Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky Garcia-Linares.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Vicky, and I’m a wife, mom, and NICU nurse with a passion for supporting and educating new and expecting parents.
My journey started through both my professional experience as a NICU nurse and my own personal experience becoming a mom. As a NICU nurse, I’ve spent years caring for newborns and guiding families through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Then, when I went through pregnancy and postpartum myself, I experienced firsthand just how overwhelming that transition into parenthood can be.
What I noticed both in the hospital and at home was that many parents leave with a lot of information but still feel unsure about what comes next. There are countless resources available, but it can be difficult to know what applies to your family and where to turn for reliable support.
That’s what inspired me to create “Now What, Mama?!” – a resource dedicated to helping families navigate pregnancy, labor, postpartum recovery, and newborn care with confidence. My goal is to bring individualized, hands-on education directly into families’ homes, giving parents practical skills, evidence-based guidance, and reassurance during this exciting but often overwhelming season of life.
Today, I combine my clinical expertise as a NICU nurse with my personal experience as a mother to help families feel empowered, prepared, and supported as they begin their parenting journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely been bumpy at times! Like many small business owners, I’ve had to learn as I go. My background is in nursing, not entrepreneurship, marketing, or running a business, so building “Now What, Mama?!” has pushed me far outside of my comfort zone.
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing multiple roles. I’m a NICU nurse, a wife, a mom, and now a business owner. Finding time to create content, connect with families, teach classes, and continue growing the business while still being present for my own family and patients can be challenging.
Another struggle has been helping people understand the value of education and preparation before a baby arrives. Many parents don’t realize how much there is to learn about newborn care, postpartum recovery, feeding, and safety until they’re already in the middle of it. Part of my mission is helping families feel empowered before those challenges arise.
Still, starting “Now what, Mama?!” has been incredibly rewarding. Every time a parent tells me they feel more confident caring for their baby, or that something I taught them helped reduce their anxiety, it reminds me exactly why I started. Those moments make all of the hard work worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the founder of “Now what, Mama?!”, where I provide personalized education and support for expecting and new parents. I offer one-on-one classes focused on pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, newborn care, infant feeding, safe sleep, car seat safety, and preparing families for life with a new baby. I also provide personalized baby registry consultations, helping parents cut through the information overload and choose products that truly fit their family’s needs and lifestyle. In addition, I offer lactation support and guidance to help families navigate their feeding journey with confidence. My goal is to be a trusted resource for families from pregnancy through the postpartum period, providing education, support, and practical tools every step of the way.
My specialty is combining evidence-based education with practical, hands-on instruction. As a NICU nurse, I have extensive experience caring for newborns and supporting families during some of the most important moments of their lives. I take that clinical knowledge and bring it into a comfortable, personalized setting where parents can ask questions, practice skills, and gain confidence before or shortly after their baby arrives.
What I am most proud of is helping families feel empowered. Parenthood doesn’t come with a manual, and it can feel overwhelming. Knowing that parents leave my classes feeling more prepared, less anxious, and more confident in caring for their baby is incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is the combination of my professional expertise and my personal experience as a young mother. I’m not only teaching these topics – I’m living them every day. I’m in the trenches alongside the families I work with, navigating the challenges, joys, and unpredictability of raising young children. I understand both the clinical side of newborn care and the realities of parenthood.
Because of that, my approach is highly individualized and relatable. Parents aren’t just learning from a healthcare professional; they’re learning from someone who understands what it’s like to bring a baby home, function on little sleep, and figure things out one day at a time. My goal is to help families feel seen, supported, and confident as they navigate this new chapter.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would love for readers to know that there is no such thing as a perfect parent. We live in a world where there is an overwhelming amount of information and advice, and it can often make new parents feel like they’re doing something wrong. The truth is that parenthood is a learning experience for all of us.
One of the biggest things I try to teach families is that confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers – it comes from having the tools, support, and knowledge to navigate challenges as they arise. It’s okay to ask questions, seek help, and lean on your village.
As both a NICU nurse and a young mother, I am still learning every day myself. I’m right there in the trenches with many of the families I support, experiencing the sleepless nights, the worries, and the incredible joys that come with raising children.
If there’s one thing I hope parents take away from my work, it’s that you don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or adding to your family, having support can make all the difference. My mission is to help parents feel empowered, informed, and confident as they navigate one of life’s most rewarding journeys.
Parenthood doesn’t come with a manual, but it shouldn’t have to be navigated alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nowwhatmama.com
- Instagram: @now.what.mama
- Other: Email – hello@nowwhatmama.com
