Our Story Is your Story
In 2019, Ashley Ham and Martha Mink (both mothers of babies born prematurely) met over a cup of coffee and discovered the transformational power of community and friendship for NICU mothers. The healing experience from their connection inspired Ashley & Martha to found Dear NICU Mama, an entirely volunteer and NICU mama-led organization that was designed to connect, encourage, and create community with past and present NICU moms. Today, our non-profit organization provides educational and peer-support events, online advocacy, merchandise collections, and a signature podcast that helps reach thousands of women each month. Founded in Fargo-Moorhead, we’ve now been able to reach moms across the nation and globe. 1 in 10 babies are admitted to the NICU in the United States – so we know our work of supporting moms is far from finished.
How We Support NICU Mamas
Our work has connected us with thousands of courageous mothers from across the world. If you’re a mom (or know a mom) who is looking for somewhere to turn – you’ve come to the right place. Join our sisterhood by taking part in the programs or services that we offer to NICU mamas:
Virtual Peer Support & Community
Including social media posts and community, a private support group, our Dear NICU Mama shop, and letters of encouragement.
Online Education
This includes our Dear NICU Mama Podcast (with over 100+ episodes available for download), and a resource library of organizations and companies providing moms like us support.
Events
Consisting of workshops & webinars covering a range of topics related to maternal health, trauma support, and more + our virtual support group (Girls Night Out).
Outreach
Where we provide free support kits for hospitals to distribute to NICU families, connecting them to all of our resources.
Hear From The Sisterhood
Through the work we do, we aim to provide hope & connection to NICU mothers. Hear from some of our sisters who have benefited from the community provided by Dear NICU Mama:
Sisterhood Stories | Kelsey
Sisterhood Stories | Kayla
Sisterhood Stories | Sarah
"Dear NICU Mama felt like a life raft when I was drowning… It was the first time I felt there were words to describe the intense, multitude of emotions I was feeling. I felt seen. I clung to this community and this sisterhood in our darkest days and still find comfort in it daily."
-CARRIE
“I found DNM while I was fresh in the NICU with my 30 weeker. I spent time going through the entire feed and reading posts and comments from other NICU moms. It helped me feel like I wasn’t alone, and that our journey and story is worth sharing and talking about. It gave me inspiration to share our journey and help others where I could.”
-FRANCESCA
Dear NICU Mama, This Shirt is Armor
Armor at baby’s bedside in the NICU, in the waiting room of a complicated surgery, or attending their child’s first play date post NICU. These shirts are symbols of strength, resilience and the unwavering courage that lives inside each & every NICU mom.
PRE-ORDER "Right On Time" Board Book
“Right On Time” is a beautifully crafted children’s board book designed for NICU families, celebrating the unique milestones of every NICU graduate and the unwavering bond between parent and child. Through gentle words and inspiring NICU stories woven throughout, it offers reassurance that each baby’s journey is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to—right on time. Book estimated to ship by winter of 2025.
Support Our Mission
We couldn’t provide the support we do without the help of our donors, sponsors, & community advocates. When you give to Dear NICU Mama, we’re able to turn around and give even more resources to the courageous moms in need of support. The work of our donors and supporters has allowed us to have this incredible impact:
Individual families reached via Hospital Outreach Materials.
Members of our Virtual Support Discussion Group
Pieces of Walking Letter of Hope Apparel Shipped Worldwide
Attendees of Dear NICU Mama Events & Webinars
Connect With Us
Looking to connect with the Dear NICU Mama team? We’re looking forward to meeting you and hearing your story. Fill out the form below to get connected!
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