This podcast was created to share my NICU journey….the good, the bad, and the unexpected. I want to share the tips I have learned along this journey that has made my life easier. I want to speak to the families who have just been given a list of life changing diagnoses. I want to speak to the parent who unexpectedly found themselves being a single parent to a child who has complex medical needs. I want to show others that it is okay to have a different “normal” than others. I want to show that it is possible to create a beautiful life out of ashes.
Brought to you by It’s a NICU World
This week on the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Atara Parkinson, a three-time NICU mom, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Certified Integrative Practitioner with 14 years of experience in the mental health field.
Atara brings a unique perspective to the NICU journey,combining her professional expertise with her own experiences as a NICU mom. Today, we’re talking about recognizing trauma in NICU parents, the lastingemotional and physical effects of the NICU experience, and why support shouldn’t end when a baby is discharged home.
We’ll also discuss the NICU Hearts Collective, a resourcecreated by Atara and her partner, Emily. NICU families can find expert guidance, practical resources, nervous system and developmental support, and a community that understands the NICU part without you having to explain it firstall within this Collective. Because every NICU journey is different, and families deserve support that recognizes their individual experiences and needs.
Whether you’re currently navigating the NICU, adjusting tolife after discharge, or supporting a family who has walked this road, I hope today’s conversation reminds you that your experiences matter and that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Interested in connecting with Atara?
Website: https://nicuheartscollective.com (https://nicuheartscollective.com/)
Instagram: nicuheartscollective (https://www.instagram.com/nicuheartscollective/)
The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World!
🌍 About It’s a NICU World
It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU andmedical family.
📘 Learn more: www.itsanicuworld.com (https://www.nicuworld.com)
📸Follow us on Instagram: @itsanicuworld (https://www.instagram.com/itsanicuworld)and @askanicumamapodcast2024 (https://www.instagram.com/askanicumamapodcast2024/)
Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay (https://nicuworld.com/products/its-a-nicu-world)
🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform
📣 Support the Show:
Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
Follow the show on Instagram: @askanicumamapodcast2024 (https://www.instagram.com/askanicumamapodcast2024)
Leave a review
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com (mailto:ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com)
20 Oct 2026
God Answers Prayers with Diane
This week on the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Diane Olusada for a heartfelt return episode.
Diane first joined us in March 2025 for “I Healed in the NICU,”where she courageously shared her journey through infertility, the heartbreaking loss of her first son in the NICU, her daughter’s 108-day NICU stay, and her youngest son’s “brief” NICU stay. Through it all, she reflected on grief, motherhood, healing, and learning to celebrate every milestone.
Now, Diane returns for “God Answers Prayers” to share theunexpected turns of her motherhood journey, including two subsequent natural pregnancies, the heartbreak of miscarriage, and the birth of her now 10-month-old son, who did not require a NICU stay.
From “I Healed in the NICU” to “God Answers Prayers,” Diane’sstory reminds us that even when our journeys look different from what we imagined, there can still be room for hope, healing, and new beginnings.
Interested in connecting with Diane?
Instagram: me_ttc_n_w8loss_journey (https://www.instagram.com/me_ttc_n_w8loss_journey/#)
The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World!
🌍 About It’s a NICU World
It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.
📘 Learn more: www.itsanicuworld.com (https://www.nicuworld.com)
📸Follow us on Instagram: @itsanicuworld (https://www.instagram.com/itsanicuworld)and @askanicumamapodcast2024 (https://www.instagram.com/askanicumamapodcast2024/)
Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay (https://nicuworld.com/products/its-a-nicu-world)
🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform
📣 Support the Show:
Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
Follow the show on Instagram: @askanicumamapodcast2024 (https://www.instagram.com/askanicumamapodcast2024)
Leave a review
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com (mailto:ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com)
13 Oct 2026
It's a Calling with Jane
This week on the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Jane Cranston, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Tiny Transitions Therapy Consulting. Jane shares how her personal experience as a mother of a child with special needs shaped her approach to supporting families. We discuss the transition from the NICU to home, the importance of cultural humility in healthcare, and whyfamily-centered care and clear communication matter so much.
We also talk about empowering parents to trust their instincts, ask questions, and advocate for their children’s needs. Because parents deserve to be informed, respected, and included in the decisions that shape their child’s care.
Interested in connecting with Jane?
Website: Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Houston | Tiny Transitions Therapy (https://www.tinytransitionstherapy.com/)
Instagram: tinytransitionstherapy (https://www.instagram.com/amoise1219/)LinkedIn: (https://www.instagram.com/amoise1219/)JANE CRANSTON | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-cranston-13451821/)
🌍 About It’s a NICU World
It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.
📘 Learn more: www.itsanicuworld.com (https://www.nicuworld.com)
📸Follow us on Instagram: @itsanicuworld (https://www.instagram.com/itsanicuworld)and @askanicumamapodcast2024 (https://www.instagram.com/askanicumamapodcast2024/)
Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay (https://nicuworld.com/products/its-a-nicu-world)
🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform
📣 Support the Show:
Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
Follow the show on Instagram: @askanicumamapodcast2024 (https://www.instagram.com/askanicumamapodcast2024)
Leave a review
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com (mailto:ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com)
The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!
Who has been a guest on Ask a NICU Mama Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Nicole Heidger
Katie Taylor
Cindy Rahman
Latoya Blueford
Kristal Gaddes
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
16 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
83
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Ask a NICU Mama Podcast
Who hosts Ask a NICU Mama Podcast?
Ashley O'Neil host the show. Published by Ask a NICU Mama Podcast.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Ask a NICU Mama Podcast take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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