What every pregnant family should know about the ICU

PUBLISHED: October 21, 2025 | By Hilary Erickson

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, hosts Hilary Erickson and Dr. Janene Fuerch, a neonatologist at Stanford, examines what every pregnant family should know about the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). They discuss why it’s important to understand the basics of the NICU—even if you’re planning for a smooth birth—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 the NICU stay safer and more comfortable for babies and families, as well as information on hospital levels and advocacy for newborn developments.

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A big thank you to our sponsor Laborie — LifeBubble® Umbilical Catheter Security System

The LifeBubble is made of soft, medical-grade silicone to minimize skin irritation, reduce the risk of catheter migration and premature failure, and protect the insertion site of our most vulnerable patients. Find them on Instagram @laborie_ob

Today’s guest is Janene Fuerch, MD.

She is Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Associate Director of the Biodesign Innovation Fellowship Program at Stanford University, and Co-Director of Impact1 where she guides and advises entrepreneurs in the pediatric and maternal space through all aspects of clinical need identification to medical device development. Her specific areas of research 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. However, her work extends beyond academia into 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 insurance company, and valued advisor for Vitara (EXTEND). 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 Episode Laborie in 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 Connection and communication tips in the ICU

21:59 Innovations in the care of premature babies

25:04 Priority in investing in children’s future

Key Points:

• 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 only two extra staff in the delivery room to having 15 people if a baby needs help, making the birth experience much more intense and inclusive.
• Planning ahead with your partner about who will go with the baby in the event of a 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 ICU care beyond basic interventions.
• ICUs are classified by level (I-IV), and knowing what level your hospital offers can help families prepare—higher-level ICUs can address more complex issues, but aren’t always necessary for uncomplicated births.
• If your hospital is not a level III or IV, babies who need a higher level of care may need to be transferred, which could mean temporary separation from the parents. hospitals are always working to reunite families as quickly as possible.
• NICU nurses are passionate, skilled and care deeply about babies and their families, creating a loving and safe environment even in stressful times.
• Parents can support recovery and milk production by resting and using NICU technologies (like cameras) to stay connected—it’s okay to take breaks and trust the NICU staff.
• Emerging technologies like Labry’s Life Bubble are making NICUs 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 very beneficial for both babies and parents, helping with bonding, milk production, and even neurodevelopment. Parents are encouraged to ask staff about the schedule and any concerns about wires or tubes.

Producer: Drew Erickson

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Keywords:

NICU, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Premature Babies, Neonatologist, Types of NICU Levels, NICU Level 1, NICU Level 2, NICU Level 3, NICU Level 4, Hospital Delivery, Baby Separation, Baby Bonding, Skin-to-Skin Contact, Umbilical Catheters, LifeNICU Infection Prevention Technology, LaNICU Neonatal Health, maternal health, NICU nurses, milk production, breast milk pumping, NICU trauma, infant monitoring, necrotizing enterocolitis, artificial uterus treatment, preterm labor complications, hospital transport, NICU parenting tips, emotional impact of NICU