We’re exploring option from conception to childhood to help women take control of their fertility, birth experience, postpartum healing, and motherhood journey! This is a safe space for all parents to hear what the experts have to say and to hear from influencer parents and their take on parenthood! Join us for all things birth and parenthood for an empowering and educational walk with a birth and newborn expert and the found of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, HeHe Stewart.
Episodes
Friday Sep 19, 2025
Friday Sep 19, 2025
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe welcomes Brooke Smith, a seasoned NICU nurse, IBCLC, doula, and childbirth educator, to shine a light on what life in the NICU really looks like for families. Together, they unpack practical tips for navigating the beeping machines and medical jargon while still staying connected to your baby in meaningful ways. Brooke shares strategies for coping during this overwhelming season, advocating for your baby, and building confidence in your parental instincts.
This conversation also explores the importance of effective communication with NICU staff, why self-care is non-negotiable for parents, and how practices like primary nursing can support your family’s journey. HeHe and Brooke also talk through emotional resilience and what to expect as you transition home after the NICU.
This episode is a must-listen for parents preparing for, currently in, or healing after a NICU stay. You’ll walk away with reassurance, tools, and encouragement to help you feel informed and empowered—no matter what the NICU brings.
00:00 Trust Your Instincts and Seek Support
01:03 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast
01:08 Introducing The Birth Lounge App
01:29 Features of The Birth Lounge App
04:51 NICU Awareness Month
05:46 Interview with NICU Nurse Brooke Smith
07:30 Understanding the NICU Experience
12:16 Tips for NICU Parents
22:25 Bonding with Your NICU Baby
31:18 Communicating with Your NICU Team
37:28 Navigating Medical Decisions in the NICU
39:37 Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy Decisions
40:19 The Importance of Early Conversations
42:50 Advocating for Your Baby in the NICU
46:05 The Role of Primary Nursing in NICU
52:47 Emotional Support for NICU Parents
01:00:20 Transitioning Home from the NICU
01:07:07 Supporting NICU Families as Friends and Family
01:08:55 Final Thoughts and Resources
Guest Bio:
Brooke has been a NICU nurse for 8 years. After her first Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Brooke decided to pursue nursing and obtained her second Bachelor’s degree in nursing. She started her career at a Level 4 NICU in her home state of Florida, where she worked for 3.5 years and learned a lot as a new nurse. She then began to travel nurse in 2021, and has since worked in 9 different NICUs in 5 states across the U.S. She also has been a doula and childbirth educator since 2022, and IBCLC since 2023. She met her husband in Maryland while travel nursing in 2021, and now resides in Maryland with her husband Chris, two dogs Ruby and Penny, and their first baby on the way due in October.
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