15. Sleep After the NICU: Building Healthy Rest Routines for Preemies & Medically Complex Babies

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The NICU Translated Podcast

Mary Farrelly

16 episodes

1 week ago

Welcome to The NICU Translated Podcast, where we break down the complex world of the NICU into clear, relatable insights for families and the professionals who support them. Hosted by Mary Farrelly—a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator—this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the NICU with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re a doula looking to better support NICU families, a healthcare professional seeking deeper understanding, or a parent preparing for or living through a NICU journey, you’ll find actionable tips, evidence-based guidance, and heartfelt stories to inspire and empower you. Each week, we’ll explore topics like: -NICU 101: Terms, diagnoses, and medical equipment explained. -Preemie care basics and developmental milestones. -How to advocate for your NICU baby with confidence. -Emotional and trauma-informed support for NICU families. -Insights from NICU professionals and families who’ve been there. With episodes featuring expert advice, list-style guides, and real-life interviews, The NICU Translated Podcast is here to equip you with the tools and knowledge to make the NICU journey less overwhelming and more empowering. Subscribe now and join our community dedicated to bringing more joy and less trauma to the NICU experience—because the NICU is only the beginning. Let’s navigate this journey together.

All content for The NICU Translated Podcast is the property of Mary Farrelly and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

15. Sleep After the NICU: Building Healthy Rest Routines for Preemies & Medically Complex Babies

The NICU Translated Podcast

51 minutes

2 weeks ago

15. Sleep After the NICU: Building Healthy Rest Routines for Preemies & Medically Complex Babies

Sleep after the NICU is complicated — not just for babies, but for parents, too. Preemies have different developmental timelines, different sensory needs, and often, different medical journeys that shape how (and when) they sleep. Add in parental trauma, nighttime anxiety, and navigating life after the NICU, and sleep can feel like one of the hardest parts of bringing your baby home.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Ortiz, NICU mom, sleep consultant, and founder of Little Ones Sleep Society. Jamie brings her professional expertise and her deeply personal story as a NICU and loss mom to help families understand what healthy sleep really looks like after the NICU.

We talk about the realities of preemie sleep, how to support medically complex babies overnight, breaking out of NICU habits, and why sleep is truly a family system, not just a baby schedule. Jamie also shares the role of her work offered on I Help Moms, a platform offering accessible support from sleep experts, grief counselors, mental wellness providers, lactation experts, and more.

Whether you're a NICU parent craving rest, a doula supporting families after discharge, or a provider wanting language that’s grounded, compassionate, and realistic, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.

Stay Connected with Mary:
Instagram: @thenicutranslator

Want to learn more about how to best support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started

Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist for early access to the 2026 cohorts and a special enrollment discount. Spots are limited, and the waitlist is the best way to be the first to know when doors open.

Guest Spotlight: Jamie Ortiz
Jamie is a mom of 2 (proud NICU mom), a sleep consultant for over 4 years and has a passion for helping little ones and their parents get the rest that's needed. Owner of Little Ones Sleep Society and head coach for the parenting platform I Help Moms...Jamie is able to work with anyone from anywhere. You can find her articles via her site and all different types of parenting magazines such as Joovy Magazine.

Connect with Jamie:
www.littleonessleepsociety.com
Instagram: @littleonessleepsociety
Parents and professionals can also find me on https://ihelpmoms.com/consultants/consultant/458/jamie-ortiz

Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to NICU Experiences and Sleep Challenges

04:19 Understanding Preemie Sleep Needs

07:14 The Importance of Adjusted Age in Sleep

10:18 Transitioning from NICU to Home

13:18 Sleep Shaping for Medically Complex Babies

16:25 Creating a Positive Sleep Environment

19:06 Navigating Sleep Expectations and Patterns

29:46 Creating a Soothing Environment for Babies

32:10 The Importance of Routine and Parental Regulation

35:51 Navigating NICU Experiences and Parental Anxiety

39:22 Understanding Baby's Needs and Parental Support

42:10 Encouraging Bonding and Trust in Caregiving

46:41 Resources and Support for NICU Families

48:27 Empowering Parents to Trust Their Instincts

Links, Resources & Mentions:
Check out Jamie’s Preemie Sleep Guide here!

Loved this episode?

Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community or leave a 5-star review and let me know!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care.

Until next time, remember:

The NICU is only the beginning, and together we can make this journey less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering.

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