May 11, 2026
For nurses, returning to work after having a baby requires
balancing patient care with the realities of early parenthood. In
this episode of Better, RN, hosts Alyssa
Saklak, BSN, RN, CMSRN, and Laurin Henderson, MSN, RN, CMSRN, join
Northwestern Medicine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses
Moira Hoelting, BSN, RNC-NIC, and Kelly Kunkel, MSN, RN, to discuss
the transition through pregnancy, the newborn stage and
beyond.
They explore returning to work after leave, practicing
routines like pumping or childcare in advance, and the importance
of building a support system to manage the emotional and practical
challenges of being both a nurse and a new parent.
“We are so lucky to work with people that are so supportive …
they're always making sure you get out to pump or just take a
break. I think we're just lucky to work in an environment that's so
supportive of women and new moms.”
Moira Hoelting, BSN,
RNC-NIC
NICU Clinical Coordinator, Northwestern Medicine
“For me, it was easier when I actually went back to work than
the thought of going back to work. Once I was there, back in the
routine of things, things felt better and easier, and I was feeling
empowered.”
Kelly Kunkel, RN
NICU Nurse, Northwestern Medicine