A podcast to bring you a new point of support as you navigate your NICU journey. TODAY is a Good Day is here to be a part of your conversations. These are personal stories from people who have been there.

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In this episode, we&#39;re honored to have Crystal Zukosky, a dedicated mother and aspiring family attorney, as our special guest. Crystal, a mom of two boys aged 18 and 2.5, brings a unique background in hotel restaurant management and culinary arts. Currently pursuing a Law and Society degree at Penn State University online, Crystal is actively involved in advocating for changes in Pennsylvania law to allow parents to be paid caregivers for their minor medically complex children.Join us as we chat with Crystal about:<ul><li>Crystal&#39;s family dynamics and her journey as a mom of two boys</li><li>Her awareness of the NICU before her experience with her son, Will</li><li>The initial days in the NICU and how she coped with the challenges</li><li>Navigating the emotional rollercoaster of the NICU journey</li><li>Crystal&#39;s advocacy efforts for her son and the support she received</li><li>Practical strategies for keeping track of notes and reports from medical professionals</li><li>Will&#39;s extended NICU journey, including the surgery for a tracheostomy and the transition home</li><li>Valuable advice for parents facing a similar journey in the NICU</li><li>Crystal&#39;s involvement in advocating for legislative changes and the bill she&#39;s working to pass</li><li>An update on how Will is doing today</li></ul> We&#39;re delighted to welcome Crystal Zukosky to share her inspiring story and insights into the NICU experience and the journey of caring for a medically complex child.

Crystal Zukosky | Being a Mama to a Medically-Complex Child

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In today&#39;s episode, we&#39;re thrilled to have Ashlee Adams, a licensed clinical social worker passionate about supporting infants and their parents, as our special guest. Ashlee&#39;s journey includes a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh, with specializations in direct practice and integrated health. With experience in community, hospital, and private practice settings in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City, Ashlee currently focuses on postpartum mental health and parenting in her private practice.Join us for an insightful conversation with Ashlee as she shares:<ul><li> Ashlee&#39;s background and her deep-rooted passion for working with infants and their families</li><li>Identifying the most significant challenges parents face in their journey</li><li>Practical advice for NICU parents feeling isolated in the midst of various struggles, from sleep deprivation to feeding issues</li><li>Exploring the gaps in care for parents during and after the NICU experience</li><li>Navigating relationships in the face of adversity, drawing from personal experiences</li><li>Addressing the common feelings of isolation and inadequacy in parents and providing support</li><li>Examining the challenges faced by both moms and dads in the NICU journey</li><li>Ashlee&#39;s key piece of advice for parents navigating the NICU experience</li></ul> Tune in for an honest and informative discussion with Ashlee Adams as we delve into the challenges and support systems for parents in the NICU journey.

Ashlee Adams | Postpartum Depression and Anxiety in Women with Babies in the NICU

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In today&#39;s episode, we&#39;re pleased to have Tracy Warren, co-founder and CEO of Astarte Medical, as our special guest. Tracy&#39;s extensive experience as a healthcare venture investor and her commitment to women&#39;s and children&#39;s health make her a valuable voice in the industry.Join us as Tracy shares insights into her background and how her focus on nutrition developed, particularly in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In this conversation:<ul><li>Tracy sheds light on the often-overlooked topic of nutrition for babies in the NICU</li><li>We discuss the different types of nutrition crucial for the growth of premature infants</li><li>Explore the important questions NICU families should ask regarding their baby&#39;s nutrition</li><li>Understand how families can track their baby&#39;s progress and ensure they are on the right developmental path</li><li>Learn about the collaborative efforts of the medical team in shaping a baby&#39;s nutrition in the NICU</li><li>Tracy provides practical recommendations for families actively participating in their baby&#39;s nutritional journey</li></ul> Tune in for an informative chat with Tracy Warren, where we break down the complexities of neonatal nutrition in the first 1000 days of life.

Tracy Warren | Enhancing Nutrition and Improving Patient Outcomes in the NICU

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In this episode, we are honored to welcome our special guest, Quinn Forster, who, along with her husband, both come from large families and always dreamt of building a big family of their own. With three children and seven years of marriage, their journey to parenthood has been nothing short of remarkable, brimming with unexpected twists and turns. Quinn is here to share her family&#39;s incredible story, which includes multiple stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).On today&#39;s episode:<ul><li>Quinn shares her family&#39;s extraordinary journey to parenthood</li><li>Quinn opens up about the stark differences between their first NICU experience and their third stay</li><li>When reflecting on her family&#39;s NICU journey, Quinn imparts invaluable advice for other families going through similar challenges</li><li>Quinn shares her insights into how she learned to ask the right questions, empowering her and her family throughout their NICU experiences</li><li>Discover Quinn&#39;s recommendations for other families on how to cultivate a strong and supportive relationship with the medical team</li><li>Quinn sheds light on the practical aspects, explaining where she and her family kept track of crucial questions, reports, and updates from the medical team</li><li>Quinn shares an update on how her beloved little ones are doing today</li></ul> Join us for a touching and insightful conversation as we dive into Quinn&#39;s family journey through the NICU and the valuable lessons and experiences they&#39;ve gathered along the way.

Quinn Foster | NICU Chronicles: Quinn's Journey to a Thriving Family

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In this episode, we are thrilled to introduce our special guest, Roxy Romeo, a radio veteran with a nationwide presence, whose warm and relatable personality has won her the hearts of listeners across 63 markets, including Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and Detroit. Despite her national success, Roxy remains the friend you&#39;ve always wanted to have. Born and raised in Miami, she kickstarted her radio career with a Sunday morning 6 am shift. Today, she&#39;s a prominent figure in Philadelphia, co-hosting the Rise + Grind Morning Show on Power 99.Roxy&#39;s connection with Today is a Good Day stems from a personal journey through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In this episode, she graciously shares her family&#39;s experiences and emotions during their path to starting a family, including the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way.On today’s episode:<ul><li>Roxy shares her journey with starting a family</li><li>Roxy opens up about the feelings and emotions she felt when her sweet miracle ended up in the NICU</li><li>Roxy discusses the steps she took to become a part of her daughters care team and build a good relationship with the medical team</li><li>Roxy shares how she found a balance between home and the NICU</li><li>Roxy talks about her life Post-NICU with appointments, early intervention, and seeing specialists</li><li>Roxy opens about the guilt she faced and working through it today </li><li>Roxy shares how she transitioned back to work and what that looked like for her</li><li>Roxy shares a beautiful update about her daughter today</li></ul>

Roxy Romeo | The Resilience of a Radio Star

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In this episode, I’m excited to introduce our extraordinary guest, Adam Wood. With a captivating journey that&#39;s both inspiring and impactful, Adam brings his unique perspective as a retired U.S. Army veteran, a devoted NICU Dad, and a published author who&#39;s authored three heartwarming children&#39;s books centered around prematurity and the NICU. Adam&#39;s story is a testament to the resilience and strength of fathers in the NICU, and we can&#39;t wait to share it with you.Adam&#39;s journey into fatherhood and the NICU is a story of determination, hope, and love. Join us as he shares the heartwarming tale of his family&#39;s path to parenthood, filled with trials and triumphs.On today’s episode:<ul><li>Adam&#39;s personal journey to starting a family, a journey that&#39;s bound to resonate with many.</li><li>A deep dive into Adam&#39;s NICU experience, painting a vivid picture of the unique challenges and emotional moments he encountered.</li><li>The biggest struggle he faced during his NICU journey and how he navigated through it, offering invaluable insights for others.</li><li>Advice from Adam for fathers who are just embarking on their NICU journey, gleaned from his own experiences.</li><li>Reflections on the lessons learned, as Adam shares what he knows now that he wishes he had known back then.</li><li>Insights into why Adam decided to focus on the Dad&#39;s experience and the impact he&#39;s making through &#34;Our Preemie Adventures.&#34;</li><li>A look at his book series and how these heartwarming stories have provided support and hope to families navigating NICU life.</li><li>Details on where you can find Adam&#39;s books, in case you&#39;re seeking a source of inspiration during your NICU journey.</li><li>An update on how Adam&#39;s son is doing today, a story that&#39;s bound to warm your heart.</li></ul> Adam&#39;s dedication to supporting families, especially NICU Dads, shines through in his work and public speaking. His efforts to shed light on the unique challenges that men face during and after the NICU journey are truly commendable.

Adam Wood | Dad's Journey in the NICU: Adam Wood's Inspiring Story

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In this episode, I am honored to introduce my distinguished guest, Dr. Melinda Elliott. Dr. Elliott is a seasoned neonatologist and serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Prolacta Bioscience, a company dedicated to advancing the well-being of premature infants. Her extensive career in neonatology has touched the lives of countless families, and her dedication to improving neonatal care is truly inspiring.My introduction to Dr. Elliott occurred during a special tour of the Prolacta Bioscience Facility in Los Angeles, California. I was immediately struck by her passion for neonatology and her commitment to the littlest members of our society. A West Virginian at heart, Dr. Elliott&#39;s roots run deep, and her love for babies has been a guiding force throughout her medical journey.On today’s episode:1. Dr. Elliott&#39;s compelling background and her path to becoming a neonatologist.2. The paramount importance of nutrition in the NICU for premature infants, shedding light on a vital aspect of neonatal care.3. Delving into the profound concept that &#34;breast milk is medicine&#34; and understanding its transformative role in the NICU.4. Offering guidance and support for parents who face the unique challenges of breastfeeding or pumping in the NICU, drawing from Dr. Elliott&#39;s wealth of experience.5. Exploring the groundbreaking work carried out at Prolacta Bioscience, particularly their advancements in Human Milk Fortifiers and the remarkable health benefits witnessed in preemies on an exclusive human milk diet.6. Equipping parents with valuable insights on advocating for their baby&#39;s needs in the NICU, even in hospitals without Human Milk Fortifiers.7. Additional tips and advice for families navigating the complexities of the NICU journey, coming from a distinguished expert in the field.Join us for an insightful and heartfelt conversation that illuminates the transformative work being done to provide premature infants with the best possible start in life. Whether you&#39;re a parent, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about the world of neonatology, this episode offers a unique opportunity to learn from Dr. Melinda Elliott&#39;s expertise and passion for neonatal care.

Dr. Melinda Elliot | Nurturing Preemies: The Power of Human Milk in the NICU

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Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Stefanie Lopacinski, a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly two decades of experience in individual, couples, and group therapy. Dr. Lopacinski is the proud owner of Women&#39;s Wellness of Abington, a private practice that recently celebrated its second anniversary. Her specialty lies in providing support for female patients navigating the challenges of Reproductive, Perinatal, and Postpartum life changes.On today’s episode:<ul><li>Dr. Lopacinski sheds a light on the often daunting task of finding the right therapist</li><li>Dr. Lopacinski provides insight into the questions you should ask yourself before embarking on your therapist search, as well as the crucial questions to pose to potential therapists</li><li>Understanding the various credentials therapists hold is vital, and Dr. Lopacinski breaks down what these credentials mean</li><li>Dr. Lopacinski touches on different therapy modalities and which one she primarily uses in her practice</li><li>We explore the timing of therapy and whether there&#39;s ever a &#34;perfect&#34; moment to begin your journey to improved mental health</li><li>Dr. Lopacinski leaves you with some last-minute suggestions and tips for finding a therapist that suits your unique needs.</li></ul> Finding the right therapist is a crucial step in your mental health journey, and Dr. Lopacinski&#39;s expertise will help you make an informed choice.Please subscribe to the NICU Today: A podcast by Today is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvg-XvJtqSbJ67VVNLxj6zQ" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> channel.

Dr. Stefanie Lopacinski | In Session: Choosing a Therapist that Fits

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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we are joined by an extraordinary guest, Danielle Mundondo, who has faced remarkable challenges with unwavering strength. Her family&#39;s story is one of resilience, love, and the indomitable human spirit. Danielle shares her family&#39;s incredible journey towards starting a family, which led them to the NICU, CCNICU, and PICU with their three daughters.On today’s episode: <ul><li>Danielle discusses the distinct experiences in the NICU, CCNICU, and PICU</li><li>How Danielle advocated for her children in these different situations</li><li>Danielle talks through how she navigated having older children at home while constantly going back and forth to the hospital</li><li>Danielle shares the strategies and support that helped her make it through each day</li><li>What medical equipment Danielle had access to at home</li><li>Danielle opens up about her most significant piece of advice for families navigating the journey with medically-complex children, drawing from her own experiences</li><li>Danielle&#39;s family also has a genetic heart condition, and she opens up about how this has shaped their lives and influenced the relationship between her daughters</li><li>Danielle discusses losing her own mother to the same heart condition when she was a baby and how she manages the emotions she faces as she watches her own daughter</li><li>We get an update on how Danielle&#39;s daughters are doing today, showcasing the strength of their family and their remarkable bond. </li></ul> Join us as we listen to Danielle Mundondo&#39;s story, a tale of unwavering love, tenacity, and the power of family in the face of adversity.Please subscribe to the NICU Today: A podcast by Today is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvg-XvJtqSbJ67VVNLxj6zQ" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> channel.

Danielle Mundondo | Heart to Heart with a Heart Warrior’s Mom

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Welcome to the Today is a Good Day Podcast. In this episode, we explore the incredible power of finding strength through tragedy and using difficult experiences to drive philanthropy. When life takes unexpected turns, many of us yearn for ways to give back and help others in our communities. Whether you&#39;ve experienced a traumatic event or are simply eager to make a difference in the world, this episode offers inspiration and insights into various paths for philanthropic endeavors.We are joined by three remarkable individuals who have harnessed their personal journeys to make a positive impact: Paul Isenberg - Founder of Bringing Hope Home, Alexia Doumboya - Founder of Cocolife.black and Tracy Ashdale - Founder of Girls on the Run Montgomery County Chapter. On today’s episode: <ul><li>Each guest tells us a little about themselves and why they founded their organizations</li><li>After a personal tragedy, Paul dedicated himself to supporting a larger non-profit organization. He shares how he found purpose in this work and his transition to starting Bringing Hope Home.</li><li>Alexia discusses how she recognized a gap in care for mothers and embarked on a mission to fill it. She tells us about the inception of her organization and how she developed its innovative programs.</li><li>Tracy explains her motivation for founding the local chapter of Girls on the Run and highlights the opportunities to launch chapters for various non-profit organizations.</li></ul> These extraordinary individuals have all launched their own organizations, but they emphasize that there are numerous ways to get involved in philanthropy without starting a new non-profit. They share valuable advice for those who want to give back but don&#39;t know where to begin.Don&#39;t miss this episode of the Today is a Good Day Podcast as we explore the transformative power of turning life&#39;s challenges into opportunities for positive change.Please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by Today is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvg-XvJtqSbJ67VVNLxj6zQ" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> channel.

Paul Isenberg, Alexia Doumboya & Tracy Ashdale | Rising from the Ashes: Using Difficult Experiences to Drive Philanthropy

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In this emotionally charged and deeply inspiring episode, we explore the transformative journey of Darren Sudman, a remarkable individual who, in the face of profound personal loss, channeled his grief into creating a national nonprofit that has touched countless lives. Join us as we sit down with Darren, founder of Simon’s Heart, a close friend and mentor, who has a unique and powerful story to share.On today’s episode:<ul><li>Darren reflects on those unforgettable moments in the NICU, the raw pain of loss, and the challenging days, weeks, and months that followed the tragic passing of his child, Simon. </li><li>Darren shares how he and his wife, Phyllis, began the inception of their groundbreaking nonprofit, Simon&#39;s Heart.</li><li>Join us as we explore the question that Darren is most frequently asked: what it&#39;s like to be a &#34;loss dad&#34; and how he has navigated this unique and challenging role. </li><li>Hear his insights on communicating about their loss with their other living children, a topic that many families facing similar circumstances grapple with.</li><li>With almost two decades passed since the loss of their son, Simon, Darren gives us a candid glimpse into where his grief stands today. </li><li>Darren shares how he keeps Simon&#39;s memory alive and the world of &#34;What ifs&#34; he now resides in, as they didn&#39;t have the chance to create memories with their children.</li></ul> For those going through a similar journey, Darren offers heartfelt advice and guidance. His wisdom is rooted in his own experiences and his dedication to supporting others in their moments of heartbreak and hope.Join us for an episode that is sure to touch your heart, inspire you to give back, and remind us all that even in the world of &#34;What ifs,&#34; there is room for healing, hope, and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Darren Sudman | Life, Loss, and Living in the World of “What Ifs”

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Navigating your baby’s health after discharge can be overwhelming. Our guest today will help us navigate the post-NICU experience with determining priorities and staying organized with post-NICU life. Dr. Kate Chappell is an Associate Professor with the University of South Carolina, College of Nursing and is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her PhD in Nursing from the University of South Carolina and has been a nurse for nearly 20 years. She worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care setting and as a Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Neurology and Forensics and Child Abuse. She has been part of the nursing faculty since 2007, teaching nurses and nurse practitioners. Her research and practice interests include family and healthcare provider vigilance for child abuse, creating equitable access to resources, integration of social determinants of health in nursing education, and resource support for children with specific healthcare needs. She serves as the Advocacy and Policy Chair for the Developmental, Behavioral, and Mental Health Special Interest Group in the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She is also the co-Program Director, alongside Dr. Victoria Davis, for two South Carolina based programs funded by US Dept. of Health and Human Services. One program, called Childcare Ready for All (or CRAwl), focuses on providing health need focused training and support for daycare and family care providers for children with a variety of health needs. The other program is BabyCoach, which focuses on providing nurse coaching support for families who have a baby leaving NICU or Special Care Nursery. Dr. Chappell is passionate about families feeling the emotional and material support they need to care for their child and feel secure in the care others are providing, to help families grow and stay strong and support the best outcomes for their children.On this episode you we discuss the following topics:	•	How Kate got into this line of work (in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit); 	•	When families graduate from the NICU, it can be overwhelming to manage all of the follow-up appointments. How Kate determines priorities for care and follow-up appointments; 	•	Kate&#39;s advice for families on how to stay organized for their follow up appointments; 	•	If families need help with finding specialists, who they should contact for help after graduating from the NICU; 	•	Government and insurance funded programs available for families to look into;	•	The role of non-profit health &amp; development organizations and programs to facilitate referrals and services; 	•	The resources available to support mom and baby; 	•	The roles of a case manager, NICU nurse, post-NICU nursing support/visiting programs, and how families know what these different roles can offer to support them; and,	•	The one piece of advice Kate gives to NICU families? If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, and share our podcast with someone who may need it.

Kate Chappell | Your baby's health after discharge and the support and expectations you should have

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Some families move from the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) to the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) during an extended hospital stay. What is the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit? How do you manage an extended NICU and PICU journey? Today’s guest will share more about her family’s journey with their 26-weeker, Eli, navigating from an extended stay in the NICU to their journey in the PICU and beyond. Karen Johnson is a Nigerian born and raised, naturalized American with 20+ years of professional experience in the field of Information Technology. As she will share with you, though, none of her life’s experiences could have prepared her for the journey with her son, Eli.On this episode you will hear:	•	You will hear about Karen Johnson&#39;s pregnancy journey and how it affected her family;	•	Karen experienced both the NICU and PICU, and she will tell you about the difference between the two;	•	Karen&#39;s transition to the PICU;	•	What helped Karen make it through each day;	•	The importance of journaling and writing;	•	How did Karen prepare to go home, after her extended stay in the NICU &amp; PICU;	•	What appointments you may need to schedule before discharge;	•	What equipment you may need to learn about;	•	How to navigate all of that;	•	Karen&#39;s advice for other families coming home with equipment, from the NICU and PICU;	•	What Karen&#39;s journey looked like the past several years, with her son Eli;	•	Karen&#39;s biggest piece of advice for families navigating the NICU; and,	•	How Eli is doing today. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, and share our podcast with someone who may need it.

Karen Johnson | Navigating an extended stay in the NICU to the PICU and beyond

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We hear about case managers supporting families in the NICU, but what is the role of a case manager and when do you need one? Also, what are social determinants of health and how do they impact a family navigating the NICU. We will hear answers to these questions and more with our guest today. Madeline Szabo is the Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at Progeny Health, a national healthcare company dedicated to Maternity and NICU Care Management. The company serves women, infants, caregivers, and families through the milestones of maternal health — from conception and pregnancy to postpartum and parenting, with special expertise in managing premature and complex births and resulting NICU admissions. With over 25 years’ experience in the managed care arena, Madeline has developed a keen understanding of key aspects of the healthcare industry. Prior to joining ProgenyHealth, she served as Regional Director and Associate Vice President with both Molina Healthcare and Aetna. In these roles, Madeline developed and implemented programs to support lines of business that included commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid membership. Madeline earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bloomsburg University.On this episode you will hear:	•	You will hear about what inspired Madeline to get into this area of work;	•	How and when case managers get involved in a NICU case;	•	The role of a case manager;	•	Who families should connect with to ask for support, If a hospital is not working with Progeny Health;	•	A NICU Stay is very overwhelming for families, and they may not fully understand everything that is happening; you&#39;ll hear a discussion about what questions families should ask when they are admitted to the NICU;	•	We hear a lot about social determinants of health, and Madeline helps us understand what that means and how her team addresses these concerns; 	•	Are there resources available for families who would be outside of the Progeny network;	•	The community partners ProgenyHealth works with to support families;	•	ProgenyHealth also has a special expertise in helping families and infants affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS); Madeline explains these conditions and how her team responds;	•	There has been a lot in the news about health inequities. We’ve read that Black Mothers, for example, have 3X the rate of maternal morbidity than white women. Madeline discusses how her work helps to “level the playing field” for all individuals;	•	Madeline shares how you can access case management services; and,	•	Madeline shares general tips for NICU Parents.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, and share our podcast with someone who may need it.

Madeline Szabo | Case managers in the NICU: who they are and when you need them

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Advocating for yourself and your baby can be challenging in the hospital. Feeling intimidated by the medical terminology and the equipment is understandable. The large team of doctors and nurses caring for your baby can be overwhelming. Today we will discuss best practices for you to speak up and be a part of the care team for your baby. We will also hear about our guest’s personal journey as a caregiver.Today ‘s guest is Dwight McBee, Senior Vice President, Chief Experience Officer and Internal Health Equity Officer at Jefferson Health. In this role, Dwight has responsibility for managing the strategic priorities for the patient experience across the Jefferson Health system and has the responsibility of establishing the structures, processes and partnerships that build trust between patients, families and caregivers.In his prior role, Dwight served for four years as the Vice President and Chief Experience Officer for Temple University Health System, overseeing strategy and operations for the Offices of Patient &amp; Community Experience, Food &amp; Nutrition Services and Employee Health Services.In Dwight’s early career as a critical care nurse at AtlantiCare Health System in Atlantic City, New Jersey, he successfully led in various leadership roles on the journey to achieving the 2009 Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. He led innovations in satisfaction, employee recognition and equity programs in his role as Corporate Director.Dwight earned his Bachelors of Science (BSN) degree in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University, his MBA from Stockton University and is certified as a patient experience professional (CPXP) from the Patient Experience Institute. Dwight serves as a youth mentor for the Philadelphia Collaborative for Health Equity (P-CHE) and Temple’s Tools for Success Summer Youth Program. He is a volunteer for the American Heart Association, Gift of Life Family House and NJ Rett Syndrome Foundation.On this episode you will hear:	•	What inspired Dwight to go into patient experience, as a career path;	•	What family centered care is and more about Jefferson’s approach to this concept;	•	Dwight has worked with many patients and patients’ families over the years, and he shares what the first question you should ask the medical team members is;	•	The best way families can advocate for their baby (or a family member in the hospital);	•	After a hospital stay, how you can give feedback - either positive or negative, and where you should start with giving your feedback to the hospital; 	•	Which team members, in a hospital, receive feedback; 	•	Whether someone can really make an impact by providing feedback after their hospital experience, and the reasons why feedback is important;	•	Dwight shares more about his family’s personal journey, and his personal experience as a caregiver advocating for his daughter;	•	Dwight&#39;s advice for others just starting their family’s journey, navigating through appointments and setting up in-home care; and,	•	The moment that made the biggest impact on Dwight&#39;s work supporting families.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, and share our podcast with someone who may need it.

Dwight McBee | How to advocate for yourself and your baby in the hospital

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A prenatal diagnosis is filled with unknowns, anxiety, and fears for parents. Today’s guest knows this experience personally after her son was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect at just 18 weeks gestation. Sarah Banach was always passionate for child development and wanting to be a mom. While in college and graduate school she turned to childcare as her career prior to becoming a teen therapist. 	•	Sarah shares a little about her story of starting a family, with you; 	•	Sarah discusses how she managed learning about her son’s diagnosis in utero, and what steps she took to help get her through her family&#39;s feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and fear; 	•	Sarah discusses what her pregnancy looked like, after receiving her son&#39;s diagnosis; 	•	Sarah shares how she prepared for her son&#39;s arrival and the “unknowns”; 	•	You will hear about what helped Sarah the most during her pregnancy, to help get through each day; 	•	Sarah discusses what her family&#39;s journey looked like, after Mikey (Sarah&#39;s son) was born;	•	Sarah shares the resources that she found to be the most helpful during her pregnancy and after Mikey was born; 	•	Sarah discusses how her background in childcare and today, as a therapist, has helped her through this process; and,	•	Sarah shares advice she has for others who may be navigating a similar NICU journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, and share our podcast with someone who may need it.

Sarah Banach | Overcoming the unknowns, anxiety and fears of the NICU

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Finding the right OB/GYN and high risk doctor can be a difficult process for families. When do you ask to speak with a high risk doctor? What can they help you with during a pregnancy? Dr. Jack Fitzsimmons is here to answer these questions and more. Dr. Fitzsimmons grew up in Philadelphia attending both LaSalle College HS and LaSalle University followed by medical school at Hahnemann, Abington Hospital for his residency, and Jefferson Hospital for Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship. He worked at various University health systems, including University of Wisconsin, University of Washington, and Allegheny University of the Health Sciences followed by time at the FDA and within the pharmaceutical industry before returning to clinical medicine in 2005 at Hahnemann. Dr. Fitzsimmons moved to Virtua Hospital in New Jersey for several years and now supports families at Temple Health and Holy Redeemer. On this episode you will hear:	•	What inspired Dr. Fitzsimmons to become an OB/GYN, focusing on high risk pregnancies	•	The difference between an OB/GYN and a high risk OB/GYN	•	When a family should typically seek out a high risk OB/GYN for the first time	•	Whether families should ask to see a doctor (like Dr. Fitzsimmons) if they are having a baby for the first time	•	Some of the questions families should ask when they first learn they are pregnant and continue to navigate through their pregnancy journey	•	Dr. Fitzsimmons&#39; advice to families expecting multiples (for example: How serious should you take a pregnancy with multiples?)	•	The biggest piece of advice Dr. Fitzsimmons has for families navigating a high risk pregnancy	•	Dr. Fitzsimmons shares a moment/situation that impacted him the most throughout his career If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, and share our podcast with someone who may need it.

Jack Fitzsimmons | How to choose the best OB/GYN and high risk doctor for you

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Hearing about the NICU and becoming a NICU parent can be far from what you expect it to be. Advocating for your baby and learning how to navigate the ups and downs is important. Today’s guest knows this unique journey firsthand with her 26-weeker.On this episode you will hear:	•	Camille will share her journey to starting a family, with you;	•	You’ll hear what Camille knew about the neonatal intensive care unit before delivering prematurely, and what you should consider;	•	Camille will talk about what she did to advocate for her baby;	•	Camille discusses what was most helpful for her, when family members or friends asked how they could help;	•	Camille shares her advice for others who may not be sure how to ask for help from family and friends;	•	The NICU is a rollercoaster, Camille shares what she did to get through the difficult days;	•	Camille discusses her was the transition home from the NICU; 	•	Camille’s sweet miracle is almost a year old, Camille shares what was most challenging for her after coming home; and,	•	Camille shares her biggest piece of advice that she would give to other families just starting their NICU journey.Please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel.

Camille Jackson | Taking the NICU Journey One Day at a Time with our 26-weeker

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Parenthood is an adventure for all of us. Today’s guest knows this adventure well. Lena Young and her high school sweetheart husband are the parents to nine beautiful children including a set of twins and a set of quadruplets born nearly 8 months ago. Lena is a stay at home mom sharing her family’s adventures through her Instagram page - &#34;Raising our Youngs.&#34; You can follow Lena at @raisingouryoungs.On this episode you will hear:	•	Lena&#39;s multiple NICU experiences from premature to full-term;	•	Lena&#39;s advice for families going through the experience of being the parent of a full-term child in the NICU;	•	How the experience of welcoming a full-term baby might differ from welcoming premature children into the world;	•	What it felt like going back into the NICU after having had a prior childbirth experience; 	•	Lena will discuss what is feels like taking one step forward and 2 steps backward in the NICU (Lena will share advice on how you can get through it); 	•	Lena experienced a miscarriage, and she shares her perspective from that experience with you;	•	We always say “You can cry as much as you want!” when sharing your NICU experience; today - nearly 12 years later, Martha still cries at times; Lena shares how she worked through her emotions during her NICU journey; 	•	Lena shares her experiences breastfeeding multiples;	•	When you graduate from the NICU, you can feel like you are going into this whole new “easy” chapter, but that is not always the case - Lena talks about her family’s chapter post-NICU; 	•	Lena talks about the transition home with her older kids;	•	Lena talks about the follow up appointments she has to have now that her children are are post-NICU; and,	•	Lena shares the biggest piece of advice she wants to give others about parenthood.Please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel.

Lena Young | From the NICU to "Raising Our Youngs"

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We have an action-packed roundtable for this episode! We are honored to welcome three incredible neonatologists who have impacted more families than they know…Dr. Eddie Chang currently serves as the Chief of Neonatology at Jefferson-Abington Hospital, but more broadly believes that it is important to build teams that care deeply about children and their families. His experience includes founding medical practices, a seed-stage healthtech venture, and a Clinically Integrated Network focused on children. Board certified in both General Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Dr. Chang is a Castle Connolly/Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctor and also holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he also studied as an undergraduate. He completed medical school at Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College and Pediatrics residency training at New York University. Finally he returned to Philadelphia where he finished his Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship training at St. Christopher&#39;s Hospital for Children. Currently, Dr. Chang is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Jefferson and is interested in sustainable healthcare strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Cindy Dembofsky went to Univ of Ct for undergraduate where she met her husband and continued at the Univ of Ct for Medical School. She came to Philadelphia in 1992 when she began her Pediatric Residency followed by her Neonatology Fellowship at Thomas Jefferson/AI duPont Children&#39;s Hospital. She joined the Crozer Health System covering the Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Crozer Chester Medical Center NICUs after fellowship in 1998. She has been Neonatology Division Chief for the Health System since 2012. She is also a member of the Delaware County Baby’s First project.Dr. Jay S. Greenspan is the Professor of Pediatrics and Emeritus Pediatric Chairman for the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and Nemours. He is also a Trustee for the March of Dimes. Dr. Jay Greenspan received his undergraduate degree from Connecticut College, his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University, and his training in Pediatrics and Neonatal Perinatal Medicine at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He completed his MBA at Capella University. His research interests include neonatal pulmonary function, development and treatment. He is also involved in research on the prevention of preterm birth, healthcare reform and the medical home.On this episode:	•	The doctors discuss why they went into this area of focus helping NICU babies and families. 	•	You will hear about how the doctors encourage parents to be a part of the care team and ask the hard questions on the parents&#39; minds, even though the NICU is overwhelming and many families feel intimidated, anxious, and isolated walking through those doors each day. 	•	Personal guilt about what happened with a premature birth can be difficult to work through. The doctors share how they walk parents through realizing the early delivery is not their fault.	•	You will hear about some resources for parents to look into to feel empowered. 	•	You will hear about “NICUitis” and why is it important for families to leave the NICU and take a break. 	•	We discuss what the doctors each tell parents when they start googling.	•	We breakdown the best advice for moms who need to ask for help.	•	We discuss advice for when families are nervous and getting ready to leave the NICU.	•	The doctors share their &#34;one line&#34; they have typically shared with families over the years to help encourage them.Please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts!

Dr. Eddie Chang, Dr. Cynthia Dembofsky, Dr. Jay Greenspan | A conversation with Neonatalogists | What to ask, Your role on the care team, leaving the NICU and more

A podcast to bring you a new point of support as you navigate your NICU journey. TODAY is a Good Day is here to be a part of your conversations. These are personal stories from people who have been there.