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. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Brooke on IG  BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!