Episode
What a NICU Nurse Wants Parents to Know
- Published
- Jun 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1974
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Summary
What is it really like to have a baby in the NICU? Katie Taylor sits down with NICU nurse, educator, and content creator Alyssa Saldivar (@alyssathenurse) to discuss how families can find confidence, connection, and support during one of the most challenging experiences of parenthood. Alyssa shares her journey of becoming a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for supporting both families and fellow nurses, and the practical ways parents can become active participants in their baby's care. Together, Katie and Alyssa explore everything from skin-to-skin care and developmental support to advocacy, bonding, and life after NICU discharge. Whether you're currently navigating a NICU stay, preparing for a high-risk delivery, or reflecting on a NICU experience from years ago, this conversation offers encouragement, validation, and actionable guidance. In This Episode, We Discuss: Becoming a NICU nurse during an unprecedented time in healthcare Supporting parents through the emotional realities of the NICU Why skin-to-skin care is so powerful for premature babies Helping families feel confident and involved in their baby's care How parents can advocate for themselves and their baby Pain management and comfort strategies in the NICU Developmentally appropriate ways to soothe premature infants Supporting parents who cannot be at the bedside every day Navigating bonding challenges and NICU trauma Resources available to support families during hospitalization The transition from NICU to home Timestamps 00:00 Meet Alyssa Saldivar and her journey into NICU nursing 02:15 Starting a nursing career during the COVID-19 pandemic 03:40 Building confidence as a NICU nurse and educator 05:30 How becoming a parent changed Alyssa's approach to family-centered care 06:20 Caring for e…