Family Centered Care, Mental Health Advocacy, NICU Parent Network - Keira Sorrells

After giving birth to triplets at just 25 weeks 5 days gestation and losing one of her daughters at 14 months old, Keira Sorrells was propelled into maternal-infant health out of a deep-seated desire to ensure no parent experiences the trauma of preterm birth or loss alone.

Together, with a dedicated team of NICU Parent Leaders, Keira has grown the @NICUParentNetwork to be a sought-after resource and collaborative partner for providers, researchers, industry, and other stakeholders in this niche of healthcare.

Content Warning: Loss of a child.

Quick Takeaways from the Episode:

• No matter how long your baby was in the NICU, your family’s experience in the NICU may lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• A book that helped Keira realize she was experiencing PTSD was a book about Medical Trauma: Before the World Intruded
• If that is your experience, being able to name it can help you seek the appropriate support
• There can also be a delay in even realizing you the state of your mental health and how you are coping with the NICU experience you and your family went through
• Parents doing the work and supporting their families have a voice and can share and speak up on every level. In the doctor’s office at follow ups, with family members, or even at systems levels to bring the parent voice to the table.
• NPN brings organizations together, helping them connect, network, and share best practices.
• Family Centered Care Taskforce - Check them out and subscribe to their emails if you are interested.
• Book Keira referred to: Before the World Intruded: Conquering the Past and Creating the Future, A Memoir

Keira’s NICU Alumni Grad Guide

• Peer Support - check this page out if you would like resources about Raising Multiples
• Trust your instincts - keep pushing until you get the answers you are seeking
• The earlier you get early intervention, the better! 

You can reach out to NPN through their website and instagram page @NICUParentNetwork.

Let's stay in touch!

You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.

A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.