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
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:
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.
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.