{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"A Nurse Practitioner\u2019s Story of Grief, Strength & Advocacy [REPOST] (251)- Ashley's Story","description":"\ud83d\udce2 This is a special repost of one of our most impactful and heartfelt episodes. Whether you\u2019re hearing Ashley O\u2019Neill\u2019s story for the first time or revisiting it, her journey continues to resonate deeply with NICU families, pediatric providers, and anyone who has faced unimaginable loss and found strength in the aftermath. What happens when your personal and professional worlds collide in the NICU? For family nurse practitioner Ashley O\u2019Neill, the journey into motherhood brought profound loss, relentless medical advocacy, and ultimately, a passion for helping others. Ashley\u2019s story begins with the loss of her first son, followed by the premature birth of her second son Kolin at 25 weeks. What came next was 183 days in the NICU, the unexpected death of her husband, and the courage to rebuild a life\u2014and community\u2014from the ground up. In this heartfelt episode, we dive into: \u2705 The trauma and triumph of parenting a 25-weeker through a 6-month NICU stay \u2705 Navigating grief and motherhood after the loss of a child and spouse \u2705 How Ashley\u2019s medical background helped\u2014and hurt\u2014her NICU experience \u2705 The frustrating reality of fighting for services, equipment, and insurance post-discharge \u2705 How her Instagram and podcast connect NICU parents to life-changing resources \u2705 The upcoming launch of her children\u2019s book, It\u2019s a NICU World Whether you\u2019re a NICU parent, pediatric provider, or someone looking for hope in hard places, Ashley\u2019s story will leave you inspired, seen, and supported.   Timestamps & Key Topics \u23f1\ufe0f [00:00] \u2013 Meet Ashley O\u2019Neill Nurse practitioner, NICU mom, widow, and passionate advocate \u23f1\ufe0f [01:00] \u2013 A Life-Changing Journey Begins Ashley\u2019s first son, Vincent was born at 21 weeks and passed away shortly after birth Kolin\u2019s birth at 25 weeks led to a 183-day NICU stay \u23f1\ufe0f [04:00] \u2013 Between Medicine and Motherhood Navigating the NICU as a medical professional and a grieving mom \u23f1\ufe0f [06:00] \u2013 Finding Strength in the Smallest Movements Kolin\u2019s first days, brain bleeds, and the moment Ashley finally held him \u23f1\ufe0f [10:00] \u2013 Advocacy in Action From NICU notebooks to signs above the incubator\u2014Ashley\u2019s daily commitment to giving Kolin a voice \u23f1\ufe0f [14:00] \u2013 NICU Life, Community & Ronald McDonald House How support spaces and connections with other parents changed everything \u23f1\ufe0f [18:00] \u2013 Creating Community Through Instagram and Podcasting How Ashley built a space for NICU parents navigating trauma, insurance, and life post-discharge \u23f1\ufe0f [22:00] \u2013 Kolin\u2019s Milestones & Medical Miracles G-tube, hydrocephalus, nonverbal communication\u2014and now, reading, spelling, walking, and thriving \u23f1\ufe0f [27:00] \u2013 No Limits: The Mindset That Changes Outcomes Why one provider said Kolin would never walk\u2014and why Ashley refused to believe it \u23f1\ufe0f [30:00] \u2013 Tips for Parents Leaving the NICU The reality of life post-discharge: equipment battles, Medicaid struggles, and why persistence is key \u23f1\ufe0f [35:00] \u2013 Real Talk on Insurance & Resources How one visit to social services almost left her without home nursing Why you should never take the first \u201cno\u201d as your final answer \u23f1\ufe0f [38:00] \u2013 The Inspiration Behind Ashley\u2019s Children\u2019s Book It\u2019s a NICU World launches soon\u2014with more books to follow Resources & Links \ud83d\udcd8 Ashley\u2019s Website & Resources: www.itsanicuworld.com \ud83d\udcf2 Follow Ashley on Instagram: @itsanicuworld \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Podcast \u2013 Ask the NICU Mama: Available on all major platforms \ud83d\udc9b Follow Ashley\u2019s Personal Story: @onthejourneytohealing Share Your Thoughts! Did this episode resonate with you? Know a NICU parent who needs to hear this? We\u2019d love to hear your story\u2014tag us on Instagram or leave a review on your favorite podcast app. \ud83c\udfa7 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps more families find strength and support through stories like Ashley\u2019s. \ud83d\udd17 Follow us on Instagram: @childlifeoncall \ud83d\udce9 Contact us at lyndsey@childlifeoncall.com \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Listen to more episodes: Child Life On Call Podcast 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.   ","author_name":"Inside the Children's Hospital","author_url":"http:\/\/insidethechildrenshospital.com","html":"