Brittney Thrift is a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse from Texas in the USA. In October 2022, she experienced every NICU nurse’s worst nightmare – with her twins being the ones behind the isolette after she went into early labour at 33 weeks. Her experience inspired her to write a book for NICU parents. Read about her journey and her developing business; Thrift Publication Company. But first…
Brittney’s favourite picture book from childhood?
I love you forever by Robert Munsch
Brittney’s twins favourite picture books?
My kids absolutely love Brown Bear Brown Bear by Bill Martin and Bath Time for Twins by Ellen Weiss
In this article:
A bit about me
My name is Brittney Thrift, and I am incredibly thankful to be showcased here on this blog by Birchy’s Books!
I am a NICU nurse turned NICU mom. My twins were born premature at 33 weeks gestation. After a long night shift, I started to bleed. I tried to remain calm and scheduled an appointment right away.
My OBGYN's alarmed expression told me something was wrong; he said, "I can feel fetal parts."
This marked the beginning of my journey from NICU nurse to NICU mom.
The inspiration for my first book
In reversed roles, I was now on the other side of the isolette, my perspective completely transformed. Experiencing the NICU as a parent, has deepened my empathy and understanding for the families I care for.
This journey inspired me to write Cradles of Courage: Adventures in the NICU, a book written from the light-hearted perspective of the newborn.
This perspective offers joy and hope during times of parental fear and uncertainty.
Postpartum as a NICU mom & bringing my book to life
Although my pregnancy was incredible, and I truly loved it, my postpartum experience was very difficult. I struggled with postpartum rage and found it hard to manage my emotions. I started writing down all the things I didn’t want to forget about my babies time in NICU, and I realized how much it helped relieve my emotional ups and downs.
The words that I wrote were cute and brought me joy. I continued to edit the text and decided to make it rhyme.
I thought, “Hmm, this could be a cute children’s book for NICU parents like us!”
Self-publishing & ignoring the fear of failure...
I illustrated the book and saw the visions in my head come to life. To hold the physical copy in my hand was absolutely unreal. I am a nurse and mom, and I did not let the fear of failure prevent me from trying something new.
That is the lesson behind all of this. If you have something inside of you calling you to try it out, do it!
We are so much more capable of things than we realize, and I need my kids to know that about themselves.
Setting that example was crucial and motivated me through the entire self-publishing process which definitely had its ups and downs!
How TikTok started my self-publishing journey
My self-publishing journey started with my research on TikTok, where I came across an incredible lady named Kjersten Faseler. She was lovely, passionate, and educational, making you feel like you could be a mom, juggle everything, and still self-publish your own book!
She provided amazing free resources, such as a self-publishing checklist that was detailed and organized, taking a lot of stress out of the process.
I ended up purchasing her monthly Authors Lounge membership for monthly Q&A sessions and marketing advice. She offers a full academy on where to start, including the basics of writing.
She is still my mentor now, and I absolutely recommend checking her out if self-publishing is something you’d like to dive into!
The journey so far
This journey of writing and creating my book, along with the entire self-publishing process, inspired me to create a coloring book called I Am a NICU Mom: Coloring Through the Neonatal Journey.
It has sold more copies than I expected. It’s been incredible to see moms reach out, showing me their coloring pages. For many moms with intubated babies they’re unable to hold, this helps pass the time and provides a therapeutic environment amid the unknown.
Giving back to NICU families in need
I am so excited to share a piece of my heart with all of you. I am also proud to partner with Hand to Hand. A percentage of the proceeds will go directly to this incredible non-for-profit organization.
Our goal at Thrift Publication Company is to give back, and help continuing to support families battling the NICU journey.
Where can you find my books?
My books are available to purchase via my website and can also be found via Barnes and Noble and Amazon!
Find and follow Brittney on socials – Facebook & Instagram or visit her website thriftpublicationcompany.com
Article and images kindly supplied by Brittney Thrift.
Thank you for sharing your self-publishing journey with Birchy’s Books, Brittney!
Next week we hear from Lauren Hackney, a storyteller Making Ends Sweet…
