how we started group

How We Started

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.

Learn More About Our Services

Learn more about our services, team, and our wonderful mission to support our powerful sisterhood by visiting one of our pages below:

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:

Play Video

Sisterhood Stories | Kelsey

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Sisterhood Stories | Kayla

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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

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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