The NICU Translator
Mary Farrelly is an experienced NICU nurse, nurse educator and mom of two sweet girls. She graduated from VCU with her Bachelor’s in Nursing and has over 10 years of experience working in NICUs with the highest level of acuity patients (Level IV). Over these years, she has had the honor of working with hundreds of families during their most vulnerable time. Every day she is humbled by the strength and will of these fragile babies and the immense love their families have for them. While in the NICU, babies are constantly monitored and surrounded by NICU care providers 24/7. Families may have been limited in the direct hands-on care that they could provide to their baby and day-to-day life may have been filled with anxiety and fear of the unknown. Discharge from the NICU is highly anticipated and an extremely joyous event – baby is finally going home! But families still have so many questions and fears about taking their NICU baby home. They want to be able to experience the new baby bliss, but just want someone who *gets it* to be in their corner. Through 1:1 sessions and live chat support, Mary works together with families to create a unique plan to help support their transition from the NICU to home. She envisions her role as the nurturing guidance and support of a postpartum doula combined with the knowledge and lens of an experienced NICU nurse. By working together, families will no longer be “cut off” from the supportive NICU environment; instead they can feel empowered to care for their baby and have their questions answered by someone who *gets it* so they can truly enjoy their first weeks home together.