Ep 303: Letting Go: My NICU Baby Heads to College

If you’ve ever wondered how you’ll let your baby go one day, this one’s for you.

In this episode, my husband Falcon takes over the mic and interviews me the very week we dropped our oldest—who started life in the NICU—off at college! It’s a raw, unscripted conversation about the joy, grief, pride, and growth tucked inside every goodbye. I share how NICU memories never really leave, why presence matters more than perfection, and the mindset shift that helped me loosen my grip while keeping our bond strong.

You’ll hear:

• How our NICU beginning still shapes my heart today
• The one mindset that made move-in day gentler (presence > perfection)
• How I prepared myself (not just my teen) for launch
• Why honoring your child’s personality builds lifelong confidence
• The NICU resources I wish I’d had back then

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 76: Navigating the NICU with neonatologist Dr. Terry Major-Kincade drnicolerankins.com/episode76

Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power

Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital

• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early

• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients

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