When Leilah planned her birth, the NICU wasn’t even on her radar. But an unexpected turn led her to deliver a micro-preemie and face weeks in the hospital — an experience that tested her strength, reshaped her perspective, and revealed the power of mindset in the hardest seasons of motherhood.

In this deeply personal conversation, Leilah shares the emotional rollercoaster of NICU life, the spiritual and practical tools that helped her navigate it, and the lessons she wishes every NICU parent knew. Whether you’re in the NICU now, supporting someone who is, or a birth professional looking to better serve families, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and full of hope.

Because the NICU is only the beginning — and together, we can make this journey less overwhelming and more empowering.

Resources & Links:
Grab your free guide: 5 Things Every Doula Needs to Know About NICU Babies and Their Families 

Connect with me on Instagram

Guest Bio:
Leilah Robinson is a NICU mom and the creator of Moms Alignd Collective, a space that helps moms find balance, connection, and empowerment in motherhood. After her own journey with a 24-week preemie and months in the NICU, she’s passionate about sharing the emotional tools, body practices, and even spiritual insights that helped her through it. With over 15 years of experience in movement and stress management, Leilah empowers moms to embrace balance, inner strength, and trust in their unique path of motherhood.

Connect with Leilah at Alignd Living or on Instagram: 

www.aligndliving.com

https://www.instagram.com/momsalignd/

A note from Leilah: 

My ebook is a love letter to NICU moms, weaving my own story with gentle tools and reminders to help you move through the whirlwind of emotions that come with the NICU. It’s here to help you feel grounded, trust yourself, and find moments of peace and empowerment, even in the middle of uncertainty.

https://www.aligndliving.com/shop/p/a-mama-aligned-mind-body-and-soul-finding-inner-peace-through-nicu-hardship

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to NICU Journeys

02:33 Leela's Pregnancy Experience and NICU Reality

06:07 The Birth Experience: Expectations vs. Reality

10:11 Connecting with Spirit Babies

14:20 Navigating Emotions in the NICU

20:11 Establishing a Routine in the NICU

30:23 Support Systems and Relationships During NICU Stay

36:47 Navigating Support During NICU Challenges

40:07 Finding the Right Kind of Support

42:57 Cherished Moments in the NICU

46:03 Transitioning Home from the NICU

52:05 The First Year Home: Challenges and Growth

Keywords: NICU mom story, micro-preemie journey, home birth to NICU, NICU mindset tips, spirit babies, navigating NICU as a parent, NICU hope stories, preemie parent support, NICU family podcast.

Stepping into the NICU can feel like landing in a completely different world — one with its own language, routines, and cast of characters. In this episode, I’m breaking down the essentials so you can start feeling more confident, informed, and ready to be an active part of your baby’s care team.

We’ll cover what the NICU is, who’s on your baby’s care team, the most common terms you’ll hear, and how to get oriented so you feel less like a visitor and more like the vital parent or support person you are. Whether you’re here for your own baby or to better support the families you serve, this episode will give you a solid foundation.

Resources & Links:

Download my free guide: 5 Things Every Doula Needs to Know About NICU Babies and Their Families 

Follow me on Instagram for daily NICU tips

NICU Birth Plan Template: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan

Suggested NICU Journals:
The NICU Notebook: https://thenicunotebook.com/
Your NICU Story: https://a.co/d/0iPbVRD

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the NICU Experience

01:56 Understanding the NICU: Definition and Purpose

03:42 Levels of NICU Care Explained

07:17 Meet the NICU Care Team

11:46 Navigating the NICU Environment

15:35 Establishing Routines and Communication

19:11 The Importance of Parental Involvement

22:01 Preparing for the NICU: Birth Plan Template

Keywords: NICU 101, NICU basics, NICU explained, NICU terminology, NICU care team, NICU orientation, preemie care basics, navigating the NICU, NICU support tips

When I first stepped into the NICU as a new nurse, I had no idea how much it would shape my life — or how many families I’d meet who felt overwhelmed, out of place, and desperate for clarity. Years later, after becoming a doula and educator, I realized that what families need most in the NICU is a translator: someone who can bridge the gap between medical expertise and compassionate, human support.

In this very first episode, I’m sharing my story — from my early NICU days to launching The NICU Translator — and the “aha” moments that shaped my mission to bring more joy and less trauma to the NICU experience. I’ll also give you a peek at what’s to come in this podcast and how it can support you, whether you’re a parent, a doula, or another professional working with NICU families.

Resources & Links:

Grab your free guide: 5 Things Every Doula Needs to Know About NICU Babies and Their Families → https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan

Connect with me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thenicutranslator/

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the NICU Experience

01:08 Mary's Journey to Nursing and the NICU

07:02 The Special Nature of NICU Nursing

09:55 The Importance of Empowered Education

11:32 Personal Experiences and Insights as a Parent

17:16 Founding the NICU Translator

21:01 The Role of NICU Doulas

23:35 The NICU Translated Podcast Overview

Keywords: NICU nurse story, NICU doula, navigating the NICU, NICU podcast, NICU advocacy, NICU support for parents, NICU doula training, NICU emotional support

Welcome to The NICU Translated Podcast, where we break down the complex world of the NICU into clear, relatable insights for families and the professionals who support them. Hosted by Mary Farrelly—a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator—this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the NICU with confidence and compassion.

Whether you’re a doula looking to better support NICU families, a healthcare professional seeking deeper understanding, or a parent preparing for or living through a NICU journey, you’ll find actionable tips, evidence-based guidance, and heartfelt stories to inspire and empower you.

Each week, we’ll explore topics like:

• NICU 101: Terms, diagnoses, and medical equipment explained.
• Preemie care basics and developmental milestones.
• How to advocate for your NICU baby with confidence.
• Emotional and trauma-informed support for NICU families.
• Insights from NICU professionals and families who’ve been there.

With episodes featuring expert advice, list-style guides, and real-life interviews, The NICU Translated Podcast is here to equip you with the tools and knowledge to make the NICU journey less overwhelming and more empowering.

Subscribe now and join our community dedicated to bringing more joy and less trauma to the NICU experience—because the NICU is only the beginning.

Let’s navigate this journey together.