8. From NICU Mom to Bedside Doula: How One Parent is Changing NICU Care
Most parents leave the NICU hoping they’ll never have to return. For Jillian, walking back into those hospital doors meant something entirely different — she was returning as a NICU doula, hired to support families right at the bedside.
In this inspiring interview, Jillian shares her journey from NICU parent to professional advocate, the steps she took to step into her new role, and how her work is already making an impact for families and staff alike. If you’ve ever wondered what a NICU doula can do or dreamed about turning your personal NICU story into a career that changes lives, this conversation is for you.
About Jillian:
Jillian is a former NICU parent who turned her own long and challenging NICU experience into a mission to support other families walking a similar path. She trained as a NICU doula through Mary’s NICU Doula Academy and is completing her certification. Jillian will soon be working part-time in the hospital, where she’ll walk alongside NICU families, offering comfort, understanding, and guidance through this tender season.
Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/one.redeemed.mama/
NICU Support & Resources for Families and Professionals:
Jillian is a former NICU parent who turned her own long and challenging NICU experience into a mission to support other families walking a similar path. She trained as a NICU doula through Mary’s NICU Doula Academy and is completing her certification. Jillian will soon be working part-time in the hospital, where she’ll walk alongside NICU families, offering comfort, understanding, and guidance through this tender season.
Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/one.redeemed.mama/
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
The future of NICU support is here — and Jillian’s story shows what’s possible.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Jillian's NICU Journey
04:25 The Unexpected NICU Experience
07:10 Memorable Moments in the NICU
09:53 Support Systems and NICU Family
12:40 Transitioning Home from the NICU
15:34 The Challenges of Homecoming
18:11 Exploring the Role of a NICU Doula
25:29 Understanding the NICU Experience
29:43 The Role of a NICU Doula
33:58 Implementing Change in NICU Care
00:00 Introduction to Jillian's NICU Journey
04:25 The Unexpected NICU Experience
07:10 Memorable Moments in the NICU
09:53 Support Systems and NICU Family
12:40 Transitioning Home from the NICU
15:34 The Challenges of Homecoming
18:11 Exploring the Role of a NICU Doula
25:29 Understanding the NICU Experience
29:43 The Role of a NICU Doula
33:58 Implementing Change in NICU Care
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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