Beyond the Beeps Podcast EP 06: The Art of Breastfeeding in the NICU

Annick Duvivier shares her experience in the NICU with her preemie daughter, Thalia, and her journey with pumping and breastfeeding. She discusses the challenges she faced, including the emotional toll of being separated from her baby, the difficulty of pumping and producing milk, and the loneliness she felt. Annick also talks about the importance of kangaroo care and the positive impact it had on both her and her daughter. Despite the hardships, Annick’s resilience and determination shine through as she navigates the NICU journey.

Annick shares her experience of being in the NICU and the challenges she faced as a parent. She talks about the strict schedule of kangaroo care and feeding, and the difficulties of coordinating pumping and breastfeeding. Annick also discusses the emotional toll of not being able to hold her baby for long periods of time and the isolation she felt without any visitors. She found solace in art and used painting as a form of self-care during her time in the NICU. Annick’s painting, which depicts her pumping milk with stickers from the NICU in the background, is a powerful representation of her journey. Despite the initial concerns and risks, Annick’s daughter, Thalia, is now a thriving three-year-old with no health issues. Annick encourages other NICU parents to be patient, prioritize breast milk, and seek support from available resources.