Ep. 382: 8 Things Your NICU Nurse Wants You to Know with Brooke Smith

Ep. 382: 8 Things Your NICU Nurse Wants You to Know with Brooke Smith

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe welcomes Brooke Smith, a seasoned NICU nurse, IBCLC, doula, and childbirth educator, to shine a light on what life in the NICU really looks like for families. Together, they unpack practical tips for navigating the beeping machines and medical jargon while still staying connected to your baby in meaningful ways. Brooke shares strategies for coping during this overwhelming season, advocating for your baby, and building confidence in your parental instincts.

This conversation also explores the importance of effective communication with NICU staff, why self-care is non-negotiable for parents, and how practices like primary nursing can support your family’s journey. HeHe and Brooke also talk through emotional resilience and what to expect as you transition home after the NICU.

This episode is a must-listen for parents preparing for, currently in, or healing after a NICU stay. You’ll walk away with reassurance, tools, and encouragement to help you feel informed and empowered—no matter what the NICU brings.

00:00 Trust Your Instincts and Seek Support

01:03 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:08 Introducing The Birth Lounge App

01:29 Features of The Birth Lounge App

04:51 NICU Awareness Month

05:46 Interview with NICU Nurse Brooke Smith

07:30 Understanding the NICU Experience

12:16 Tips for NICU Parents

22:25 Bonding with Your NICU Baby

31:18 Communicating with Your NICU Team

37:28 Navigating Medical Decisions in the NICU

39:37 Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy Decisions

40:19 The Importance of Early Conversations

42:50 Advocating for Your Baby in the NICU

46:05 The Role of Primary Nursing in NICU

52:47 Emotional Support for NICU Parents

01:00:20 Transitioning Home from the NICU

01:07:07 Supporting NICU Families as Friends and Family

01:08:55 Final Thoughts and Resources

Guest Bio:

Brooke has been a NICU nurse for 8 years. After her first Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Brooke decided to pursue nursing and obtained her second Bachelor’s degree in nursing. She started her career at a Level 4 NICU in her home state of Florida, where she worked for 3.5 years and learned a lot as a new nurse. She then began to travel nurse in 2021, and has since worked in 9 different NICUs in 5 states across the U.S. She also has been a doula and childbirth educator since 2022, and IBCLC since 2023. She met her husband in Maryland while travel nursing in 2021, and now resides in Maryland with her husband Chris, two dogs Ruby and Penny, and their first baby on the way due in October.

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Connect with Brooke on IG

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!

Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!

Jaksot(427)

11: Vagina Whispering with Sara Reardon

11: Vagina Whispering with Sara Reardon

In this episode, HeHe sits down with Sara Reardon, The Vagina Whisperer, to get a closer look at the pelvic floor. We dive into maternity belts, painful sex, and general vaginal care. Sara spills the ...

27 Maalis 201847min

10: Friday Free Talk: Body Shamers ​

10: Friday Free Talk: Body Shamers ​

In this episode, I get real about how society has taught us it's okay to talk about expectant parents' bodies and why your postpartum body is none of anyone else's business. I also talk about why I th...

23 Maalis 201818min

9: Finding the Balance of Motherhood and Managing a Quickly Growing Business with Amber Dalton

9: Finding the Balance of Motherhood and Managing a Quickly Growing Business with Amber Dalton

Amber is the mom of 5 children and the owner of Mom After God's Own Heart which is quickly growing every day! She is responsible for my signature look when I attend births! Today, I chat with her all ...

20 Maalis 201824min

8: Friday Free Talk: Certification

8: Friday Free Talk: Certification

This is an episode of Friday Free Talk- Where I freely talk about something I want you to know or what ever has been on my mind lately. Today, I dive into the question of "Are you certified?" I explai...

16 Maalis 201825min

7: Exercise during Pregnancy with Erika Tsipouras

7: Exercise during Pregnancy with Erika Tsipouras

They say habits that are formed while you're pregnant are more likely to stay around! What better time to implement exercise into your life than when you are growing a tiny human! Erika is a ACE certi...

13 Maalis 201820min

6: Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy with Audra Smith

6: Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy with Audra Smith

In this episode, HeHe sits down with Audra Smith, an expectant mom who has Type 1 Diabetes. She shares her story and how the disease has affected her pregnancy. She and her husband, Brian, struggled t...

6 Maalis 201845min

5: Diving into Tiny Human sleep patterns with Alyssa Blask Campbell

5: Diving into Tiny Human sleep patterns with Alyssa Blask Campbell

Alyssa Blask Campbell is a lover of all things tiny humans. She has spent years studying the science behind our tiny human's brain development and is here to spill the beans! Join us as we dive deep i...

27 Helmi 201830min

4: Tackling the mysterious pelvic floor: trauma, pleasure, and awakening the goddess with Madison White

4: Tackling the mysterious pelvic floor: trauma, pleasure, and awakening the goddess with Madison White

Madison White is a Pelvic Floor Therapist and a member of the Tranquility Team. She is a holistic practiioner in healing women with energetic and physical healing support. She is the founder of God(us...

24 Helmi 201842min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
psykopodiaa-podcast
rss-narsisti
adhd-podi
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
aamukahvilla
rss-rahamania
rss-eron-alkemiaa
kesken
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-koira-haudattuna
rahapuhetta
rss-tietoinen-yhteys-podcast-2
rss-niinku-asia-on
rss-uskonto-on-tylsaa
rss-onks-ok
rss-turun-yliopisto
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
rss-finnish-daily-dialogues