13. How to Manage the NICU with Siblings at Home
When one baby is in the NICU and another is at home, parents face a kind of split that’s hard to describe — the heart wants to be in two places at once.
In this episode, I’m joined by Julia Kraemer, founder of Kangaroo Cozies and mom of two, who knows this journey firsthand. Julia spent three months navigating life between home and the NICU after her daughter’s 27-week birth, and she’s here to share what helped her family stay connected, grounded, and cared for along the way.
We talk about the practical strategies that can make a big difference — from preparing siblings before visits to maintaining routines, managing emotions, and finding small ways to nurture both children during a season of uncertainty.
Whether you’re a NICU parent trying to juggle home life or a doula supporting a family through it, this episode offers encouragement and tools for finding balance in the midst of the chaos.
NICU Support & Resources for Families and Professionals:
Stay connected with me @thenicutranslator on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenicutranslator/
Want to learn more about how to best support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/5things
Want to learn more about how to best support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/5things
Download my free NICU Birth Plan Template to help your clients feel more prepared, ask informed questions, and navigate the unexpected with confidence. A supportive, easy-to-use tool for doulas, professionals, and NICU families alike: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan
Guest Spotlight: Julia Kraemer
Julia Kraemer is the founder of @kangaroo_cozies and a mom of two. She spent 3 months juggling the back and forth of having one child in the nicu and her older child at home. Take a listen to get some strategies that can help parents currently navigating a similar journey!
Julia Kraemer is the founder of @kangaroo_cozies and a mom of two. She spent 3 months juggling the back and forth of having one child in the nicu and her older child at home. Take a listen to get some strategies that can help parents currently navigating a similar journey!
Connect with Julia
www.kangaroocozies.com: http://www.kangaroocozies.com/
Instagram: @kangaroo_cozies: https://www.instagram.com/kangaroo_cozies
Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to NICU Sibling Support
www.kangaroocozies.com: http://www.kangaroocozies.com/
Instagram: @kangaroo_cozies: https://www.instagram.com/kangaroo_cozies
Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to NICU Sibling Support
05:50 Julia's NICU Experience
10:44 Navigating the NICU with Siblings
15:39 Creative Connection Strategies for Siblings
20:23 Emotional Support and Resources for Families
25:42 Navigating NICU Emotions and Sibling Involvement
30:57 The Joy of Homecoming: Transitioning to Family Life
35:55 Building a New Family Rhythm Post-NICU
42:20 Giving Back: Supporting the NICU Community
Links, Resources & Mentions:
Use code NICUBABY212 at KangarooCozies.com for 10% off your purchase of any of Julia’s incredible designs to make the NICU a little more bearable
Use code NICUBABY212 at KangarooCozies.com for 10% off your purchase of any of Julia’s incredible designs to make the NICU a little more bearable
Bonding scent hearts: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1856929883/bonding-scent-hearts?ref=shop_home_active_7&logging_key=400d669adbf89059496e281836feaf050c2eee23%3A1856929883
NICU Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Pages-Strength-NICU-Journey-Journal/dp/B0FR964CGH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RD46RQGTT62Z&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PQ-Mzor4YiNetfD85i9st4Yqo-o40il5Uu-fs_h2agANa1tTRcf0Qx_yG3nZ63Nzuv0QrlR9VBZCtyv8dGZSpemeUuLF0u2RaqgCvJwoh4EsGv8E8u_68fWbncxLy4m8Jfc3JEwCYoQsldlviN_8QW2shqgpsR0lbe-2kquchPk.hjhlNTqqvaafkoIBgWabSVhg5y11hHFq5eFd4Rwm7hM&dib_tag=se&keywords=pages+of+strength+nicu+journal&qid=1760726826&sprefix=pages+of+strength%2Caps%2C533&sr=8-1
Paper Chain Countdown Template: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4379440606/nicu-baby-countdown-paper-chain?ref=shop_home_active_5&dd=1&logging_key=20a316ad9abc22dd944bedc0995a8fa62f913c99%3A4379440606
Welcome to the NIC ZOO: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGDPGT61?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzthenicut-20&creativeASIN=B0DGDPGT61&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.W2H63K7NX6W2&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_Y2VT1AATFQAP8NDAYBZW_asin
Loved this episode?
Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community or leave a 5-star review and let me know: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nicu-translated-podcast/id1838158332
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care.
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care.
Until next time, remember:
The NICU is only the beginning, and together we can make this journey less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering.
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