A Nurse Practitioner’s Story of Grief, Strength & Advocacy [REPOST] (251)- Ashley's Story

Apr 23, 2025

📢 This is a special repost of one of our most impactful and heartfelt episodes. Whether you’re hearing Ashley O’Neill’s story for the first time or revisiting it, her journey continues to resonate deeply with NICU families, pediatric providers, and anyone who has faced unimaginable loss and found strength in the aftermath.

What happens when your personal and professional worlds collide in the NICU? For family nurse practitioner Ashley O’Neill, the journey into motherhood brought profound loss, relentless medical advocacy, and ultimately, a passion for helping others.

Ashley’s story begins with the loss of her first son, followed by the premature birth of her second son Kolin at 25 weeks. What came next was 183 days in the NICU, the unexpected death of her husband, and the courage to rebuild a life—and community—from the ground up.

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into:
✅ The trauma and triumph of parenting a 25-weeker through a 6-month NICU stay
✅ Navigating grief and motherhood after the loss of a child and spouse
✅ How Ashley’s medical background helped—and hurt—her NICU experience
✅ The frustrating reality of fighting for services, equipment, and insurance post-discharge
✅ How her Instagram and podcast connect NICU parents to life-changing resources
✅ The upcoming launch of her children’s book, It’s a NICU World

Whether you’re a NICU parent, pediatric provider, or someone looking for hope in hard places, Ashley’s story will leave you inspired, seen, and supported.

 

Timestamps & Key Topics

⏱️ [00:00] – Meet Ashley O’Neill
Nurse practitioner, NICU mom, widow, and passionate advocate

⏱️ [01:00] – A Life-Changing Journey Begins
Ashley’s first son, Vincent was born at 21 weeks and passed away shortly after birth
Kolin’s birth at 25 weeks led to a 183-day NICU stay

⏱️ [04:00] – Between Medicine and Motherhood
Navigating the NICU as a medical professional and a grieving mom

⏱️ [06:00] – Finding Strength in the Smallest Movements
Kolin’s first days, brain bleeds, and the moment Ashley finally held him

⏱️ [10:00] – Advocacy in Action
From NICU notebooks to signs above the incubator—Ashley’s daily commitment to giving Kolin a voice

⏱️ [14:00] – NICU Life, Community & Ronald McDonald House
How support spaces and connections with other parents changed everything

⏱️ [18:00] – Creating Community Through Instagram and Podcasting
How Ashley built a space for NICU parents navigating trauma, insurance, and life post-discharge

⏱️ [22:00] – Kolin’s Milestones & Medical Miracles
G-tube, hydrocephalus, nonverbal communication—and now, reading, spelling, walking, and thriving

⏱️ [27:00] – No Limits: The Mindset That Changes Outcomes
Why one provider said Kolin would never walk—and why Ashley refused to believe it

⏱️ [30:00] – Tips for Parents Leaving the NICU
The reality of life post-discharge: equipment battles, Medicaid struggles, and why persistence is key

⏱️ [35:00] – Real Talk on Insurance & Resources
How one visit to social services almost left her without home nursing
Why you should never take the first “no” as your final answer

⏱️ [38:00] – The Inspiration Behind Ashley’s Children’s Book
It’s a NICU World launches soon—with more books to follow

Resources & Links

📘 Ashley’s Website & Resources: www.itsanicuworld.com
📲 Follow Ashley on Instagram: @itsanicuworld
🎙️ Podcast – Ask the NICU Mama: Available on all major platforms
💛 Follow Ashley’s Personal Story: @onthejourneytohealing

Share Your Thoughts!

Did this episode resonate with you? Know a NICU parent who needs to hear this? We’d love to hear your story—tag us on Instagram or leave a review on your favorite podcast app.

🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps more families find strength and support through stories like Ashley’s.
🔗 Follow us on Instagram: @childlifeoncall
 📩 Contact us at [e-mail]
🎙️ Listen to more episodes: Child Life On Call Podcast

The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.