The Incubator: Beyond The Beeps

The Incubator Podcast & ICU Baby

Hosted by Leah Jayanetti from parent support organization ICU Baby, Beyond the Beeps pulls back the curtain on the NICU experience, helping parents navigate this new world, understand their baby's journey, and learn about healthcare approaches and medical decision making. Through storytelling and education, we foster hope and empower parents to actively engage with their healthcare team, ultimately improving understanding and communication between families and medical staff.

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S1 · E28
November 1 · 1 hr 12 min
#028 - What Does a NICU Father Carry When He Has to Hold Everyone Up?
What does a NICU family need most: an explanation, or someone who simply shows up? In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah sits down with Isaac Jonas, an economist from Abbotsford, British Columbia, whose son was born at 30 weeks and spent 48 days in the NICU. Isaac kept a daily journal that became his memoir, Every Day Counts. He shares how he held his family together while driving back and forth to the hospital with his older son, why a 98% survival figure steadied him, and the hidden costs of parking, meals, and lost routines. He reflects on the eight friends who showed up, learning to stop keeping a ledger of who didn’t, and why turning up matters more than explaining. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
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S1 · E27
September 29 · 1 hr 9 min
#027 - What Does It Really Take to Save Twins With TTTS?
Your patient's twins were just diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Do you know what the next six months actually look like for that family? On this episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah sits down with Lisa Zahakos, physician assistant, mother of identical twins Peter and Maurice, and founder of Heart Reserve, for a raw, detailed walk through a TTTS pregnancy, fetal laser surgery, and a NICU stay that redefined how she understands medicine. Lisa shares what it means to be spoken to "like a mom, not a provider," why she couldn't breastfeed despite everything she tried, and the overlooked long-term cardiac risk factors every NICU parent, especially of twins, needs to bring to their own doctor. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E26
August 31 · 49 min
#026 - What Does It Really Mean to Feel Vulnerable in the NICU?
What does it take to turn a family's darkest days in the NICU into a global mission of hope? In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, host Leah Jayanetti talks with Isabelle Neza, founder of Premi Global Impact (PGI), about the sudden, terrifying arrival of her son Asher at 23 weeks gestation in Dallas, Texas, far from her family's home in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Isabelle shares how a NICU nurse's story, a mentor's soup, and a community she'd known for only four months carried her and her husband through 115 days of setbacks, intubations, and uncertainty. She describes how that experience led her to found PGI, bringing basic needs, bereavement support, and trauma counseling to mothers and premature babies in underserved communities in Congo, Nigeria, and Uganda. A moving conversation about vulnerability, community, and holding on to hope. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E25
August 2 · 55 min
#025 - What Does It Really Mean to Feel Seen in the NICU?
What does it take to feel truly seen during one of the most vulnerable moments of your life? In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, host Leah Jayanetti sits down with Val Butler, manager of AIME (the Alliance for Infant Maternal Health) in Miami-Dade County. Val shares her own NICU story, the surprise of learning her nearly ten-pound daughter needed NICU care, and the grace it took to sit with not knowing. She and Leah unpack what made her care team different: representation, transparency, and a refusal to treat patients as anything less than whole people. The conversation widens into Val's work connecting maternal hypertension, climate, housing, and mental health across Miami-Dade's care systems, and closes with her reflections on hope, grace, and what to pack in a NICU bag. A candid, moving conversation for anyone who has ever needed someone else to carry a little of the weight. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E24
June 25 · 1 hr 21 min
#024 - What Does It Mean to Truly Support a Family Through HIE?
This week, Leah sits down with Betsy Pilon, Executive Director of Hope for HIE, the global nonprofit dedicated to supporting families impacted by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Betsy shares her personal journey as a NICU parent, from the frightening moments before Max's birth to navigating cooling, an uncertain MRI, and a discharge with almost no guidance. Together, they explore what families need most during each phase of the HIE experience, the groundbreaking Polar Bear Care initiative that allows holding during therapeutic hypothermia, and why naming a diagnosis matters. A powerful conversation for NICU families and care providers alike. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
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S1 · E23
May 28 · 1 hr 1 min
#023 - How Did Faith and Advocacy Carry the Vassells Through the NICU Twice?
Amber and Andrew Vassell navigated two NICU stays with faith, advocacy, and what they call bubbling. From Austin, born at 25 weeks and one pound one ounce, to Aaliyah at 26 weeks, the Vassells built relationships with care teams, requested meetings, asked hard questions, and chose joy in the most uncertain moments. Now they are channeling that experience into Neo Haven and the NICU Journey Guide, designed to help every NICU family navigate with clarity, confidence, and support. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
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S1 · E22
April 30 · 1 hr 25 min
#022 - What Happens When Nobody Tells You What to Expect in the NICU?
Victoria Varela-Hefty, director of programs at ICU Baby and mother of James, a 28-weeker born in 2024, shares her NICU journey with honesty and grace. From a high-risk pregnancy complicated by Sjögren's syndrome and preeclampsia to an emergency classical C-section, inadequate postoperative pain management, and a cardiac complication that kept her hospitalized for eight days — Victoria reflects on what it felt like to navigate her own medical crisis while her son was down the hall in the NICU. She speaks powerfully about what was missing: not heroic interventions, but simple things — someone acknowledging her feelings, preparing her for what was coming, and reminding her that asking for help was allowed. She also shares how James is thriving today, and what she would want every NICU family to know about the power of pausing. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E21
March 1 · 1 hr 29 min
#021 - Fighting for Sight: ROP Awareness Week Special
In this special double episode of Beyond the Beeps, we're marking ROP Awareness Week with a full look at Retinopathy of Prematurity — from the medical side to the deeply human side. First, Dr. Faizah Bhatti walks us through what ROP is, its causes, risk factors, stages, and treatment options, while emphasizing why parental advocacy and regular follow-ups are so critical for premature infants. Then, Leah MG Jayanetti sits down with Tyronza Williams, who shares her emotional journey through the NICU with her daughter Alicia, born at just 23 weeks. Tyronza opens up about Alicia's ROP diagnosis, the treatments she underwent, and what it truly means to advocate for your child when everything feels uncertain. Together, these conversations capture both the science and the resilience behind one of the most common challenges facing premature babies. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E20
Dec 31, 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
#020 - Belonging in the NICU during the Holidays
In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah MG Jayanetti discusses the unique challenges faced by families in the NICU during the holiday season. Joined by Alena Costume, a two-time NICU mother, they explore the emotional rollercoaster of having a baby in the NICU, the importance of community support, and strategies for coping with stress. Alena shares her personal experiences, highlighting the significance of parental presence and the impact of healthcare staff on the NICU journey. The conversation emphasizes resilience, hope, and the need for better support systems for NICU families. In this conversation, Leah MG Jayanetti and Alena discuss the profound experiences of families in the NICU, emphasizing the importance of nourishment, community support, and the unexpected connections that can arise during challenging times. They share personal stories about creating the Touching Tiny Hands organization, the emotional toll of having a child in the NICU, and the significance of hope and belonging in the journey of parenthood, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E19
Nov 27, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
#019 - Keira’s journey from the NICU to the NICU Parent Network
In this episode, Leah Jayanetti speaks with Keira Sorrells, founder of the NICU Parent Network, about her personal journey through the NICU experience with her triplets and the advocacy work she has undertaken to support NICU families. They discuss the importance of family-centered care, the NICU Babies Bill of Rights, and the emotional challenges faced by parents in the NICU. Kira shares her insights on healing through storytelling and the need for self-care among NICU leaders, emphasizing that hope is an expression of love, regardless of the outcomes. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E8
Nov 24, 2025 · 52 min
#008 - Nothing's wrong with you, what you're feeling makes perfect sense
In this conversation, Leah and Parijat Deshpande explore the profound impact of high-risk pregnancies and NICU experiences on parents. Parijat shares her personal journey through a traumatic pregnancy and the lessons learned about intentional living, relationships, and the importance of grieving. They discuss the role of healthcare professionals in supporting NICU families and the need for radical acceptance and mindful presence during such challenging times. The conversation emphasizes the normalization of trauma and the ongoing nature of grief as parents navigate their new realities. In this conversation, Parijat shares her experiences and insights on navigating the emotional landscape of being a parent in the NICU. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting feelings of anxiety and fear as normal reactions to abnormal situations. The discussion highlights the need for empowerment through knowledge, the significance of addressing basic needs during trauma recovery, and the healing potential of trauma informed somatic therapy. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of finding hope amidst uncertainty and the shared journey of NICU families. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E9
Nov 24, 2025 · 49 min
#009 - NICU Parent Power | How Morgan found hers, saved her son’s life, and uses it to continue to improve the lives of countless others.
In this conversation, Leah and Morgan discuss the complexities of being a parent in the NICU, emphasizing the importance of finding one's voice and advocating for their child. Morgan shares her personal journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced while navigating the NICU environment. The discussion covers themes of power dynamics, the stigma of being labeled a 'difficult parent', the significance of family-centered care, and the necessity of self-care for parents. Ultimately, the conversation aims to empower NICU parents to embrace their role and advocate for their child's well-being. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E10
Nov 24, 2025 · 54 min
#010 - Communicating in the NICU : Insights from Valerie Hernandez
Being a NICU parent comes with many challenges, but communicating with your baby’s healthcare team and loved ones doesn’t have to be one of them. In this video, NICU parent Valerie shares her personal journey and offers valuable tips for effective communication with doctors and medical providers. Learn how the right tools and conversations can improve your NICU experience, while also highlighting the importance of self-care, hope, and trust during this difficult time. Whether you’re navigating the NICU or supporting a loved one, this episode provides crucial insights for every NICU family. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E11
Nov 24, 2025 · 58 min
#011 - Skin to skin: How parents can buffer pain, improve sleep, and decrease stress of their NICU babies
In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah discusses the importance of understanding a baby's senses in the NICU with occupational therapists Emily Hills and Lindsay Hardy. They explore the concept of co-occupation and co-regulation, emphasizing the vital role parents play in their baby's development. The conversation delves into the eight senses, the impact of early birth on sensory development, and practical tips for parents to enhance their baby's NICU experience. The episode highlights the significance of parental presence and the right way to interact with babies in a sensitive environment. In this conversation, Lindsay and Emily discuss the vital role of parents in the NICU, emphasizing the importance of breathing, connection, and communication. They explore the concept of touch times, the significance of sensory needs in the NICU environment, and how parents can manage their baby's pain during procedures. The discussion highlights the need for a supportive environment for both parents and healthcare providers, focusing on the shared sensory experiences that can enhance care. Ultimately, they convey a message of hope for families navigating the challenges of the NICU journey. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E12
Nov 24, 2025 · 51 min
#012 - Tracheostomy in the NICU | Shakeema’s Journey as a “Trach Mama”
Leah and Shakeema Smiley discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with a child in the NICU, particularly focusing on the experience of having a tracheostomy. Shakeema shares her personal journey with her daughter Lori, who was born prematurely and required extensive medical care. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical aspects of caring for a child with special needs, the importance of advocacy, and the power of hope and community support. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E13
Nov 24, 2025 · 38 min
#013 - From Diagnosis to Discharge: A Mother’s Journey Through Gastroschisis
In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah discusses the journey of NICU families, focusing on gastroschisis, a condition where a baby's intestines are outside the body at birth. Ruby Bacardi shares her personal experience with her son Oliver, who was born with gastroschisis and spent three months in the NICU. The conversation explores the emotional challenges, medical insights, and the importance of support for families navigating this journey. Dr. Daphna Yasova Barbeau provides medical perspectives, while Ruby emphasizes the significance of cherishing small victories and finding hope amidst uncertainty. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E14
Nov 24, 2025 · 55 min
#014 - How Ashley navigated being a medical provider, NICU Mama, Loss Mama and Widow
In this episode, Leah and Ashley O'Neil discuss the profound experiences of navigating the NICU as both a parent and a medical professional. Ashley shares her journey with her son Colin, who was born prematurely, and the emotional and practical challenges she faced. The conversation explores themes of grief, the balance between professional knowledge and parental instincts, and the importance of communication with medical teams. Ashley also highlights the need for resources to support NICU families, including her upcoming journal designed to help parents navigate their NICU experience. In this conversation, Ashley O'Neil shares her experiences as a mother navigating the complexities of having a child in the NICU and dealing with the challenges of medical systems. She discusses the importance of advocacy for children's needs, the emotional journey of grief after losing loved ones, and how she finds hope and purpose in her son's resilience. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support and the ongoing battle against systemic failures in healthcare. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E15
Nov 24, 2025 · 49 min
#015 - Siblings Are Also In the NICU
In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, siblings of NICU babies share their personal experiences and insights on navigating life with a sibling in the NICU. They discuss the challenges, emotions, and responsibilities they faced, as well as the lessons learned about patience, awareness, and resilience. The conversation emphasizes the importance of support from parents and healthcare providers, and the need for open communication about the realities of having a sibling in the NICU. The siblings also reflect on their hopes for the future and the unique skills they have developed through their experiences. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E16
Nov 24, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
#016 - Parenting in the NICU: Lina’s Transformative Experience
In this week’s episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah and Lina explore the often-overlooked but critical role of communication in neonatal intensive care. The discussion focuses on how clinicians can bridge the gap between technical expertise and human connection. They reflect on practical strategies for listening actively, explaining medical information clearly, and adjusting communication styles to meet the needs of parents and families in high-stress situations. Drawing on real experiences, they highlight the importance of empathy, collaboration, and presence at the bedside, while also addressing the challenges that arise when communication breaks down. The episode also examines the impact of communication on team dynamics within the NICU, from how providers share updates to how they align on care goals. Lina and Leah underscore that effective communication is not just a soft skill—it’s a core component of safe and compassionate care. This conversation offers concrete takeaways for neonatal professionals seeking to strengthen how they connect with both families and colleagues. Whether you are a bedside nurse, physician, or allied health provider, the insights shared here will resonate with your daily practice. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript
S1 · E17
Nov 24, 2025 · 39 min
#017 - Christina’s Journey to Discharge Day
In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah and Christina discuss the emotional journey of navigating the NICU as a parent. Christina shares her experiences from the moment she went into preterm labor to the discharge day of her son, Caleb. The conversation highlights the importance of building a support system, advocating for your child, and finding resilience during challenging times. Christina emphasizes the need for information and education in the NICU environment, as well as the significance of self-care for parents. The episode concludes with a message of hope and encouragement for families facing similar journeys. Support the show As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
- Transcript

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