076: Blooming Littles: Helping Parents and Caregivers Manage NICU Journeys with Katie Ross

As today’s guest will tell you, “You become a NICU parent in the blink of an eye.” 

Katie Ross is the creator of Blooming Littles and she’s doing incredible work in the NICU space as a certified neonatal occupational therapist. As a mom of a full-term NICU baby herself, she’s made it her mission to inform and empower parents by teaching them about the little things they can do that make a difference in their baby’s development and truly transform their NICU experience. 

By combining her doctorate with additional certifications, including neonatal massage and lactation support, her clinical experience at large children’s hospitals has given her a unique understanding of the challenges and needs of NICU babies. 

This episode is perfect for anyone who is currently in the NICU, has experienced the NICU, or knows someone else who’s on their own journey. Katie shares her best tips on participation (skin-to-skin, hand hugs, etc), managing trauma & pain responses, and setting healthy boundaries. 

Key Takeaways with Katie Ross

• Understanding the importance of occupational therapists 
• Empowering parents in the NICU 
• The power of touch: skin-to-skin, hand hugs, and more
• Creating positive moments within the NICU experience 
• The coping and trauma responses of families
• How to feel confident after discharge and bringing your baby home
• Bedside questions that parents should ask providers 
• Giving yourself grace in a difficult season of life 
• Learning to protect your (and your family’s) peace 
• Ways to support parents through acts of service 

Show Notes:

Get Full Access to the Show Notes by visiting: MatteasJoy.org/76.

Rate & Review

If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Joy In The Journey, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device.

You can also help by providing an honest rating & review over on Apple Podcasts. Reviews go a long way in helping us build awareness so that we can impact even more people. THANK YOU!