OutLoud Podcas 💜 Honored to be featured on Care OutLoud Podcast with the incredible Mary Coughlin! 💜 Over the years, Mary has become not just a respected colleague but a friend whose dedication to trauma-informed care inspires me daily. We dove deep into topics that are so close to my heart—trauma-informed care, family-centered support, and the impact the NICU journey has on families. I shared how I felt led to create Empowering NICU Parents, resources like Our NICU Roadmap, and the Empowering NICU Parents’ Podcast all to help families feel more informed, connected, and empowered through their NICU experience. Advocating for compassionate, connected care that walks alongside NICU families every step of the way, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and empowered, remains at the heart of my mission. I am able to fuel my passion through my advocacy work on the Family-Centered Care Taskforce and at AngelEye Health, with NICU2Home which provides essential support, education, and a smoother transition to discharge. Huge thank you to Mary for giving me this platform to share my story and for all the incredible work she does at Caring Essentials Collaborative to reshape NICU care. 💫 #nicuparents #nicubaby #nicujourney #nicunurse #niculife #preemieparents #nicutrauma #traumainformed #familycenteredcare #careoutloud #nicupodcast
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Mon October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It is a time we pause to honor the lives gone too soon and the families who carry their memory with endless love. 💕 The heartache of parents endure who cannot physically hold their baby is everlasting and beyond explanation. A piece of your heart is in heaven which makes it continually ache because it is not whole. We remember the babies born sleeping, those we carried but never held, and those who could not stay. Your love and light remain with us every day. You are never forgotten. #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwareness #ForeverInOurHearts #AlwaysRemembered #pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessmonth #pregnancyloss #infantloss #miscarriageawareness #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagesucks #iamoneinfour #oneinfour #lifewithoutyou #babyloss #gonebutneverforgotten #angelsinheaven #ingodsarms
A day we pause and remember all of the little ones A day we pause and remember all of the little ones lost too soon, but that will never be forgotten. Many people suffer in silence and I want them to know that they are not alone. When we lost Weston followed by Quin in the same year, it broke me. A little piece of me left with each of them. The grief we endure after the loss of a child does not go away, but it changes - just as we all changed the moment we lost our little ones. If you know of someone who has lost a baby or child, please reach out to them and let them know that you are thinking of them, and not just today, but every day! I am thinking of you today and every day! Say your baby’s name(s) out loud by typing their name(s) in the comments. We acknowledge your loss and your baby’s life, no matter how short it was. #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness #pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessmonth #pregnancyandunfantlossremembranceday #pregnancyloss #infantloss #infantlossawareness #waveoflight #honoringourbabies #gonetoosoon #lossmama #pregnancylossjourney #miscarriage #miscarriageawareness #iamoneinfour #miscarriagesurvivor
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Published in neonatal INTENSIVE CARE: The Journal of Perinatology and Neonatology Winter 2023

NICU, neonatal intensive care, nicu parent, nicu nurse, connectedness, parent-child attachment

Published in neonatal INTENSIVE CARE: The Journal of Perinatology and Neonatology Summer 2023

NNP, NICU nurse, NICU parent, publish, journal, breastfeeding, breast milk

On the Other Side: A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner’s Perspective on being the mother of a 23-weeker

https://youtu.be/i8b6JOAlmsY

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Meet Thursday’s 30 weeker! Forrest was born on Meet Thursday’s 30 weeker! Forrest was born on May 8th, 2023 at 30 weeks’ gestation. He weighed 2lbs. 2oz He had quite the battle and fought like a true hero. He was born with an imperforate anus and hypospadias. On his second day of life, he underwent a crucial surgery to address the imperforate anus, which led to a colostomy of the larger intestine. Despite the early hardships, Forrest showed remarkable resilience and progress, bringing hope to everyone around him. He became very ill when he was a month and a half old. He underwent an emergent exploratory laparotomy on July 20th. Unfortunately, they discovered a malrotation of his small intestines. In a courageous display of strength, Forrest survived the intricate surgery, but not without a toll. The medical team had to remove 44cm of his small intestine, leaving him with a temporary jejunostomy.  Unfortunately, during his reanastomosis, they found 15cm of his small intestine that was necrotic. The surgeons removed it which only left him with 30cm of small intestines total. Forrest had a G-tube and broviac central line placed to get nutrients from TPN and lipids. He has “short gut syndrome” and works everyday to build up his tolerance of food.   So far he has had six major surgeries and he faces another four daunting operations to create an anus and revise the hypospadias. Forrest has had a long and arduous journey. His Mama @mcanelo1028 said that they are so thankful to have him as their some and to have him home. They are in utter awe of his strength and determination to live. He is the most joyful little boy who lights up every room he is in.  His Mama said that she hopes his story inspires other NICU parents. “The days are long but there is light at the end of the tunnel and you are never alone. I pray for all the families and babies that are in the NICU and hope they all get better and get to come home soon.” - Madison Canelo #nicuparents #nicubaby #nicugrad #shortgut #hypospadias #nicustrong #preemiestrong #preemiepower #preemieparents #preemiepride #30weeker #prematurityawarenessmonth #preemiebaby
Instagram post 18041897378323338 Instagram post 18041897378323338
As a NICU parent and advocate for families, I’m As a NICU parent and advocate for families, I’m continually inspired by the powerful stories shared by NICU families 💜 This #PrematurityAwarenessMonth, I invite you to share your NICU story to spread hope to others. 💫 If AngelEye’s solutions—like their Camera System, staff messaging, education support, or MilkTracker—have been part of your NICU journey, please leave a comment. Your words can make a meaningful difference. ✨ Three selected stories will receive a $100 grant for the NICU of your choice to support family-centered care To participate, follow @AngelEye_Health and share your story in the comments by November 30. Winners will be announced on December 5. I’m grateful to be part of this journey with you. Together, let’s build a stronger, supportive community. 💙 #AngelEyeHealth #ShareYourStory #PrematurityAwareness #PreemieParents #NICUParents #nicubaby #nicuparents #nicugraduate #niculife #nicucams #nicunurse #preemiestrong #preemiepower #preemieparents #preemiemom
Instagram post 18010881815458863 Instagram post 18010881815458863
🎃 Happy Halloween to all the amazing NICU famil 🎃 Happy Halloween to all the amazing NICU families! 👻 Wishing you sweet treats, tiny miracles, and endless strength as your little pumpkin continues to amaze you each day. 🧡 Remember, you’re never alone on this journey! #NICUstrong #HalloweenInTheNICU #halloween #throwbackthursday #throwbackhalloween #nicumom #nicumama #nicuparents #nicuhalloween #happyhalloween #ilovemymummy
💜 Honored to be featured on Care OutLoud Podcas 💜 Honored to be featured on Care OutLoud Podcast with the incredible Mary Coughlin! 💜 Over the years, Mary has become not just a respected colleague but a friend whose dedication to trauma-informed care inspires me daily. We dove deep into topics that are so close to my heart—trauma-informed care, family-centered support, and the impact the NICU journey has on families. I shared how I felt led to create Empowering NICU Parents, resources like Our NICU Roadmap, and the Empowering NICU Parents’ Podcast all to help families feel more informed, connected, and empowered through their NICU experience. Advocating for compassionate, connected care that walks alongside NICU families every step of the way, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and empowered, remains at the heart of my mission. I am able to fuel my passion through my advocacy work on the Family-Centered Care Taskforce and at AngelEye Health, with NICU2Home which provides essential support, education, and a smoother transition to discharge. Huge thank you to Mary for giving me this platform to share my story and for all the incredible work she does at Caring Essentials Collaborative to reshape NICU care. 💫 #nicuparents #nicubaby #nicujourney #nicunurse #niculife #preemieparents #nicutrauma #traumainformed #familycenteredcare #careoutloud #nicupodcast
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Mon October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It is a time we pause to honor the lives gone too soon and the families who carry their memory with endless love. 💕 The heartache of parents endure who cannot physically hold their baby is everlasting and beyond explanation. A piece of your heart is in heaven which makes it continually ache because it is not whole. We remember the babies born sleeping, those we carried but never held, and those who could not stay. Your love and light remain with us every day. You are never forgotten. #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwareness #ForeverInOurHearts #AlwaysRemembered #pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessmonth #pregnancyloss #infantloss #miscarriageawareness #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagesucks #iamoneinfour #oneinfour #lifewithoutyou #babyloss #gonebutneverforgotten #angelsinheaven #ingodsarms
A day we pause and remember all of the little ones A day we pause and remember all of the little ones lost too soon, but that will never be forgotten. Many people suffer in silence and I want them to know that they are not alone. When we lost Weston followed by Quin in the same year, it broke me. A little piece of me left with each of them. The grief we endure after the loss of a child does not go away, but it changes - just as we all changed the moment we lost our little ones. If you know of someone who has lost a baby or child, please reach out to them and let them know that you are thinking of them, and not just today, but every day! I am thinking of you today and every day! Say your baby’s name(s) out loud by typing their name(s) in the comments. We acknowledge your loss and your baby’s life, no matter how short it was. #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness #pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessmonth #pregnancyandunfantlossremembranceday #pregnancyloss #infantloss #infantlossawareness #waveoflight #honoringourbabies #gonetoosoon #lossmama #pregnancylossjourney #miscarriage #miscarriageawareness #iamoneinfour #miscarriagesurvivor
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