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In this episode, pediatrician and creator Dr. Mona Amin (@PedsDocTalk) shares her path into medicine, why patient connection is important to her and how she built a meaningful presence on social media. Dr. Amin opens up about her own emotional NICU journey, sharing what she wishes she had known as a new parent and how that experience transformed the way she supports families today. Together, we explore everything from NICU guilt, milestones, and medical overwhelm to what truly empowers parents as they advocate for their babies—both in the hospital and long after they go home.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Mona Amin Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  YouTube  |  Website  |  Podcast  |   Newsletter   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Giving birth trauma a voice. Doula and advocate HeHe Stewart explores the emotional journey of NICU parents and the unseen wounds of traumatic birth experiences in this episode. From redefining advocacy to helping families find healing even in survival mode, HeHe shares powerful insights, personal stories, and practical support for those navigating life after the NICU. Whether you're a parent, partner, or professional, this conversation sheds light on the resilience, grief, and hope that shape the path to recovery.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, HeHe Stewart Instagram  |  YouTube  |  Podcast   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

Special needs mom, Kelly Mantoan, a mother of five and advocate for families raising children with disabilities, gives some solid advice to parents. Two of her children have spinal muscular atrophy and she candidly shares the challenges, surprises, and moments of grace from her early NICU and diagnosis days, offering wisdom on friendship, confidence, faith, and what she wishes she'd known at the start.    💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Kelly Mantoan Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website  |  Ministry Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a medical bill, this episode is for you. Jules Nowak—NICU parent and founder of The Medical Bill Academy—talks about the often-overlooked financial side of a NICU stay. From surprise bills to navigating insurance denials, Jules shares her personal journey through a 73-day NICU experience and the lessons that inspired her to help other families protect their financial health.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Jules Nowak Instagram  |  Website   🔗 to resources 4 Simple Steps to Save on Medical Bills Dollar For Episode 97: What you Need to Know about Medical Billing & Insurance ft. Kelley Coleman Episode 98: Should I Pay that Medical Bill? ft. Marshall Allen   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license    

In this deeply moving episode, Amber Smith, wife to Granger Smith, shares her journey through unimaginable loss after the passing of her son River and how she found light in the midst of profound grief. We talk about honoring River's memory, navigating marriage and parenting through sorrow, and what healing really looks like—beyond clichés and expectations. Amber's honesty offers comfort, perspective, and hope to anyone walking through grief or supporting someone who is.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Amber Smith Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  Website  |  Book   🔗to resources Book: "The Girl on the Bathroom Floor"   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

NICU nurse and content creator Tori Meskin (aka Nurse Tori) sheds light on the unique role of NICU nurses and what families should really know during their baby's NICU journey. We talk about building trust in high-stress moments, common parent fears, and how nurses support both tiny patients and their loved ones through it all. Whether you're a current NICU parent or just want to understand more, this conversation offers honesty, insight, and hope.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Nurse Tori Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  YouTube  |  Podcast  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Twin and special needs mom Missy Haughery shares her journey of raising twins—one with Down syndrome—and the lessons she wishes she'd known from the start. She is as candid about the struggles, in parenthood and marriage, as she is about the lessons and the joy. It all helped shape the family she loves. If you've ever gotten a diagnosis that feels overwhelming, you'll be empowered by Missy's story of encouragement, perspective, and practical advice for parents navigating a similar path.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Missy Haughery Instagram  |  Website   🔗Links to resources Do Right movie The Bell Center of Alabama Down Syndrome Alabama   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

The NICU and the military share common feelings of isolation, mental health challenges like  PTSD, and dependence upon friends and co-workers for support. In this week's episode, NICU military mom Taneisha Stamps shares her experience of being in the NICU with her son while their family was on a military base, far from home and family. She tenderly shares her struggles, how they faced them and when she knew they needed to reach out for assistance and help. It's a powerful episode and an especially poignant one for every NICU military family.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

Professional photo organizer Miss Freddy addresses the emotional and logistical challenges of capturing and storing photos during a NICU stay. In this episode, we discuss what we wish we had known earlier—from organizing photos of hard days, how albums can minimize the trauma and magnify the good days so it feels manageable, not overwhelming. Miss Freddy shares how photos can be both a healing tool and a powerful way to honor a NICU journey.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Miss Freddy: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website  |  Courses   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

Season 10 is here! What I Wish I Knew dives deep into the wisdom and hard-won life lessons parents and experts learned and now want to pass along to you. Our guest lineup includes a diverse group including a NICU nurse, pediatrician, special needs mom, bereaved mom, billing expert, birth trauma expert, twin mom, military NICU mom, and a professional photo organizer. Each episode highlights practical tips, emotional wisdom, and critical support for navigating life during and after a NICU stay. From understanding hospital bills to processing grief and trauma, season 10 brings honesty, empowerment and hope to NICU families. The guidance you wish you had from the start, is here.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

As NICU parents, we're all healing from a trauma. So when today's guest, Savannah O'Malley, sought her own healing she found it in a beautiful place, her art. And that healing didn't just benefit her own stories but the stories of thousands more NICU families. Listen in as Savannah shared how her gift is helping other families feel seen, and loved.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Savannah O'Malley: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  YouTube  |  Website   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, we sit down with Candace Blair Cronin, Ph.D.—a full-time working mom of four and a passionate advocate for children in the foster care system. From fostering and adopting to mentoring families and serving as a CASA, Candace shares her deeply personal journey and the many ways she's working to support vulnerable children and the families who care for them.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Candace Cronin: Instagram   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

Identical quadruplets. You read that right. The girls, born to Jonathan and Mercedes Sandhu, joined two other siblings, making six kids under the age of three. In this episode, they share about that first ultrasound appointment, how they prepared for the impossible, and what daily life looks like in a home where four babies are the same age—and somehow still have completely different personalities. This conversation is real, raw, and awe-inspiring. If you've ever wondered how anyone survives—let alone thrives—with six tiny kids, this one's for you.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guests, Mercedes and Jonathan Sandhu: Instagram   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   🔗Links Texas Monthly article Today Show People magazine   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

When parents get the call about a baby ready for adoption, they don't often expect it to be accompanied with a NICU stay. Adoptive mom, Shannon Donnelly, shares how life changed for her and her husband, how they navigated an out-of-state adoption and NICU stay and how they found peace with her daughter's birth parents.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Shannon Donnelly: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonwdonnelly0110    📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

"Is this normal?" is something almost every NICU parent asks about their baby at some point. In this episode, popular social media ER doctor, Dr. Meghan Martin aka drbeachgem.10, shares her own NICU story, how to be a good advocate for your child and encourages parents to always listen to their parental instincts.   💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Meghan Martin: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  TikTok  |  YouTube   🔗 Links to resources: Newborns do weird stuff reel Dr. Martin's NICU story My Mejo (online medical journal)   📺Socials 📺 Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest   Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license