In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, hosts Hilary Erickson and Dr. Janene Fuerch, a neonatologist at Stanford, dive into what every pregnant family should know about the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). They discuss why it's important to understand NICU basics—even if you're planning a smooth delivery—and share practical tips on how to cope if your baby needs extra care, including ways to stay connected, manage stress, and support bonding. The episode also highlights exciting innovations aimed at making NICU stays safer and more comfortable for babies and families, plus insights on hospital levels and advocacy for neonatal advancements.

Big thanks to our sponsor Laborie -- LifeBubble® Umbilical Catheter Securement System

LifeBubble is made of a Soft Medical Grade Silicone to minimize skin irritation, Reduces the Risk of Catheter Migration and Early Discontinuation, and Protects the Insertion Site of our most vulnerable patients. Find them on Instagram @laborie_ob

Today's guest is Janene Fuerch, MD.

She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Associate Director of the Biodesign Innovation Fellowship Program at Stanford University, and Co-Director of Impact1 where she mentors and advises entrepreneurs in the pediatric and maternal space through all aspects of medical device development, from identifying clinical needs to commercialization. Her specific areas of investigational interest include the development and commercialization process of neonatal, pediatric and maternal health medical devices. She is a national leader in neonatal resuscitation, ECMO, device development and has been an AHRQ, FDA and NSF funded investigator. But her work extends outside of the academic realm to industry having co-founded EMME (acquired by Simple Health 2022) an award-winning reproductive health company, medical director for Novonate (acquired by Laborie 2023) a neonatal umbilical catheter securement company and notable consultant for Vitara (EXTEND - artificial environment to decrease complications of prematurity), Laborie, Ceribell, Novocuff and Avanos™. Janene is passionate about improving the health of children and newborns through medical device innovation and research.

Links for you:

Previous Laborie Episode on Forceps (260)

Timestamps:

00:00 NICU Challenges: Bonding & Separation

06:55 Choosing the Right Hospital Level

09:47 Bonding with Baby After Separation

14:06 NICU Innovation: Challenges and Opportunities

15:14 Umbilical Catheter Infection Solution

18:17 NICU Bonding and Communication Tips

21:59 Premature Baby Care Innovations

25:04 Prioritizing Investment in Children's Future

Keypoints:

Many families are surprised when their baby needs to go to the NICU, so it's important for all pregnant families to know some basics about what to expect.
The NICU can range from having just a couple of extra staff in the delivery room to having 15 people if a baby needs help, making the birth experience much more intense and involved.
Planning ahead with your partner about who will go with the baby in case of separation can help make a stressful situation a little easier.
About 10% of babies need some help breathing at birth, but most recover quickly; only a small percentage require NICU care beyond the basic interventions.
NICUs are graded by levels (I-IV), and knowing what level your hospital offers can help families prepare—higher-level NICUs can treat more complex issues but aren't always necessary for uncomplicated births.
If your hospital isn't a level III or IV, babies needing higher-level care may need to be transferred, which could mean temporary separation from parents; hospitals always work to reunite families as quickly as possible.
NICU nurses are passionate, skilled, and deeply care about the babies and their families, creating a loving and safe environment even during stressful times.
Parents can support their recovery and milk production by getting rest and using NICU technologies (like webcams) to stay connected—it's okay to take breaks and trust the NICU staff.
Emerging technologies like Labry's Life Bubble are making NICU stays safer and more comfortable, allowing parents to hold their babies even when special catheters are in place.
Skin-to-skin contact in the NICU is highly beneficial for both babies and parents, helping with bonding, milk production, and even neurodevelopment; parents are encouraged to ask staff about timing and any concerns about wires or tubes.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

NICU, neonatal intensive care unit, premature babies, neonatologist, types of NICU levels, level 1 NICU, level 2 NICU, level 3 NICU, level 4 NICU, hospital delivery, separation from baby, bonding with baby, skin-to-skin contact, umbilical catheters, infection prevention, NICU innovations, Labry, Life Bubble, technology in NICU, neonatal health, maternal health, NICU nurses, milk production, pumping breast milk, trauma of NICU stays, baby monitoring, necrotizing enterocolitis, artificial womb therapy, premature birth complications, hospital transfer, parental tips for NICU, emotional impact of NICU