In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Lowther-Payne, a non-birthing mum in a two-mum family, to talk honestly about her experience of becoming a parent after a challenging IVF journey and unexpectedly finding herself in neonatal care. Jess shares the compound impact of IVF, grief and trauma followed by an intense NICU and PICU experience, and how this affected her mental health, identity and confidence as a parent.
We also explore the unique challenges non-birthing parents and LGBTQ+ families can face in neonatal care, from feeling invisible or excluded to struggling to access appropriate perinatal mental health support. Jess shares what she has learnt about bonding and trauma since leaving NICU, as well as the work she is now doing to advocate for more inclusive and compassionate support for all families.
In this episode, we talk about:
- The compound emotional impact of IVF, trauma and an unexpected NICU experience
- Jess’s experience of neonatal care as a non-birthing mum in a two-mum family
- How NICU affected her identity, confidence, bonding and mental health after discharge
- The barriers non-birthing parents can face when trying to access perinatal mental health support
- How neonatal services can better support and include LGBTQ+ parents and families
Resources & links mentioned in this episode:
The NICU Space
An online support space for NICU parents at all stages of their journey. Inside you’ll find specialist resources, coping tools and connection with parents who understand what this experience can feel like.
LGBT Mummies
Free resources and guidance for professionals supporting LGBTQ+ families, including information around inclusive communication and language.
Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships (MNVPs)
Local partnerships that give families the opportunity to share their experiences and help shape maternity and neonatal services.
Parent Advisory Groups (PAGs)
Groups that give parents and families the opportunity to use their lived experience to help improve neonatal services and care.
Stay connected
Instagram: @miraclemoonuk
Website: miraclemoon.co.uk
Connect with our guest, Jessica Lowther-Payne
LinkedIn
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