NICU Alumni Podcast NICU Alumni

Darla Vazquez shares her journey as a NICU parent and the challenges she faced raising her son, who was born prematurely and spent 203 days in the NICU. She discusses the importance of advocacy and the need for support in navigating the medical system. Darla also talks about her work in helping families transition their children from G-tube feeding to oral eating, providing resources and guidance for parents in similar situations. In this conversation, Andrea speaks with Darla about life after the NICU and the significance of self-care and advocacy. Darla shares advice for families as they navigate the healing journey and adjust to being home, emphasizing the need for grace and understanding. She recognizes the impact of the NICU on both parents and children and discusses the importance of advocating for your family and making decisions that align with your values.

Quick Takeaways from the Episode:
We loved when Darla said: "And the thing that’s so difficult, especially when you’re advocating for your child with people that do not have kids with disabilities is explaining that there is a balance because you’re a mama. You’re not a nurse. You’re not an educator. I mean your role is purely to love this child and to love them so that they can thrive. And thriving looks different for every single child, right?"Give yourself grace as you seek to find balance, and give yourself permission to say no to certain activities if that means it gives you a little more space to manage what your child and your family are experiencing.Check out Darla’s work with supporting “Tubies” to transition to oral feeding.Darla’s Free Webinar - How to Transition your Child to Oral Eating Without Significant Weight Loss The full, paid course is economical and is intended to be followed with your medical team.Darla’s article on NICU Alumni’s Resource Library - From Tube Feeds to Oral Feeds: Where to StartDarla’s NICU Alumni Grad Guide Advice:
You’ve just started this healing journey and may not even recognize all of the ways the NICU has affected you and your child - and that’s ok.When you’re advocating for your child and your family, you’re teaching them to be advocates for themselves too.You can reach out to Darla through her website on instagram @tubietofoodie.
Let's stay in touch!
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.


A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

We had the best conversation with Ashley and Martha of Dear NICU Mama! Vilma shares how she became connected to DNM and then later went on to become a founding board member of NICU Alumni.

Quick Takeaways from the Episode:
Dear NICU Mama is rooted in the desire to connect with others who are also going through the NICU journey so that they know they are not alone and are part of the shared sisterhood.Listen to Ashley’s NICU StoryListen to Martha’s NICU Story Part 1 and Part 2Listen to Vilma’s NICU StoryListen to Andrea’s NICU StoryWe talked about Dear NICU Mama's There is Goodness Ahead  collection and Andrea read this excerpt about it:We are so excited to be releasing the “There is Goodness Ahead” collection.  A special collection designed to celebrate your unique motherhood journey and remind you that NICU mama, there is goodness ahead. 💕

In the middle of our NICU stay, we need to be reminded that there is goodness ahead.

As we wait for a diagnosis or answers for our medically complex miracles, we need to be reminded that there is goodness ahead.

If we find ourselves back in the hospital with our babies, we need to be reminded that there is goodness ahead.

As we heal and process our NICU experiences, we need to be reminded that there is goodness ahead.

Our hope is that this collection is a celebration of where you’ve been and all you’ve endured, and also a beacon of hope for the goodness that is to come. 💕
Goodness is not the absence of pain, it’s not the absence of trial. It’s an affirmation of - no matter what, there is goodness ahead. And it is something we can whisper to ourselves when we’re going through tough times.Sign up for NICU Alumni’s Grad Guide email series.Ashley’s Grad Guide advice: Receiving support and help through things like early intervention therapy does not diminish your role as a mom or a parent.Martha’s Grad Guide advice: If you grapple with difficult feelings as you cope with your NICU experience, share about them with someone you trust or with a professional. It’s ok to have these feelings and to grow through themYou can reach out to Dear NICU Mama through their instagram or their website.
Let's stay in touch!
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.
A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Bricen Urquidi is a stay at home mom of 3 kids. She has been involved with ICU baby (a local nonprofit in Miami that is very near and dear to us at NICU Alumni) for over 8 years and is a volunteer at her children's school and other organizations in Miami. Her NICU journey began with her first born Ila and that experience lead to helping others in need. 
Ila is a 9th grader at a local school in Miami and is a Youth Ambassador with ICU baby. Ila started a club at school called Faith4NICU where they provide support for different NICU organizations in Miami. 
Quick Takeaways from the Episode:
Even though time has passed, the memories and emotions never leaveBricen remembers having mixed emotions: you have a baby, so you’re happy, but you’re in the NICU, so you’re confused and scared.While you’re in the NICU you can feel so supported but then feel lost when you get homeThings that helped Bricen feel preparedFamily Support Being hands on in the NICU so that the routine becomes familiar when it’s time to go homeRealizing that every day things did get a little bit betterWays to help you keep track of those appointments 
Follow up appointments are a big part of life after the NICUUse your calendar or a notebook to help you keep track of the doctor visits and follow up notesBricen’s recommendations for after the NICU
Positivity helps when you are dealing with the hard situation of the NICU. Your baby needs you. Take in any support you can.Cry when you need to. Scream when you need to. Go out on a walk when you need to.Lean on your family and friends. Be willing to take on that outside support.It’s an ongoing journey. Check in with how you’re feeling emotionally, and work through it when you can.The NICU experience is hard, there is pain, but there is healing that continues through the processIt may feel daunting but remember you’re not alone.Bricen shared the sweetest quote: “It's the tiniest feet that make the biggest footprints in our hearts”Let's stay in touch!
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.
A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

After giving birth to triplets at just 25 weeks 5 days gestation and losing one of her daughters at 14 months old, Keira Sorrells was propelled into maternal-infant health out of a deep-seated desire to ensure no parent experiences the trauma of preterm birth or loss alone.

Together, with a dedicated team of NICU Parent Leaders, Keira has grown the @NICUParentNetwork to be a sought-after resource and collaborative partner for providers, researchers, industry, and other stakeholders in this niche of healthcare.

Quick Takeaways from the Episode:
No matter how long your baby was in the NICU, your family’s experience in the NICU may lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)A book that helped Keira realize she was experiencing PTSD was a book about Medical Trauma: Before the World IntrudedIf that is your experience, being able to name it can help you seek the appropriate supportThere can also be a delay in even realizing you the state of your mental health and how you are coping with the NICU experience you and your family went throughParents doing the work and supporting their families have a voice and can share and speak up on every level. In the doctor’s office at follow ups, with family members, or even at systems levels to bring the parent voice to the table.NPN brings organizations together, helping them connect, network, and share best practices.Family Centered Care Taskforce - Check them out and subscribe to their emails if you are interested.Keira’s NICU Alumni Grad Guide
Peer Support - check this page out if you would like resources about Raising MultiplesTrust your instincts - keep pushing until you get the answers you are seekingThe earlier you get early intervention, the better! You can reach out to NPN through their website and instagram page @NICUParentNetwork.
Let's stay in touch!
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.


A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Dr. Marta Grisel Galarza is a Board Certified Lactation Specialist as well as a Neonatologist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and she has worked at Holtz Children’s hospital since 1997. She is the Medical Director of the Intermediate Care NICU, a 70-bed unit. More recently she developed a Neonatal/Antenatal specific Palliative Care Program for the Division of Neonatology.
 
She has worked endlessly and passionately on these projects because they promote and protect mother-baby bonding and breastfeeding, her goal for all NICU mothers and babies.

Grisel is also a founding board member of NICU Alumni and we are thrilled to have her joining us again!
Quick Takeaways from the Episode:
Establishing and Maintaining Milk Supply
- It’s really difficult to breast feed and pump
- It’s a commitment
- The recommendation is to start early, mo matter what gestation the baby was born at (within 6 hours!), but keep in mind that it can be difficult especially if the mother is sick
- Try by starting with hand expression initially to stimulate the breast to produce milk
Maximizing Pumping Sessions
- Try to rent a Hospital Grade Double Pump
Medela Symphony Hospital Grade Double Breast Pump has Premature Program Settings- Gentle Massage
Ask about how to give yourself a very gentle lymphatic massageWarm compresses are also helpfulIt is very important that you empty your supply when you pump so that your body will continue to replenish the right amountOvercoming Challenges
- Rest
- Eat Well - you use 300-500 calories per pumping session!
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
- Take your multivitamin
Maintaining Breastfeeding Goals
- SKIN-TO-SKIN can play a huge role and has many benefits even beyond milk supply, pumping, and breastfeeding.
- Grisel is often asked, "How long should you continue to pump and breastfeed?", and her answer is, "For however long you can, whether it’s 2 weeks or 2 months, or more! Any length of time is a success." 
Some of Grisel's favorite resources for NICU and Post-NICU Support
- Don’t forget about Skin-to-Skin! 💜
- LaLeche League International on Hand Expression
- Breastfeeding tips from Dept of Women, Infants, and Children
- Support in Miami
Information and ConsultationsBreastfeeding helpline: 786.336.1336- The Federal Office on Women’s Health
National Hotline 800.994.9662- Additional Consultation Services from the Lactation Network

Let's stay in touch!
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.
A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

Alexa Marsellos, a board-certified music therapist and music educator joins us to discuss how she implements adaptive music lessons for students of all ages and abilities. In 2023, she founded Neurobeat Music Therapy (@neurobeatmusictherapy), a practice dedicated to fostering growth, improving lives, and advocating for the transformative power of music therapy.

Quick Takeaways from the Episode:
Music therapists work with people of all ages, and all diagnoses, utilizing music to achieve non-musical goalsYou don’t have to be a musician to incorporate music into your daily life and integrating it into fun learningOnce you get home — give yourself grace. Your baby is learning and growing, and so are you!As your kiddo grows, they’re going to develop and outgrow methods that worked previously, don’t be afraid to try new things and to look for new strategiesResources for finding children’s' songs:
Super Simple Songs: Find simple, familiar songs in both English and Spanish, also on IG @supersimpleofficialMusic for Kiddos: Music therapist and educator who writes music for children, also on IG @Music_for_kiddosResound Music Therapy: Music therapist who shares songs and activities @resoundmusictherapy Social Media Accounts with resources and DIY activities:
@Early.explorer: DIY Activities, Crafts, Play-Based Learning.@busytoddler: Ideas for hands-on play and support for others in their parenting journey.@dayswithgrey: playful activities for kids.Brands that have sensory toys and also share resources: 
@Lovevery: Products designed for the child's developing brain.@Learningresources: Educational toys.@Lakeshorelearning: Educational materials and toys.@Beginlearning: Products that promote early learning.Music toys and instruments with links for unfamiliar ones:
ThundertubeRain stickOcean drumBellsXylophoneToy echo microphonesMaracas/ Egg Shakers Tambourines DrumsScarves Disclaimer - We have not been compensated by these organization in any way to share their resources and information with you. 🩵 
A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.