19. The Art of Waiting: Helping Siblings (and Ourselves) Through the NICU
Waiting is one of the hardest parts of the NICU — waiting for updates, waiting for milestones, waiting to finally bring your baby home. But in those quiet, uncertain moments, families and siblings are living their own version of the NICU journey, too.
In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by Emily Rosen — mom, creative director, and author of the new children’s book Waiting for Max: A NICU Story — to talk about what it means to live in “the waiting” and how we can help siblings and families cope with the emotional side of the NICU.
We explore the inspiration behind Waiting for Max, how storytelling can help children process what’s happening, and practical ways parents can stay connected with their NICU baby (and their older kids) even when they’re apart. Whether you’re a NICU parent, doula, or healthcare provider, this episode offers gentle, creative ways to make the waiting a little less heavy — and a little more hopeful.
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Instagram: @thenicutranslator
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Guest Spotlight: Emily Rosen
Emily Rosen is a mom, a freelance creative director and copywriter, and a children’s book author. She has built her career working for top advertising agencies and brands and strives to use her creativity for good––especially to empower women, mothers, and kids. Inspired by her son Max’s time in the NICU, she wrote her first children’s book, "Waiting for Max: A NICU Story" to help families like hers.
When Emily’s not writing, she loves going for a run around the neighborhood, singing karaoke with friends, and reading to her two kids. Proudly born and raised in Cleveland, OH, she now lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and their family. Learn more about Emily and her work at emilyrosencreative.com.
Connect with Emily
Guest website: emilyrosencreative.com
Instagram: @emilyrosencreative
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyozan
Inside This Episode:
00:00 The Art of Waiting in the NICU Journey
10:50 Coping Mechanisms During Waiting
20:26 The Importance of Storytelling for Siblings
31:12 Support Systems for Families in Waiting
40:54 Finding Joy in the Journey of Waiting
Links, Resources & Mentions:
Get a copy of Waiting for Max here: https://thecollectivebook.studio/products/waiting-for-max
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.
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