What a NICU Nurse Wants Parents to Know

What is it really like to have a baby in the NICU?

Katie Taylor sits down with NICU nurse, educator, and content creator Alyssa Saldivar (@alyssathenurse) to discuss how families can find confidence, connection, and support during one of the most challenging experiences of parenthood.

Alyssa shares her journey of becoming a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for supporting both families and fellow nurses, and the practical ways parents can become active participants in their baby's care. Together, Katie and Alyssa explore everything from skin-to-skin care and developmental support to advocacy, bonding, and life after NICU discharge.

Whether you're currently navigating a NICU stay, preparing for a high-risk delivery, or reflecting on a NICU experience from years ago, this conversation offers encouragement, validation, and actionable guidance.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Becoming a NICU nurse during an unprecedented time in healthcare
• Supporting parents through the emotional realities of the NICU
• Why skin-to-skin care is so powerful for premature babies
• Helping families feel confident and involved in their baby's care
• How parents can advocate for themselves and their baby
• Pain management and comfort strategies in the NICU
• Developmentally appropriate ways to soothe premature infants
• Supporting parents who cannot be at the bedside every day
• Navigating bonding challenges and NICU trauma
• Resources available to support families during hospitalization
• The transition from NICU to home

Timestamps

00:00 Meet Alyssa Saldivar and her journey into NICU nursing

02:15 Starting a nursing career during the COVID-19 pandemic

03:40 Building confidence as a NICU nurse and educator

05:30 How becoming a parent changed Alyssa's approach to family-centered care

06:20 Caring for extremely premature babies and empowering parents

06:50 The importance of skin-to-skin care in the NICU

07:45 Why first diaper changes matter for parent confidence

08:30 Supporting parents who can't be at the bedside every day

09:20 Scent cloths, breast milk, and maintaining connection

10:10 Creating a family-centered environment in the NICU

11:20 How parents can advocate for their baby's needs

13:15 Parent involvement during painful procedures and treatments

15:15 Helping babies recover and regulate after procedures

16:00 Developmentally appropriate ways to comfort premature babies

18:00 Alyssa's mission to support NICU families beyond the bedside

20:00 Processing NICU experiences years after discharge

21:00 Supporting NICU dads during moments of uncertainty

22:10 When bonding doesn't happen immediately

24:15 Child life specialists, social workers, chaplains, and other support resources

25:15 Filling the gap between NICU discharge and follow-up care

26:30 What Alyssa hopes families take away from her content

27:45 Final encouragement for NICU families

Connect with Alyssa

• Instagram: @alysthenurse
• TikTok: @alysthenurse

Connect with Us

• Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital

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

Keywords: NICU Nurse, Neonatology, Family Centered Care, NICU Support