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Dear NICU MamaAuthor: Dear NICU Mama
The DNM Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by NICU mamas and team members of Dear NICU Mama, Ashley Aisha! By hosting interviews with trauma-informed medical and maternal mental health experts and sharing vulnerable interviews with NICU mamas around the world, our hope is that you feel like youre sitting across the table from another NICU sister and feel seen and validated in your experience. No matter where you are on your healing journey, this podcast is here to remind you that you are not alone. Welcome to the sisterhood! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Genres: Education, Relationships, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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A Full-Circle Diagnosis: Oakley’s NICU Story | Part 1
Episode 5
Wednesday, 4 March, 2026
In this week’s podcast episode, Emily shares Part 1 of her son Oakley’s unexpected NICU journey, a story marked by emergency decisions, a rare genetic diagnosis, and a powerful full-circle moment within her own family.After a healthy pregnancy, Emily delivered Oakley six weeks early via emergency C-section when she noticed decreased movement in the middle of the night. What began as low blood sugar and a short NICU stay in their small Colorado town quickly turned into a transfer to Children’s Hospital, where Oakley was diagnosed with a rare genetic deletion on his X chromosome called UBE2A.In an emotional twist, Emily’s family soon discovered that her older brother, who had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy his entire life, shares the exact same genetic deletion.In this conversation, Emily shares the moment she knew something wasn’t right, the whirlwind of those early NICU days, and what it was like to receive an uncertain diagnosis. She also reflects on growing up alongside a medically complex sibling and how the strength her parents modeled now shapes the way she and her husband parent Oakley.Emily’s story is one of resilience and unexpected hope in the middle of the unknown. We hope it reminds you that even in moments of uncertainty, you are capable, you are supported, and you are never walking this road alone.To get connected with DNM:Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramSupport the show
