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👀Sneak Peek! Beyond the Beeps, Episode 23: What Happens When Nobody Tells You What To Expect in the NICU?

Victoria Varela-Hefty, director of programs at ICU Baby and mother of James, a 28-weeker born in 2024, shares her NICU journey with Leah Jayanetti, NICU Wellbeing Specialist at ICU baby.

From a high-risk pregnancy complicated by Sjögren's syndrome and preeclampsia to an emergency classical C-section, inadequate postoperative pain management, and a cardiac complication, Victoria reflects on what it felt like to navigate her own medical crisis while her son was down the hall in the NICU.

She speaks powerfully about what was missing: not heroic interventions, but simple things - someone acknowledging her feelings, preparing her for what was coming, and reminding her that asking for help was allowed.

She also shares how James is thriving today, and what she wants every NICU family to know about the power of pausing.

As NICU Mental Health Week comes to a close, we’re honored to share Victoria and Leah’s heartfelt conversation in hopes of expanding the circle of openness, compassion, understanding, and support for NICU families everywhere. 🩵

🎧Beyond the Beeps is available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

🔗If you prefer to watch on youtube, here's a link:

https://youtu.be/XFViuTOw2xo?si=mX_KZhodQNsJ9w77



https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYpuFdgoRg7/?igsh=MWI4cDl3NDF5aGVocA==

👀 Sneak Peek! Beyond the Beeps, Episode 23: What Happens When Nobody Tells You What To Expect in the NICU? Victoria Varela-Hefty, director of programs at ICU Baby and mother of James, a 28-weeker born in 2024, shares her NICU journey with Leah Jayanetti, NICU Wellbeing Specialist ICU baby. From a high-risk pregnancy complicated by Sjögren's syndrome and preeclampsia to an emergency classical C-section, inadequate postoperative pain management, and a cardiac complication, Victoria reflects on what it felt like to navigate her own medical crisis while her son was down the hall in the NICU. She speaks powerfully about what was missing: not heroic interventions, but simple things - someone acknowledging her feelings, preparing her for what was coming, and reminding her that asking for help was allowed. She also shares how James is thriving today, and what she wants every NICU family to know about the power of pausing. As NICU Mental Health Week comes to a close, we’re honored to share Victoria and Leah’s heartfelt conversation in hopes of expanding the circle of openness, compassion, understanding, and support for NICU families everywhere. 🩵 🎧Beyond the Beeps is available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 🔗If you prefer to watch on youtube, here's the url: https://youtu.be/XFViuTOw2xo?si=mX_KZhodQNsJ9w77 #ICUbaby ##BeyondTheBeeps #NICUMentalHealthWeek

Every story, every milestone, and every tiny victory inspires us!🩵 As we celebrate 11 years of serving NICU families, ICU baby is proud to share our feedback and testimonials.🦕

ICU baby’s mission is to unite NICU families and provide emotional, financial, and informational support so that babies and families can thrive together.

In the past week, we celebrated by hosting Mother's Day Baby Showers for the NICU Moms at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital, Jackson Health System Holtz Children's Hospital and Nicklaus Children's Hospital. 🩵✨️

Frequently, Mothers in the NICU have to cancel, postpone, or miss having their baby shower altogether due to their baby's NICU admission.

ICU baby believes that NICU Moms should be celebrated, so 3 years ago, we created the NICU Moms Baby Shower. It takes place in the hospital during the week of Mothers Day, and Moms, Dads, siblings, and grandparents are all invited to be together for a warm meal, gifts, games and the opportunity to connect with one another.

ICU baby recognizes that Mother's Day can be very difficult for many people for a variety of reasons, but seeing these mothers leave with smiles, lighter hearts and the knowledge they are not alone means everything to us.

Thank you to the NICU families who allow ICU baby into your lives.🩵

Thank you to Miami Diaper Bank, Little Cottage and Sergio's for donating gifts and food to help make the Baby Showers extra special.🩵

Thank you to our amazing Youth Ambassadors for hosting an awesome drive to make the gift bags at South Miami & Holtz and for donating your time and talents in the planning and implementation of these events. 🩵💕🩵🤸🏽‍♀️