My name is Tracey Kondrasuk-Brander and I am the co-host of "Infant and Beyond with Tracey and Stacey". I am a Certified Neonatal Occupational Therapist, entrepreneur and Certified Sleep Consultant. I worked in a level 3 NICU here in PA for over 19 years. For reasons beyond my control, I left the hospital and worked in Early Intervention to help small children with developmental delays.
I felt an odd emptiness in not being in the NICU and a loss of connection with the parents and babies that come into the NICU. Unless you have been a NICU parent, no one understands bonding with your baby in the NICU is very stressful and many parents are not knowledgeable about the NICU. The idea of this podcast came when I wanted to find a new way to help parents in a new platform even if I wasn't working in the NICU anymore. I am a private person, but will share a bit of information about me. I have 3 wonderful children and a daughter-in-law. I am hoping to be a MiMi someday! I enjoy working out at the gym, dancing, reading and spending time with my kids and two fur babies.
I knew I couldn't do this podcast alone and the first person I contacted was my long-time friend and "sister from another mother" Stacey Munchel. She has been a NICU nurse for 35 years and we have shared many professional and personal memories in that time. I called her up and told her that we needed to share our expertise as NICU professionals to help parents across the nation and the world. She was surprised, but she also agreed that we have so much information to share with parents of NICU babies. Thus, our first podcast was launched in October 2021.
This is Stacey's perspective on the podcast. Tracey had called me about starting a NICU podcast as I was preparing to sleep in my truck at a Walmart during a big storm that made me evacuate from my seasonal camping site. I said it sounded like a great idea and on that day, "NICU and Beyond with Tracey and Stacey" was born. Tracey and I met in the NICU-Tracey, an Occupational Therapist and myself a NICU nurse. We jokingly say we are sisters from another mother-we have been through much throughout our friendship! I have always enjoyed teaching. I love teaching parents and new nurses to empower them. As a partner of this podcast, I want to empower parents, grandparents of NICU babies. Personally, I have one adopted daughter and she has blessed me with four grandchildren. I am the crazy Memmem. have participated in Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge for the past 15 years! Our NICU has a parent support group page on Facebook. I love being outdoors and I love cruising every October. I love adventures and the NICU is an adventure as we never know who will come through our doors. I plan on being a NICU nurse until I retire and hope that Tracey and I can continue to provide interesting and informational podcasts for years to come.
The premise of this podcast is to provide information about the NICU for parents who have a baby in the NICU or are anticipating a baby in the NICU. Topics include Stressors of NICU, History of NICU, Equipment in NICU, and many, many other topics. Tracey is an OT specializing in NICU Babies with 26 years of experience. Stacey is a Certified NICU nurse with 35 Years of experience. New podcasts will be dropped 2 per month at 7 am EST on Tuesdays. Please like or follow us on Spotify. Thanks for your support on our podcast journey!
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My name is Tracey Kondrasuk-Brander and I am the co-host of "Infant and Beyond with Tracey and Stacey". I am a Certified Neonatal Occupational Therapist, entrepreneur and Certified Sleep Consultant. I worked in a level 3 NICU here in PA for over 19 years. For reasons beyond my control, I left the hospital and worked in Early Intervention to help small children with developmental delays.
I felt an odd emptiness in not being in the NICU and a loss of connection with the parents and babies that come into the NICU. Unless you have been a NICU parent, no one understands bonding with your baby in the NICU is very stressful and many parents are not knowledgeable about the NICU. The idea of this podcast came when I wanted to find a new way to help parents in a new platform even if I wasn't working in the NICU anymore. I am a private person, but will share a bit of information about me. I have 3 wonderful children and a daughter-in-law. I am hoping to be a MiMi someday! I enjoy working out at the gym, dancing, reading and spending time with my kids and two fur babies.
I knew I couldn't do this podcast alone and the first person I contacted was my long-time friend and "sister from another mother" Stacey Munchel. She has been a NICU nurse for 35 years and we have shared many professional and personal memories in that time. I called her up and told her that we needed to share our expertise as NICU professionals to help parents across the nation and the world. She was surprised, but she also agreed that we have so much information to share with parents of NICU babies. Thus, our first podcast was launched in October 2021.
This is Stacey's perspective on the podcast. Tracey had called me about starting a NICU podcast as I was preparing to sleep in my truck at a Walmart during a big storm that made me evacuate from my seasonal camping site. I said it sounded like a great idea and on that day, "NICU and Beyond with Tracey and Stacey" was born. Tracey and I met in the NICU-Tracey, an Occupational Therapist and myself a NICU nurse. We jokingly say we are sisters from another mother-we have been through much throughout our friendship! I have always enjoyed teaching. I love teaching parents and new nurses to empower them. As a partner of this podcast, I want to empower parents, grandparents of NICU babies. Personally, I have one adopted daughter and she has blessed me with four grandchildren. I am the crazy Memmem. have participated in Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge for the past 15 years! Our NICU has a parent support group page on Facebook. I love being outdoors and I love cruising every October. I love adventures and the NICU is an adventure as we never know who will come through our doors. I plan on being a NICU nurse until I retire and hope that Tracey and I can continue to provide interesting and informational podcasts for years to come.
The premise of this podcast is to provide information about the NICU for parents who have a baby in the NICU or are anticipating a baby in the NICU. Topics include Stressors of NICU, History of NICU, Equipment in NICU, and many, many other topics. Tracey is an OT specializing in NICU Babies with 26 years of experience. Stacey is a Certified NICU nurse with 35 Years of experience. New podcasts will be dropped 2 per month at 7 am EST on Tuesdays. Please like or follow us on Spotify. Thanks for your support on our podcast journey!
This episode will discuss several simple stress signals that your premature infant may experience while in the NICU. Using these simple techniques can help your baby to calm, and self-regulate while maturing in the NICU.
In this podcast, multiple NICU terms will be identified, along with their definition. The terms are often heard in the NICU setting, where parents should learn what these terms mean when it comes to their baby.
On this episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Melinda Elliot helps explain what human milk fortifier is. The three main questions answered are: How does a preemie's nutritional needs differ from a full-term baby's? What is a human milk fortifier and why is it needed? And, what are the differences between nutritional fortifiers made from donor breast milk and those made from cow's milk?
When one thinks of the NICU, it is mostly for premature infants. However, there are times when a full-term baby may need to go the NICU. The top 8 reasons are briefly discussed in the podcast and reassure parents that they go to the NICU for more specialized care.
This podcast discusses the different types of grief that are encountered when parents have their baby in the NICU. There are helpful tips on what to do when a parent is showing a certain type of grief and what not to say when a parent is grieving. There may be cultural, spiritual and emotional considerations when dealing with a grieving parent.
This episode talks about burnout among NICU professionals while providing quality care to premature infants and their families. The podcast discusses different ways to eliminate burnout from exercise to behavioral health support. NICU professionals need to find ways to increase self care activities to perform their best in the NICU.
This episode continues the discussion about birth defects in the NICU and newborn infants. We further discuss the risk factors for a baby having congenital heart defects and how crucial screening is in the NICU or at the pediatrician's office.
This podcast provides and discusses the top 10 birth defects seen in NICU babies. It talks about how prevalent these defects occurs and a short description of each.
This podcast discusses what G6PD Deficiency is in infants/newborns, what is the causes and symptoms of this deficiency. The podcast also talks about what babies are at risk, the signs/symptoms and treatment available for this deficiency
This episode describes what a neurodevelopmental clinic is, which premature infants can go to the clinic as well as, other children diagnosis' that qualify for testing and follow-up.
www.parentNICUconnection.com
https://PEDS.Thinkific.com
This episode discusses the advantages of having a baby in the NICU. Believe it, there are some positive aspects of the NICU the parents don't usually think of when their baby is staying there. A great podcast to bring hope to those parents who feel hopeless and stressed by the NICU experience.
www.parentNICUconnection.com https://PEDS.thinkific.com
This podcast talks about Prader Willi Syndrome. Prader Willi will be defined, characteristics and causes of this chromosomal disorder and how to help these babies and children.
www.parentNICUconnection.com
https://PEDS.Thinkific.com
This episode briefly discusses simple gifts to give for NICU babies. Some moms don't get to have their baby showers due to the premature birth of their baby. These are simple, yet personable gifts that will be well utilized.
www.parentNICUconnection.com https://PEDS.thinkific.com
This podcast discusses the issue of noise in the NICU and how it can negatively affect the premature infant. The podcast does talk about acceptable noise levels, how to decrease noise at the bedside. AAP recommendations when it comes to noise levels are also discussed.
This podcast defines Spina Bifida and the 3 main types seen in newborns. It provides symptoms of each and how this condition can present and complications that can occur
www.parentNICUconnection.acom
https://PEDS.Thinkific.com
This podcast discusses what hydrocephalus is in newborns, the signs of hydrocephalus. Additionally, the podcast discusses the procedures to help hydrocephalus including cerebral tapping and shunts. It also provides helpful websites for further information on hydrocephalus
This episode defines what HIE is, the incidence of HIE and the possible signs. The podcast also discusses treatment protocols to decrease the long-term effects of HIE in newborns
www.parentNICUconnection.com, https://PEDS.Thinkific.com
This episode discusses what a brachial plexus is, how it is injured during a baby's birth. It simply discusses the different types of brachial plexus injuries that can occur. There are ways to protect a baby's brachial plexus injuries and how therapy can help a baby recover from this type of birth injury.
This podcast discusses how to buy the appropriate car seat for your premature infant. It goes into detail how to safely buckle in your baby, what things you should avoid to keep your baby safe in their car seat.
www.parentNICUconnection.com or https://PEDS.Thinkific.com
My name is Tracey Kondrasuk-Brander and I am the co-host of "Infant and Beyond with Tracey and Stacey". I am a Certified Neonatal Occupational Therapist, entrepreneur and Certified Sleep Consultant. I worked in a level 3 NICU here in PA for over 19 years. For reasons beyond my control, I left the hospital and worked in Early Intervention to help small children with developmental delays.
I felt an odd emptiness in not being in the NICU and a loss of connection with the parents and babies that come into the NICU. Unless you have been a NICU parent, no one understands bonding with your baby in the NICU is very stressful and many parents are not knowledgeable about the NICU. The idea of this podcast came when I wanted to find a new way to help parents in a new platform even if I wasn't working in the NICU anymore. I am a private person, but will share a bit of information about me. I have 3 wonderful children and a daughter-in-law. I am hoping to be a MiMi someday! I enjoy working out at the gym, dancing, reading and spending time with my kids and two fur babies.
I knew I couldn't do this podcast alone and the first person I contacted was my long-time friend and "sister from another mother" Stacey Munchel. She has been a NICU nurse for 35 years and we have shared many professional and personal memories in that time. I called her up and told her that we needed to share our expertise as NICU professionals to help parents across the nation and the world. She was surprised, but she also agreed that we have so much information to share with parents of NICU babies. Thus, our first podcast was launched in October 2021.
This is Stacey's perspective on the podcast. Tracey had called me about starting a NICU podcast as I was preparing to sleep in my truck at a Walmart during a big storm that made me evacuate from my seasonal camping site. I said it sounded like a great idea and on that day, "NICU and Beyond with Tracey and Stacey" was born. Tracey and I met in the NICU-Tracey, an Occupational Therapist and myself a NICU nurse. We jokingly say we are sisters from another mother-we have been through much throughout our friendship! I have always enjoyed teaching. I love teaching parents and new nurses to empower them. As a partner of this podcast, I want to empower parents, grandparents of NICU babies. Personally, I have one adopted daughter and she has blessed me with four grandchildren. I am the crazy Memmem. have participated in Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge for the past 15 years! Our NICU has a parent support group page on Facebook. I love being outdoors and I love cruising every October. I love adventures and the NICU is an adventure as we never know who will come through our doors. I plan on being a NICU nurse until I retire and hope that Tracey and I can continue to provide interesting and informational podcasts for years to come.
The premise of this podcast is to provide information about the NICU for parents who have a baby in the NICU or are anticipating a baby in the NICU. Topics include Stressors of NICU, History of NICU, Equipment in NICU, and many, many other topics. Tracey is an OT specializing in NICU Babies with 26 years of experience. Stacey is a Certified NICU nurse with 35 Years of experience. New podcasts will be dropped 2 per month at 7 am EST on Tuesdays. Please like or follow us on Spotify. Thanks for your support on our podcast journey!
