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 in the NICU
A swab, a nurse's guidance, and a husband's quiet wisdom helped Tanisha reclaim motherhood.

[30:00] Support Systems in Action
How child life specialists and her "Daddy Doula" partner brought healing and hope.

[38:00] Post-NICU Life
Dialysis at home, G-tubes, and transforming their house into a place of healing—not a hospital.

[44:00] A Mission to Uplift NICU Moms
Founding Medical Moms of NICU to provide the community she once longed for.

[47:00] Meet Jaleel
Get to know the joyful, musical, and vibrant little boy who continues to thrive.

🌐 Resources & Ways to Connect

Join the Community
👉 Medical Moms of NICU Facebook Group – A private space offering support, self-care, and connection.

Follow Tanisha on Instagram

👉 @medicalmomsofnicu

Tanisha's Book Reccomendation

 Set Boundaries and Find Peace by Nedra Tawab

Tanisha's Podcast

Medical Moms of NICU

 

 

💬 Share This Episode

If you know a NICU parent, grandparent, or pediatric care provider—please share Tanisha's story. It's a powerful reminder that no one is alone in this journey. A single message or text could offer the hope and strength someone needs right now.

📩 Copy this episode link and share it in your support group, hospital team chat, or parenting forum.

 

📲 More Ways to Stay Connected & Supported

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or pediatric professional—we have something just for you:

💛 For Parents & Caregivers:

Bring Child Life Home With You
The SupportSpot app puts expert child life tools, coping strategies, and emotional support right in the palm of your hand—anytime you need it.
🛒 Available now in the App Store → childlifeoncall.com/app

Support your child through medical moments with the same guidance used by hospitals across the country.

👩‍⚕️ For Child Life Specialists:

Join The Child Life Circle
A community for certified child life specialists that blends connection, professional growth, and collaboration.
🌐 Learn more or join now → childlifeoncall.com/childlifecircle

The Circle is where child life professionals come together for real talk, resources, and rejuvenation.

 

The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.