Twins are amazing - I have twins, some of my good friends have twins - but this twin story is different because today's mama, Chelsea, has conjoined twins. Chelsea found out at her anatomy scan that her twin girls were conjoined, sharing the same pelvis and legs as well as several internal organs. Declining the termination that was suggested, Chelsea's daughters beat the odds that were stacked against them (the percentage of conjoined twins who live past birth is fairly low) to be born healthy and without any major medical issues. Chelsea opens up about the incredible journey her girls have traveled, but she also shares about some of the hard parts, such as hearing others say things that break her heart. Today, Callie and Carter are happy and healthy and although they are conjoined, they don't let it stop them - they may even use it to their advantage here and there when it comes to finishing homework!
This is an adoption story....but not just any adoption story. Today's mama, Kelly, was born with spina bifida and she met her husband, who also has spina bifida, when they were ten years old! After coming in and out of each others lives multiple times as they grew up, they eventually married and decided to adopt. They felt especially pulled to an agency who specialized in placing children with disabilities, and this is where they heard about a set of birth parents who were about to have a little girl with spina bifida. Kelly and her husband knew it was the right match and they adopted their daughter, Hadley. It hasn't been easy, though,and Kelly shares some heartbreaking stories of discrimination they faced when adopting their daughter. She also shares specific examples of how having the same disability as her daughter will help Hadley both now and in the future. This family is AMAZING, and it was such an honor to hear their story.You can find out more about Kelly and her family here:People Magazine article: https://people.com/indiana-couple-proves-to-be-perfect-parents-for-adopting-child-with-spina-bifida-8762440Good News Network article: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/adoption-approved-for-couple-with-spina-bifida-who-lovingly-adopt-daughter-with-same-condition/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJYBJJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZOE4DHy7vG2iO0VHFnV8M_j1yIWAw7BtjfcRGU874ZS74Q_teP89_9f3w_aem_04tH1mXRcc3g-O1Pcz9ZkQ
Jess Ronne was brave enough to ask the question: what happens when the cute little boy with profound disabilities ... grows up? I found Jess on her podcast, Coffee with Caregivers, when she and her husband were exploring this question in regards to their teenage son, Lucas, who has profound autism. As if that wasn't enough, they were also raising seven other kids. Through a lot of hard work and prayer, they were able to create Hope Farm, a group home for Lucas and three other young adults, where they have 24-hour care, but also the independence that they need. Jess shares honestly about how Lucas's disability was affecting her marriage, her home, and her other children and how they can now breathe a little easier and truly enjoy their time with Lucas. Jess is a visionary and a strong advocate for respite for caregivers. She is an author, a podcast host, founder of a non-profit, and has been involved in two documentaries - and remember, she has done all this while having eight children! I am so thankful she agreed to talk today about this very important topic that is so often avoided. I encourage you all to check out her amazing content and resources below!IG @jessplusthemess, FB at Jessplusthemesswww.jessplusthemess.com (Click on "Books" to learn more and order all 4 books!)www.thelucasproject.orgCoffee with Caregivers Podcast: https://anchor.fm/jess-ronneUnseen documentary: https://caregiverdoc.com/
When Christin was 32 weeks pregnant, she was planning to head to the airport with her toddler, 2 dogs, and 20 bags that were packed - she had been living in Japan for three years for her husband's military service and she was preparing to return to the US to get settled in before her second baby arrived. Suddenly, her plans changed and next thing she knew, she was being transferred to a different city in Japan where doctors and nurses did not speak her language, trying to understand the medical emergency that was happening as her infant daughter inside her was losing blood. Christin shares what it was like to be in a medical emergency in a different county being unable to understand the information while doctors had to work together to decide what to do to save her baby's life....and Christin's, too. In addition to being terrified about the rare medical condition, several cultural differences affected her delivery and recovery as well. This birth story is a wild ride, but hang in there until the very end to find out how it all turns out!
I had been looking for a mama to a child with Tourette Sydrome for a while, and I was so excited to find Katie Reall who is a mom to four kids, TWO of whom have TS. She shares about her journey with her oldest son, Sam, who is now a young adult, and then her second journey with her daughter, Annie, who has some similarities to Sam in her Tourette journey, but who also presents very differently. Katie and her family first educated themselves, then others locally such as teachers and classmates, and they now advocate for individuals with TS throughout their state and even the nation, working at camps and educating others. I learned so much from this interview not just about Tourette Syndrome, but also about how this family bonded together to fill their lives with support, laughter, and purpose.Find out more about the camps Katie mentions here:https://www.camptwitchandshout.org/https://www.tourettecampusa.com/Resources:Tourette Association: https://tourette.org/https://www.instagram.com/touretteassociation/Find Katie on IG https://www.instagram.com/gigispetals/Donate here:https://secure.everyaction.com/_UenJReuik-CA5GrR0zqIg2
It was such a pleasure chatting with Abbey Benjamin today. Abby is mama to two children and her daughter, Avery, has a rare genetic disease that led to their family life being different than anticipated. Notice I said different, though, and not one bit less because Abbey makes sure that Avery has the opportunity to go out and live an amazing life filled with trips, adventures, and very importantly, dance class. Abbey shares about how she learned about the importance of inclusion from adults with disabilities and how this changed how she advocated for her daughter. So many good lessons in this one and you just can't help but feel happy when you see Avery's big smile on social media. It was such an honor to learn about this amazing family!Follow Abbey and Avery on IG: @abbeybenjAbbey's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=abbey+luckett+benjamin&crid=3LI6ZVXVCXDA3&sprefix=abbey+benjami%2Caps%2C150&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_13
Welcome to Season 4! I'm so excited to bring you today's episode which is one I've wanted to do for a long time. Kelley is with us today to talk about balancing being a firefighter while also being a mom. She shares about how she got into this career, how things changed when she became pregnant, what it was like returning to such a physically demanding job post-partum, and how she juggles parenthood with the demands of 24 hour shifts and occasional 2 week strike teams to combat wildfires. Basically, Kelley is freaking AWESOME, I learned so much, and I am so thankful that there are mamas like her in the world who protect our families.
Mamas who have walked the road of infertility hold such a tender place in my heart because of my own personal journey. So when I first came across Jamie and her incredible artwork, I knew I needed to hear her story.In today’s episode, I sit down with Jamie from @glitterenthusiast to talk about how she transformed one of the most difficult chapters of her life—infertility—into something both healing and beautiful. Using the very IVF needles that once represented pain and challenge, Jamie began creating stunning art that became both a form of self-care and a source of hope.She opens up about:How painting helped her process and care for herself during her infertility journeyThe way she now supports and uplifts others walking through infertility through her artworkWhy she believes art has the power to bring healing and connection to everyoneAnd let me just say—her pieces are truly breathtaking. I highly encourage you to go see her work for yourself!glitterenthusiast.comIG @glitterenthusiastFB Glitter Enthusiast
In this deeply moving episode, I talk with Danielle, a mama who courageously shares the story of her daughter, Lucy. At just 2 months old, Lucy tragically passed away from SIDS, leaving Danielle and her family to navigate unimaginable grief.Through her pain, Danielle has found purpose in keeping Lucy’s light alive. She now shares her story to encourage parents to slow down, embrace the everyday moments, and be fully present in their children’s lives.- Link for the weighted bears Danielle mentions: https://thecollectiveforhope.givecloud.co/weightedbear- Learn more about SIDS and safe sleep practices: American SIDS Institute- If you’ve experienced infant loss, support is available through Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support
It's here - the highly anticipated Part 2 of Brie's story! Today, Brie shares what it was like coming home from the hospital and adjusting to to her new version of motherhood. She shares about the challenges and the parts that hurt the most, but also about the lessons she's learned and how the past 18 months have changed her life in positive ways as well. It is impossible to listen to this story and the wisdom Brie shares without it changing who you are and how you live. I'm so honored to share it with you today.Follow Brie on IG @beauandbriePeople magazine article: https://people.com/kansas-woman-had-arms-legs-amputated-after-giving-birth-returns-home-8670343Today show story: https://www.today.com/health/disease/pregnant-woman-strep-infection-amputation-rcna160134Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmorgan25
Get ready, Mama Sisterhood family, for one of the most incredible episodes I've ever recorded. Seriously, today's interview made me laugh, cry, and just sit stunned again and again, taking in the strength of this amazing mama. Today's guest, Brie, was in her second trimester when she began to feel sick and felt she likely had the flu. Instead of the flu, though, Brie had strep A which quickly led to sepsis, a c-section at 27 weeks, and the need to be intubated and placed on a ventilator. Brie's odds were not good and her family was prepared for the worst, but she fought. The medicine that saved her life, though, came at a cost - it diverted blood flow toward her heart and lungs... but that meant it was diverted away from her arms and legs which led to amputation of all four limbs.Part 1 of Brie's story today shares from pregnancy throughout her hospital stay. I can't even do her story justice by summarizing it in show notes so just believe me when I say, you HAVE to hear this story. Follow Brie on IG @beauandbriePeople magazine article: https://people.com/kansas-woman-had-arms-legs-amputated-after-giving-birth-returns-home-8670343Today show story: https://www.today.com/health/disease/pregnant-woman-strep-infection-amputation-rcna160134Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmorgan25
A Mama Sisterhood first - TWO guests today! I had the incredible honor of chatting with Rhandyl and Deonna from the Raising Disabled Podcast. They share their individual motherhood stories - Rhandyl experienced a pre-term birth leading to a host of medical complications for her daughter, Remi, and Deonna shares about how her daughter, Allie, became disabled in an instant after an innocent fall. These amazing mamas share how they joined forces to create their incredible podcast which provides inspiration - and also the raw truth - about raising disabled children.Check them out at: www.raisingdisabledpodcast.comand listen to their podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-disabled/id1685548714IG @raisingdisabledpodcastFB Raising Disabled Podcast
Welcome to the Season 3 Finale - I'll be back in a month with Season 4!Today's interview is such an important topic. I have Kalyn with me who openly shares her experience about what happened when her daughter swallowed a button battery and how this has led her to educate others so more children are safe. This episode includes:- An open discussion about post-partum mental health issues and about the massive challenges moms face- What happened when her daughter swallowed the battery including symptoms, an ambulance ride, how it was removed, and a hospital stay- Lots of great safety information about button batteries - they're hiding everywhere!
I had the honor today of chatting with Kali whose daughter, Sutton, has a feeding tube. This has not in any way stopped her from competing with her high-level cheer team. In fact, she's used her small size to her advantage becoming a flyer, often seen at the top of stunts. In this episode, Kali shares:- Why Sutton's doctors decided a feeding tube would help her- What it's like preparing a child for a feeding tube, including educating her classmates and cheer team- How Sutton makes her feeding tube work in cheer (hint: it involves her ponytail!)- How cheer has built her self-confidence about her size- How Sutton is working to help other kids in similar situations to not be scared and to pursue their dreams, despite medical challengesFollow Kali and Sutton on IG @thelittlestflyer
When you think of February, you may think of the hearts associated with Valentine's Day ... but even more importantly is that February is American Heart Month! So the timing is perfect to bring you today's interview with amazing heart mama, Kennidi! Kennidi's 7-year-old daughter, Oakley, was born with several heart defects and after having a few surgeries when she was younger, Oakley's family was told that her best option was a heart transplant. Oakley has now been on the transplant list for around a year and for almost all of this time, they have been living at the hospital, waiting for the call about a heart. Kennidi shares about how she tries to make it fun for a 7-year-old living in a hospital room, how hard it's been spending time away from Oakley's younger brother, and how her family is making it work and having hope. Amidst living in the hospital, Kennidi and Oakley also created a skin care line! I can't wait to share this amazing story with you all so Oakley and her mom can inspire you like they do me!Find Kennidi and Oakley's skincare line at: https://oakleygraceskin.com/Follow Kennidi on IG: @welcometoourbeautifulmess and Oakley: @oaksperfectheartYou can also support Oakley here: https://www.supportnow.org/the-werley-family?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZpjIPVRu6YjrTECaYaCx9IGsVhEYHseho23SV1aq6dWV0asLMtuK3XHb8_aem_2qQYQJmJ0osbCBZTf_vVJg
This is a big thing to say, but it's true: this interview changed my life. I had the complete honor of interviewing Salym Liufau who is a mom of 4. Salym shares about her journey with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). While this diagnosis may have slowed down what she can do physically, it has also led her to really understand what is important in life - no longer worrying about things like having a Pinterest-worthy house, but instead, stopping to really absorb the joy in her children's faces and snuggling together as a family in bed, sharing movie nights. I'm so excited to share this episode with you all, and I hope it touches your hearts as much as it did mine. Follow Salym on IG @alswithsalym
Anita Coyle was living the chaotic motherhood life many of us understand, juggling four children and work as a physical therapist, when one day, her very healthy husband went for a swim, went into the locker room, and died. Anita, whose children ranged between 2 and 12 years old at the time, was left as the solo parent, thrust into navigating this new life while also moving through her own grief journey. She shares the raw and real moments and gives advice for others going through devastating times. She also opens up about how training for triathlons was what kept her going during that time and how she had to advocate for herself to get this time for herself each day. Beyond this, she also joins a friend to host a podcast, helping others who are traversing through widowhood. Anita is one AMAZING mama and athlete, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for her! Find her podcast, Widow We Do Now, at https://widowwedonow.com/ and on Apple and Spotify!
Jennifer could never have expected how her life would change when her daugther, Allison, sprained her ankle. Doctors and physical therapists became alarmed when after 8 weeks, Allison had not improved and in fact, her foot was contracted and would no longer move. From here, Jennifer and Allison began a journey that eventually led to genetic testing and a diagnosis of dystonia, follwed by brain surgery that had a complication, leaving Allison's speech and movement more impaired. Not willing to collapse under the weight of all that had changed, both Jennifer and Allison dove in to every treatment and therapy they could find, and they have hope for improvement in the future. Jennifer shares honestly about the challenges of being disappointed in people she thought were her friends and how Allison has turned her situation around to educate and help others. This is a POWERFUL one with a lot of lessons for all of us as we move into 2025. Check out these links! Allison's GoFund me to help get a wheelchair-accessible van: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Pallisons-journey?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link Allison's Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/pallisonscreations/?etsrc=sdt&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaam4MviL_eOyJfhRQNE2BA0KO8z1VtXx99dU2YE0DuKsY1AG-RSAB-FTgo_aem_XAMHRxu-6cn01oVIvSUhlQ Allison's Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/10Y5WKJUO9LPV Billy Footwear Link: https://billyfootwear.com/?ref=PALLISONS_JOURNEY Allison's merch! https://www.bonfire.com/store/pallisons-journey/ Allison's IG: @pallisons_journey
Karyn checked her 8-year-old daughter, Jordyn, in for a quick, 30-minute surgery: having her tonsils and adenoids removed. Little did they know there would be a complication, leading to Jordyn ending up on ECMO, a machine doing the work of her heart and lungs, in the ICU. What was supposed to be a simple procedure left Jordyn fighting for her life and Karyn fighting for Jordyn. This story is terrifying, engaging, inspirational ... and the ending will have you cheering for Jordyn and her amazing mama.
Today's story is one of strength and perseverence during one of the hardest situations I can imagine. Britt McCabe is here to share her pregnancy and postpartum journey. She became sick around 35 weeks pregnant, which progressed to becoming fully paralyzed due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Her son, Ollie, was delivered by c-section, and she was immediately taken to the ICU where she stayed for several weeks, unable to move on her own. Britt spent months in hospitals and rehab, all with the goal of learning to stand and walk again so she could care for her son. To say Britt's story is inspiring is an understatement, and I'm so excited to bring it to our listeners today! Follow Britt's journey on IG @cidpwithbritt