A NICU Story: Healing, Advocacy, and Family-Centered Care [Encore]

"I was pumping in the NICU, feeling completely disconnected—and my husband looked at me and said, 'Can you invite her in?' That moment changed everything. A nurse handed me a swab, I gave my baby colostrum for the first time, and I thought, 'I'm a mommy.'" – Tanisha NICU mom and advocate Tanisha shares her deeply moving journey through an unexpected fetal diagnosis, a 157-day NICU stay, and the powerful moments that helped her reconnect with motherhood. Diagnosed at 20 weeks with Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO)—a rare, life-threatening condition—Tanisha's son Jaleel faced impossible odds. From transferring care to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, navigating in-utero surgery, to forming a life-saving care team that included her husband and child life specialists, Tanisha's voice is a beacon of strength, love, and resilience. ? Whether you're a NICU parent, pediatric provider, or anyone seeking a story of courage and connection—this episode is for you. ? Tanisha is a member of the Child Life On Call Parent Adivsory Council. Learn more about our members ? What You'll Learn in This Episode Rare Diagnosis & Brave Decisions: The emotional impact of receiving a LUTO diagnosis at 20 weeks. Choosing Hope: Why Tanisha traveled to Cincinnati for specialized in-utero care. The NICU Rollercoaster: The grief, disconnection, and eventual empowerment she found during her son's 157-day stay. The Power of Support: How a nurse's gesture and her husband's quiet advocacy brought her back to herself. Creating Community: The birth of Medical Moms of NICU, a thriving support space for NICU moms everywhere. ?? Episode Highlights & Timestamps [00:01] Meet Tanisha Introductions and the early motherhood journey with three kids, including a medically complex son. [06:00] The LUTO Diagnosis Processing a devastating and rare prenatal diagnosis—and the impossible choices that followed. [13:00] Choosing Cincinnati Children's Why hearing "Cincinnati" changed everything and led to life-saving care. [23:00] The Turning Point