The NICU Dictionary: Medical Terms Every New NICU Parent Should Know
Walking into the NICU for the first time can feel overwhelming. From medical terminology and breathing support to feeding tubes and monitors, there is so much for new parents to learn. As both a NICU nurse and a NICU mom, I’m breaking down common NICU terms and abbreviations to help families better understand their baby’s care, ask questions, and feel more confident navigating the NICU journey.
Before the Medical Equipment, There Was a Little Pink Diaper Bag
Before the medical equipment, emergency supplies, and endless checklists, there was a little pink diaper bag filled with everything a new mom thought she would need. This is the story of how an ordinary diaper bag became part of our medically complex NICU journey—and the little girl who changed everything.
Your First 24 Hours in the NICU
A NICU admission can feel overwhelming, especially when everything is unfamiliar. Learn what to expect during your baby’s first 24 hours in the NICU, from medical assessments and equipment to meeting your care team and finding your footing as a NICU parent.
An Open Letter To Nurses: Your Job Is Not Your Life
A reminder to every nurse: Your job is what you do, not who you are. Your time, mental health, and well-being matter just as much as the care you give others. An open letter about workplace boundaries, self-advocacy, and remembering that you are allowed to choose yourself, too.
RSV: More Than Just a Cold
RSV can change a baby's life in a matter of days. Through Ivy's story, I share the importance of protecting infants during respiratory season, respecting parental boundaries, and understanding why seemingly small precautions can make a life-changing difference.
Beyond the Diagnosis: Seeing the Person, Celebrating the Life
Awareness is only the beginning. Through Ivy’s story, I explore why Down syndrome advocacy must go beyond a diagnosis—challenging misconceptions, improving healthcare, promoting inclusion, and celebrating the individuality of every person. Because a diagnosis is part of someone’s story, never the entirety of it.
10 Things I Would Tell Myself
Two years ago, I was pregnant, overwhelmed, and carrying more than I could put into words. If I could sit with the woman I was then, these are the ten things I would want her to know about fear, motherhood, mental health, guilt, and the strength she couldn’t yet see.