The NICU Waiting Game: NICU Awareness Month

The NICU Waiting Game: NICU Awareness Month

Author: Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist September 9, 2026 Duration: 32:40

Continuing NICU Awareness Month, in this week's episode, Katie is talking to Emily Rosen, the author of Waiting for Max: A NICU Story. Emily is a mom to 2 children, Max and Eva. Emily's book is about her experience being a parent in the NICU, with the hopes that the book can help communicate with other NICU families that they aren't alone in this journey. 

Throughout the episode, Emily details the emotions she went though as a parent, along with giving advice as to how to navigate new and possibly frightening feelings that came be brought on. Together, Emily and Katie walk through the different treks of healing that parents/families go through after being in the NICU, and how not all journeys follow the same path. 

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Emily 

1:39 - Meet Emily Rosen

4:09 - Emily's Journey to Motherhood 

7:48 - The NICU Experience

13:42 - The Emotional Toll of the NICU 

19:51 - Creating a Children's Book for NICU Families

23:27 - The Decision to Expand the Family

28:05 - Healing through Storytelling  

Resources Mentioned

Emily's Book

Emily's Instagram

 

Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for guidance specific to your child and family.

 


Hosted by Katie Taylor, a Certified Child Life Specialist, Inside the Children's Hospital is a quiet space for the often unspoken journey of pediatric illness. This podcast moves beyond the clinical to explore the human heart of the hospital, offering conversations that feel more like a shared cup of coffee in a waiting room than a formal interview. You'll hear directly from parents and caregivers who articulate the complex mix of fear, resilience, and love they experience, while pediatric nurses, doctors, and therapists provide their unique professional perspectives on fostering healing and normalcy. The discussions naturally delve into the practicalities of family life disrupted, the emotional weight carried by all involved, and the small, profound moments of hope that sustain people. It’s a resource for anyone connected to a child’s health challenge, whether you're a family member seeking solidarity, a friend looking to understand, or simply someone interested in the intersection of medicine and humanity. Each episode aims to validate the listener's own feelings, whether they are in the midst of a crisis or reflecting on one, by presenting these authentic narratives without sugarcoating yet always with profound compassion. Tune in to find a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the delicate, powerful work happening within those walls.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Inside the Children's Hospital
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