About this episode

Olly Brown interviews neonatal doctor Leanne about the realities of life inside NICU and the complexities faced by families.

This week, Olly is joined by Leanne, a neonatal doctor, to explore the reality of life inside NICU. Leanne was introduced to us through Myles, our Nottinghamshire runner and paediatric nurse, ahead of Marathon 17 this weekend. From extremely premature babies to unexpected complications at birth, this episode sheds light on the care, communication, and emotional complexity families experience — and the role of the teams who support them. We cover: What NICU actually is — and the different levels of neonatal care Why babies are admitted (from prematurity to illness at birth) The reality of outcomes — from thriving to loss How doctors support families through incredibly difficult decisions The emotional complexity parents experience — even when outcomes are positive The role of communication, trust, and family-led care How NICU teams create meaningful moments, even in end-of-life care Why looking after yourself as a parent is so important The lasting psychological impact of a neonatal journey 👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.com All episodes contain sensitive discussions around pregnancy loss and grief. Experiences shared are personal and are not a…

People in this episode

Host: Olly Brown

Guest: Leanne

Topics covered

• neonatal care
• NICU
• premature babies
• emotional complexity
• family support
• communication
• parenting

Keywords

• NICU
• neonatal doctor
• prematurity
• birth complications
• family support
• emotional complexity
• communication
• parenting
• psychological impact
• care teams

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Nottinghamshire

More episodes of Marathons for Miracles

• Ep19: Three Miscarriages, a Molar Pregnancy & the NHS Three-Loss Rule, with Tom & Amy — Yorkshire · May 7, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Ep17: The Reality of IVF, Secondary Infertility, and Opening Up To Others, with Charlie — Middlesex · April 23, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Ep15: 23 Weeks, 5 Days — Phoebe's Story & Saying Goodbye, with Bobby — Sussex · April 8, 2026 · 1h 4m
• Ep14: Mixed Emotions of Loss and Trying Again, with Faye - Shropshire · April 1, 2026 · 46 min
• Ep13: 8 Years, 5 Losses & Redefining Family, with Alice – Dorset · March 25, 2026 · 1h 4m
• Ep12: TFMR, Grief & Finding a Way Forward Together, with Finn – Cambridgeshire · March 17, 2026 · 40 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Marathons for Miracles podcast page.