NICU & You

About NICU & You

The NICU & You Podcast is a bi-weekly series hosted by former neonatal nurse, clinical hypnotherapist, and author Belle Stevenson, supporting families through the NICU journey while raising awareness of perinatal mental health. Each episode, Belle speaks with guests about their real-life NICU experiences — the highs, the lows, and everything in between — blending professional insight with lived experience. Whether you’re in the NICU, adjusting to life after discharge, or supporting someone who is, this is a space to feel understood, connected, and reassured. One day at a time. Always.

Publisher

Nine874 Creative

Category

education · health & fitness · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Mar 2026

Latest episode

20 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Aug 2026

   When Everything Changes in Days: Lesley and William Mealiff & a NICU Heart Surgery Story

   What happens when your full-term baby suddenly becomes critically ill within days — and you’re told they need emergency heart surgery? In this episode of Nicu&You, Belle Stevenson speaks with Leslie and William about their son Ralph’s journey through a diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta, a serious congenital heart condition that often appears after birth, when everything initially seems normal. From the shock of sudden deterioration, to the emotional rollercoaster of emergency surgery with just 45 minutes’ notice, this conversation captures the fear, urgency, and disbelief that so many NICU and cardiac families know all too well. Leslie and William share what it was like navigating intensive care, watching their baby undergo life-saving surgery, and trying to hold on to calm in an environment filled with uncertainty, monitors, and relentless beeping. They also reflect on how anxiety affected them differently, how it impacted their wider family, and how support systems like the Children’s Heartbeat Trust NI helped them through. This episode also explains coarctation of the aorta in clear, parent-friendly language, helping listeners understand what it means, why it can be so serious, and how treatment can lead to positive outcomes. Most importantly, this is a story of fear, resilience, teamwork, and hope — and a reminder that even in the most frightening moments, families are stronger than they realise. 💛 Things can change quickly — but so can outcomes. Take it one day at a time. 🎧 Listen now for a powerful story of NICU care, heart surgery, and survival.

2. 

   6 Aug 2026

   When Your Baby Is Born with a Heart Condition: Fear, Support & Survival with Cathy Dalton, Children’s Heartbeat Trust NI

   What happens when your baby is born with a condition that changes everything in an instant? In this episode of Nicu&You, Belle Stevenson is joined by Cathy Dalton, Family and Youth Services Manager at the Children’s Heartbeat Trust NI, a charity supporting children and families living with congenital heart disease. Cathy shares the origins of the organisation — founded by parents in 1984 — and the vital emotional, practical, and financial support it now provides to hundreds of families across Northern Ireland each year. Together, they explore what congenital heart disease means for families, the overwhelming fear that comes with diagnosis, and why no parent should have to face it alone. Cathy also discusses the importance of peer support, advocacy in cardiac care, and the realities of navigating hospital life — including the financial pressures that continue long after admission. This episode also highlights the Trust’s bereavement support programmes and the importance of resilience, community, and compassionate care when families are at their most vulnerable. Most importantly, it carries a clear message: support matters, asking for help is strength, and no family should walk this journey alone. 💛 You are not alone. Take it one day at a time. 🎧 Listen now for insight, support, and understanding for families affected by congenital heart disease.

3. 

   23 Jul 2026

   A Supported Parent Is a Protected Child: Ciara & Una from Support 2gether on Postnatal Mental Health

   What happens when the joy of becoming a parent is replaced by fear, anxiety, and silence? In this episode of Nicu&You, Belle Stevenson is joined by Ciara O’Goan and Una Leonard from Support 2gether, an award-winning charity created to support families through postnatal mental health struggles. Ciara shares her NICU journey following the birth of her son Jude — from the shock of separation and the relentless beeping of machines, to the emotional aftermath of postnatal depression and anxiety that followed her home. She opens up about the fear that stopped her from asking for help: the belief that admitting she was struggling might mean losing her child. Una shares her own experience of motherhood, anxiety, and how early education around postnatal mental health ultimately helped her find her way through. Together, they explain how Support 2gether was born from lived experience — and why having “someone who gets it” can change everything. This conversation tackles stigma head-on, challenges myths around asking for help, and reminds parents of one powerful truth: reaching out is not weakness — it’s strength. 💛 A supported parent is a protected child. 🎧 If you’re struggling, supporting someone who is, or reflecting on your own NICU journey, this episode is here to remind you: you are not alone, and this is not forever — it’s just your right now.

4. 

   9 Jul 2026

   A Supported Parent Is a Protected Child: Inside Social Work & Perinatal Mental Health

   Why do so many parents feel that asking for help could put their baby at risk? In this episode of Nicu&You, Belle Stevenson is joined by Marie McElroy, Lecturer in Social Work at Ulster University and registered social worker, for an honest and compassionate conversation about one of the biggest fears voiced by NICU and new parents: stigma. Together they explore the fear that seeking support could lead to judgment, intervention, or even child removal — and what social work looks like today compared to the past. Marie breaks down how safeguarding decisions are actually made, why most social work involvement is supportive rather than punitive, and how the system is increasingly shifting toward compassion, collaboration, and early intervention. This episode also dives into the emotional reality of pregnancy and NICU care, attachment and separation trauma, and why “a supported parent is a protected child” is more than just a phrase — it’s a principle. Most importantly, this conversation challenges long-held myths and reassures parents that reaching out for help is not a weakness, but a strength. 🎧 If you’re a parent, expecting, or supporting someone through NICU care, this episode is a reminder: you are not alone, and help is there without judgment. 💛 Take care, and take it one day at a time.

5. 

   25 Jun 2026

   A Silence That Cost Too Much: Rosemary’s NICU Story from 40 Years Ago

   What was it like to experience a NICU journey in a time when parents were often left in the dark, and emotional support simply didn’t exist? In this powerful episode of Nicu&You, Belle Stevenson is joined by Rosemary, who shares her deeply personal experience of giving birth over 40 years ago. From early labour and limited communication, to her newborn daughter being taken to NICU without explanation, Rosemary recalls a time when medical care often came without clarity, compassion, or emotional support. She opens up about the fear of separation, the impact of unanswered questions, and the lasting trauma of repeated miscarriages handled in silence. Her story highlights just how far perinatal and neonatal care has come — and why talking about mental health and lived experience matters now more than ever. This conversation is a reminder of the importance of information, advocacy, and emotional support for parents navigating NICU journeys, both then and now. If you’ve ever experienced pregnancy loss, NICU care, or the emotional weight of uncertainty in early parenthood, this episode offers honesty, reflection, and connection. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation around perinatal mental health and lived NICU experiences.

6. 

   11 Jun 2026

   Kian’s Story: Six Months in NICU and a Love That Never Left

   What do you hold onto when your baby arrives at 23 weeks and every day becomes a fight for survival? In this deeply emotional episode of Nicu&You, Belle Stevenson speaks with Geraldine and Adam about their son Kian’s extraordinary NICU journey. From early pregnancy complications and emergency relocation to Winnipeg, to the tense countdown to viability at 23 weeks, their story captures the extreme uncertainty many families face in neonatal intensive care. Kian arrived fighting — tiny, strong, and determined — and spent six months in NICU undergoing life-saving interventions, setbacks, and moments of fragile hope. But alongside the medical journey was something just as powerful: the emotional toll on his parents, the strength they found in each other, and the support of the NICU community around them. This episode also explores the devastating turning point of NEC, difficult conversations about quality of life, and the heartbreaking decision to transition to palliative care. Kian passed away in his parents’ arms, surrounded by love. This is not just a story about NICU care — it’s about love, resilience, trauma, and the lasting impact of neonatal loss. Geraldine and Adam also share how they continue to honour Kian’s memory and support other NICU families through lived experience. ⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of extreme prematurity, neonatal intensive care, and baby loss. If you are a NICU parent, bereaved parent, or supporting someone through neonatal care, this conversation offers honesty, understanding, and connection. 🎧 Listen now. You are not alone.

7. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Unpacking Domestic Abuse & The Path to Safety with Kerrie Flood (Women's Aid) – Part 1 - Fill Ur Cuppa: The Support 2gether Podcast

   In this episode Mrs. O and Una sit down for a deeply moving, two-part conversation with a very special guest: Kerrie Flood, the CEO of Fermanagh and Omagh Women's Aid. In Part 1 of this vital episode, Kerrie shares her inspiring 15-year journey from volunteer to CEO and shines a light on the multi-layered reality of domestic abuse. We break down the crucial differences between relationship conflict and systemic abuse, dive into the insidious nature of coercive control and financial abuse, and discuss why "why didn't she just leave?" is entirely the wrong question to ask. We also look at the incredible community resources available today—including early intervention programs for children and youth-led initiatives like the Spot the Fox podcast. This is part one of a two-part special. Hit subscribe so you don't miss Part 2 next week! About the Podcast Fill Ur Cuppa! is the official podcast of Support 2gether, a dedicated charity on an ongoing mission to provide vital education and support for families living with antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety. Hosted by Ciara O’Gowan and Una Leonard, this podcast is a warm, non-judgmental space where we discuss the real, raw, and sometimes messy aspects of the perinatal journey. Through honest conversations, expert insights, and deeply personal stories, we aim to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that no family has to navigate this season alone. Our Symbol: The Sunflower 🌻 You will see our beloved sunflower everywhere we go! For the Support 2gether team, the sunflower is a powerful symbol of: Positivity Strength Happiness It serves as a beacon of hope and optimism for anyone currently struggling through the fog of depression and anxiety. Just as sunflowers naturally track the sun, we want to help guide you toward the light, warmth, and healing you deserve. Why We are Different: Lived Experience 🤝 We don't just talk the talk; we have walked the walk. The entire Support 2gether team has first-hand, lived experience with perinatal mental illness. Because we know exactly what it feels like to be in the trenches of postpartum anxiety or prenatal depression, we automatically connect with our listeners and community members through: True Empathy Real, Tangible Hope A Supportive Personal Touch When you listen to an episode, you are talking to peers, not textbooks. Our Mission & Community Commitment We are entirely committed to providing unwavering support, education, and encouragement to families and individuals right across our community. Perinatal mental illness can make you feel completely isolated, but through Fill Ur Cuppa!, we want to remind you that your feelings are valid, your struggles are seen, and a community is waiting to hold your hand through it all. Connect, Listen & Share 🎧 Subscribe: Make sure to hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a weekly dose of support and education. Share the Love: If an episode helps you "fill your cuppa," please share it with a friend, partner, or family member who might need to hear it today. Reach Out: Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of immense strength, not weakness. If you are struggling with antenatal or postnatal depression and anxiety, please contact us. We are here for you. Production Credits: This podcast is proudly recorded at and produced by Nine874 Creative.

8. 

   4 Jun 2026

   Blue Lights at 29 Weeks: Deborah Erskine MLA on Loss, Fear & Fighting for Olivia. Part 2

   What happens when your baby arrives too soon—and every second becomes a fight for survival? In this powerful and deeply emotional episode of NICU & You, Deborah shares the story of her daughter Olivia, born prematurely at 32 weeks following a high-risk pregnancy marked by constant monitoring, rising heart rates, and an unexpected emergency delivery. From two weeks on a hospital ward to a sudden C-section, Deborah takes us inside the moment everything changed—and the long night that followed, as Olivia was rushed to NICU and fought for her life. You’ll hear: What it’s really like preparing for a premature birth and neonatal care The emotional impact of seeing your baby in an incubator for the first time How Olivia was defibrillated 13 times in her first week The unseen trauma parents carry during and after a NICU stay The incredible role of nurses, consultants, and support staff in the darkest moments Honest advice for parents navigating fear, uncertainty, and survival This episode is raw, real, and ultimately hopeful—a story about resilience, love, and the strength it takes to face the unimaginable, one moment at a time. If you’re a parent, expecting a baby, or supporting someone through NICU, this is a conversation you won’t forget. 👉 Follow NICU & You for more real stories, expert insight, and support for families navigating neonatal care.

9. 

   28 May 2026

   Blue Lights at 29 Weeks: Deborah Erskine MLA on Loss, Fear & Fighting for Olivia. Part 1

   What happens when a long-awaited pregnancy suddenly turns into an emergency? In this powerful episode of NICU & You, host Belle Stevenson is joined by MLA Deborah Erskine, who shares her deeply personal journey through miscarriage, anxiety, and a high-risk pregnancy that took a dramatic turn at 29 weeks. After years of trying to conceive—and a heartbreaking loss—Deborah finally receives the news she’s pregnant. But joy is quickly overshadowed by fear, silence, and the unspoken realities of perinatal mental health. Then, during a routine check-up, everything changes. A dangerously high fetal heart rate. A race against time. Blue lights to a specialist unit. And a diagnosis that no parent is prepared for. In this honest and emotional conversation, Deborah opens up about: The hidden impact of miscarriage and why we don’t talk about it enough Living with anxiety throughout pregnancy after loss The moment everything changed at 29 weeks Navigating the unknown inside the NICU system The power of advocacy, asking questions, and being heard This episode is a must-listen for parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone who wants to better understand the emotional reality behind neonatal journeys. 💛 If you’re in the middle of your own NICU story—you’re not alone. Follow, subscribe, and share to help support more families navigating life in and beyond the NICU.

10. 

    14 May 2026

    Holding Hope in the Hardest Moments: Rev. Andrea Cotter on Faith, NICU & Finding Strength

    What does it truly mean to support someone when there are no easy answers? In this heartfelt and deeply honest episode, host Bell Stevenson sits down with minister Andrea Cotter to discuss the emotional and mental health challenges of the NICU and perinatal journeys. Drawing from her own experience as a premature twin and the profound grief of losing both parents to cancer at a young age, Andrea shares how her personal struggles shaped a compassionate approach to pastoral care. Together, Bell and Andrea discuss: How to walk alongside grieving parents when there are no answers, and why a comforting presence matters more than finding the right words. The critical lack of support for parents navigating loss within the medical system and the urgent need for a better experience. The power of a faith-based community and small, practical acts of kindness—like dropping off a pint of milk or a loaf of bread—to support grieving families. The importance of setting boundaries, leaning on a support network, and protecting your own mental health as a caregiver. Whether you are a parent currently navigating the NICU, a healthcare worker, or a supporter trying to help a loved one through grief, this conversation is a gentle reminder that you do not have to walk this path alone. 🎧 Tune in to Nicu & You as we continue to make sense of the journey, one day at a time.

11. 

    30 Apr 2026

    Joanne’s Story of Loss, Love & Life After NICU: Part 2

    When Joanne Morgan, CEO of Tiny Life, reflects on her NICU journey, she doesn’t just tell a story of premature birth — she shares an experience marked by loss, trauma, resilience, and the enduring impact of a baby who lived for only two weeks, yet changed everything. Following a complicated pregnancy and a diagnosis of hydrops fetalis, Joanne’s son, Fabar, was born critically ill. What followed was an intense and heartbreaking two weeks in the neonatal unit — a time shaped by fragile hope, deep uncertainty, and unimaginable decisions. In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Joanne opens up about: – The moment her pregnancy took an unexpected turn – The emotional realities of life inside NICU – The trauma and grief of losing a baby, and its lasting effects – How her experience has shaped her journey through motherhood and her career – The work she now does supporting families through Tiny Life This conversation doesn’t shy away from difficult truths — from the strain on relationships to the long shadow of anxiety and grief. But it also speaks to love, remembrance, and the importance of giving space to stories of loss. 💛 Honest, moving, and profoundly human 💛 For anyone navigating NICU, grief, or trauma 💛 A reminder that even the briefest lives can leave the deepest mark Because every baby has a story — and every story deserves to be heard.

12. 

    21 Apr 2026

    Joanne’s Story of Loss, Love & Life After NICU: Part 1

    When Joanne Morgan, CEO of Tiny Life, looks back on her NICU journey, it’s not just a story of premature birth — it’s a story of loss, trauma, resilience, and the lasting impact of a baby who lived for just two weeks… but changed everything. After a complicated pregnancy and a diagnosis of hydrops fetalis, Joanne’s baby boy, Fabar, was born critically ill. What followed was a devastating two-week rollercoaster in the neonatal unit — filled with hope, heartbreak, and impossible decisions. In this deeply honest episode, Joanne shares: The moment everything changed during pregnancy The emotional reality of life inside NICU The trauma, grief, and long-term impact of losing a baby How that experience shaped her life, motherhood, and career Why she now supports other families through Tiny Life This conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard truths — from relationship strain and anxiety to the triggers that can last decades. But it also speaks to love, memory, and the importance of talking about loss. 💛 Raw, powerful, and deeply human 💛 For parents navigating NICU, grief, or trauma 💛 A reminder that even the shortest lives leave the biggest legacy Because every baby has a story — and every story deserves to be heard.

13. 

    8 Apr 2026

    Colleen’s Story – Against All Odds: Faith, Fear & a NICU Miracle

    Colleen Gallen’s journey into motherhood began with devastating news: at her 20-week scan, her baby was diagnosed with hydrops fetalis and given little chance of survival. What followed was a rollercoaster of fear, uncertainty, and life-threatening complications, including Mirror Syndrome. In this powerful episode, Colleen shares the raw reality of navigating a high-risk pregnancy, an emergency premature birth at 30 weeks, and the emotional challenges of life inside the NICU. From moments of deep despair to unwavering faith, she opens up about the strength it took to keep going when hope felt out of reach. She also reflects on the trauma, the small victories, and the resilience that carried her through — and the miracle of bringing her little boy home. This is a story of survival, strength, and the power of hope when it matters most — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, you are never alone.

14. 

    25 Mar 2026

    Clara Maybin - Mum of Three Premature Arrivals

    Clara Maybin’s motherhood journey is anything but ordinary: three premature arrivals, each with their own roller‑coaster of hope, heartache, and triumph. In this episode, she shares the early neonatal nights, the emotional challenges, and the milestones that made her stronger. Clara also opens up about balancing life as a busy business owner with family life, offering insight, honesty, and plenty of laughs along the way. This is an episode full of resilience, warmth, and the craic you crave — a true reminder that every day in the NICU journey is taken one day at a time.

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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