We’re closing out NICU Awareness Month with a powerful episode all about putting YOU back in the driver’s seat of your baby’s NICU journey. Too often, parents feel sidelined in the chaos of beeping monitors and medical jargon—but you are your baby’s best advocate, and this episode will help you step into that role with confidence. Today we’re joined by Mary Farrelly, a NICU nurse, doula, and founder of the NICU Translator, who brings her expertise straight to your ears. Together, we unpack what parents can really expect in the NICU, from levels of care and skin-to-skin bonding to navigating feeding challenges and advocating for your baby’s needs. This conversation isn’t just about surviving the NICU, it’s about finding your power, building trust with your care team, and knowing how to show up for yourself and your baby. Tune in to learn: What every parent should know about the NICU environment How to advocate for your rights and preferences Why skin-to-skin and bonding time are essential (and how to make sure you get them) How to handle feeding challenges with confidence Practical tools for your NICU birth plan If you’re a NICU parent—or love someone who is—this episode will leave you feeling informed, supported, and ready to face whatever comes your way. 0:00 Introduction to NICU and Parenting 01:10 Personal Story and Birth Lounge App 02:15 Empowering Prenatal Appointments 05:24 Navigating NICU Emotions and Questions 07:02 Introducing Mary Farrelly and NICU Support 17:47 Understanding NICU Environment and Care 31:43 Parental Rights and Advocacy in NICU 39:45 Advocating for Your NICU Preferences 41:08 The Importance of Parental Self-Care 43:51 Bonding with Your NICU Baby 54:32 Feeding Challenges and Solutions in the NICU 01:03:27 Creating a NICU Birth Plan 01:10:50 Resources and Support for NICU Parents 01:15:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Guest Bio: Mary Farrelly is a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator who helps bridge the gap between families and the NICU with evidence-based, empowering support. As the founder of The NICU Translator, she creates resources and trainings to help both parents and professionals feel more confident navigating life in—and after—the NICU. Mary is also the creator of the NICU Doula Academy, a certification program that trains doulas and perinatal professionals in trauma-informed, NICU-specific support. Through workshops, birth planning tools, and professional education, Mary is on a mission to create more joy and less trauma in the NICU experience INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with Mary 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!   LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.thenicutranslator.com Free NICU Birth Plan Template: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan   Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist:  https://www.thenicutranslator.com/nicu-doula-academy Listen to The NICU Translated Podcast here: https://thenicutranslated.transistor.fm/ YOUTUBE LINKS: Connect with HeHe on YouTube.