18. From Crisis to Care: A Social Worker’s Journey Into Postpartum & NICU Support
Stepping into the NICU can feel like landing in a completely different world — one with its own language, routines, and cast of characters. In this episode, I’m breaking down the essentials so you can start feeling more confident, informed, and ready to be an active part of your baby’s care team.
We’ll cover what the NICU is, who’s on your baby’s care team, the most common terms you’ll hear, and how to get oriented so you feel less like a visitor and more like the vital parent or support person you are. Whether you’re here for your own baby or to better support the families you serve, this episode will give you a solid foundation.
Stay Connected with Mary:
Instagram: @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
Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist for early access + an exclusive discount.
Guest Spotlight: Amanda Newstetter, MSW
Amanda spent her whole first career as a Social Worker and Trainer in the HIV/AIDS Epidemic starting in 1984 when it was a death sentence. She has 2 daughters and two grandchildren and she and her partner Donna have been together 40 years. She thought that working in the Birth world with new life would nicely balance her early career which focused on illness and death. She has always been drawn to life's thresholds and is in the Threshold Choir which sings at bedside to people who are sick and dying and lullabies to new babies. She lives in San Francisco with her partner.
Connect with Guest
Instagram: @amanda_as_postpartum_doula
Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to NICU Journeys
04:02 Amanda's NICU Experience and Emotional Journey
07:00 Navigating Postpartum Healing in the NICU
09:59 The Role of Support and Connection in the NICU
12:40 Transitioning Home: The Challenges of NICU Discharge
15:36 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on NICU Families
18:39 Mental Health After NICU: Amanda's Journey
23:00 The Importance of Processing Birth Trauma
25:58 Thresholds: Supporting Families Through Transitions
28:51 Advice for NICU Families: Healing and Trusting Yourself
32:02 Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey Beyond the NICU
Links, Resources & Mentions:
Want a gentle place to process your NICU experience? Start with The NICU Notebook.
Want to reflect on and reclaim your NICU journey? Explore Your NICU Story.
Preparing for a high-risk or NICU birth? Download the NICU Birth Plan Template.
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!
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.
Until next time, remember:
The NICU is only the beginning, and together we can make this journey less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering.
SEO Keywords: NICU doula, NICU doula training, NICU support, trauma-informed NICU care, NICU parent support, navigating the NICU, doula education, preemie parent resources.
