Preparing for Parenthood After the NICU with Ashli The Mama Coach

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Hickson speaks with Ashli Daly, a registered nurse and baby coach, about her journey from working in the NICU to supporting families as they transition home. Ashli shares her experience working in various NICUs, the importance of seeking help, and how her background informs her current practice as Ashli The Mama Coach. The discussion also covers practical advice for new parents, including the importance of giving oneself grace and persevering as you seek answers.

Quick Notes from the Episode:

• Support from healthcare professionals is crucial for NICU families.
• Families should think about how they can prepare for life after the NICU.
• Postpartum doulas can play a role in supporting new families post-NICU.
• Ashli emphasizes the need for a supportive village for new parents. Don't isolate yourself.
• NICU experiences can significantly impact breastfeeding relationships.
• Every baby is unique, and care should be tailored to their needs. Feeding challenges are common and require a mindset shift and some patience.
• The transition from NICU to home can be overwhelming, building a support system is essential for new parents.
• Give yourself grace during the postpartum period, parenting is a journey of learning and growth for both baby and parent, and postpartum recovery does not have a set timeline.
• Trusting your gut as a parent is crucial, advocating for your baby is important in healthcare settings.
• If you don't get the answer that you want, keep going!
• NICU Alumni Resources
  • Grad Guide
• Ashli The Mama Coach Free Resources: 
  • Safety Guide - This free guide covers critical topics like safe sleep, car seat safety, drowning prevention, and choking prevention.
  • The Baby Sleep Formula - This free guide helps families establish nap times, bedtimes, and handle nap transitions as their baby grows. For preemie families, Ashli always recommends using adjusted age for sleep schedules rather than actual age.
  • Ashli posts a lot of helpful tips and guidance for parents on Instagram (@ashlithemamacoach), where she focuses on sleep, feeding, and newborn care.
  • Newborn Blueprint Preview - Ashli’s Newborn Blueprint walks families through the first 12 weeks with their newborn. LINK TO PURCHASE

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.