{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The NICU Translated Podcast","title":"16. More Than Survival: Parenting a Medically Complex Baby After the NICU","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4524,"description":"The NICU may end at discharge, but for many families, the journey is far from over. Life after the NICU often means learning to navigate complex medical needs, therapies, and emotions that don’t fit neatly into anyone’s discharge plan. In this episode, I’m joined by Michele Salmons, mom of two and one of my former NICU doula clients, whose story is one of courage, advocacy, and deep love. After a uterine rupture during her son Harvey’s birth, Michele and her husband were told he had very little chance of survival. But their journey — from transferring NICUs to building a life of medical care, therapy, and blended feeding at home — has become a testament to what it means to move from crisis to confidence. We talk about the realities of parenting a medically complex child, how to rebuild life and identity after trauma, and the ways families like Michele’s redefine what thriving looks like. Whether you’re a NICU parent walking a similar path or a doula wanting to better understand life after discharge, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and so much heart.NICU Support & Resources for Families and Professionals: Stay connected with me @thenicutranslator on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/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: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/5thingsDownload my free NICU Birth Plan Template to help your clients feel more prepared, ask informed questions, and navigate the unexpected with confidence. A supportive, easy-to-use tool for doulas, professionals, and NICU families alike: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplanLearn more about how you can become a Certified NICU Doula (C-ND) here: https://www.thenicutranslator.com/nicu-doula-academy Guest Spotlight: Michele SalmonsMichele is the mother of two young boys. During her second birth with her son, Harvey, Michele sustained a uterine rupture....","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/qug-0-T_z6pZtThGyof2HRHQpSSVl_08AEwA5PpQM0Y/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kYTYz/YTFjZGZkZDJjZDdk/N2M2ODVmOGRmODVh/NmNlZi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}