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Welcome to episode #81 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we welcome Jessica, mother to four boys. In this episode, we are celebrating the work Jessica is doing for CHD families, Muscular Dystrophy families, mothers raising children with a medical diagnosis and her oldest son Ethan who was born with a congenital heart defect and who passed away at age 7.  Jessica manages 2 foundations, speaking engagements, a retail shop and also cares for her three boys including her youngest Bodey who was born with a rare muscular dystrophy called Muscle Eye Brain Disease. Jessica speaks honestly about finding a balance between all of these parts of her life and also shares insights on the financial impact for heart families, how she started her foundations, the support her foundations offer families and so much more!  Learn about Jessica Lindberg HERE Learn how The Ethan M. Lindberg Foundation can support you Learn more about the studies and work by Hopeful Together Support The Four Hearts Shop this Holiday season! You can follow Jessica on Instagram. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  Find a full transcript at www.mountmotherhood.com

Welcome to episode #80 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we welcome back Ebony, mother to Reign Victoria who was born just shy of 27 weeks. After experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of infertility and child loss, Ebony first shares how she grieved the loss of a child and celebrated the pregnancy of another. She also shares ways families and friends can help and be supportive through such trying times and pays tribute to her own family's support. Ebony also tells the very scary truth of what happens when a woman is diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome and Preeclampsia. You can listen to this first part in episode 76.  In this episode, Ebony shares what life in the NICU was like, as well as ways that she took care of herself and also how she advocated for Reign.  Ebony also shares more details on her recovery after Reign's birth and her involvement with March of Dimes. You can follow The Ford Family on Instagram. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  Full Transcript can be found at www.mountmotherhood.com/podcast

Welcome to episode #79 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we bring you the story of Sara England, mother to three children, including Sam who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and because he was born prematurely, had a 147 NICU stay. This episode is all about finding balance. When Sam was born prematurely, Sara was already in mommy mode with two toddlers. She shares how she made each day work during their five-month stay in the NICU, but also shares how she found new ways to thrive in her new normal and not just survive each day as the needs of her family changed over time. In addition, Sara talks about the reality of being discharged from the NICU and speaks to the power of decompressing and giving yourself guiltless time to away to recenter yourself as a coping strategy to the stress that comes from becoming a caregiver on top of mom. This episode is a real-life testimonial of what many families face when their child is medically diagnosed and offers many solutions that she found to be the most helpful. You can follow Sara on Instagram HERE.  you can also reach Sara directly through email at saraengland12@gmail.com or DM her on Instagram.  Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  Find a full transcript HERE. Pre-order your planner today and claim your gift with purchase! About the Mount Motherhood Planner: Our decision to only include the first six months of the year was intentional because we know that all of us are in a season of constant change. A lot can happen in the first six months of the year that change the course of the last six months of the year. Doctors change, therapists change, medical needs change, children develop, families grow and mothers transform. Our planner series gives you the space and support you need to thrive through your season of change. This planner allows you to break down your life and goals into small bite-size pieces so that overcoming what seems impossible becomes less overwhelming and 100% possible. WHAT'S INSIDE? Complete Awareness Holiday Calendar Monthly & Weekly Planning Pages Medical Contacts Directory Insurance Information Directory Medical Supplier Directory 90-Day Goal Setting Worksheet with Monthly Checkpoints Monthly Budget Monthly Medical Supplies Inventory Monthly At-Home Medical Notes/Observations Note Pages Complete Meal Planning (PLUS: Kitchen Inventory and Shopping Lists) Weekly Personal Development Pages

Welcome to episode #77 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we are joined by Evelyn Gama, LCSW. Evelyn Gama is a perinatal mental health therapist in NYC with an LCSW from Columbia University. Evelyn has a private practice on the Upper West Side and in midtown Manhattan. In addition, Evelyn works in the outpatient program at The Motherhood Center which is an innovative day treatment and outpatient program helping parents with perinatal mood disorders. Evelyn is also the mom of two wonderful boys who are now 4 and 2. One of Evelyn's sons was a NICU baby, born at 26 weeks so she understands first hand the challenges of being a NICU mom. Evelyn also serves on the Family Advisory Council for the NICU at Mount Sinai West in NYC.  In this three-part series, Evelyn focuses on three topics: Coping in the NICU, Perinatal Mood Disorders and the NICU, and Relationships and the NICU: Staying Connected. Today's episode is all about Coping in the NICU.  Evelyn answers questions specifically about: How to prepare if you know you’ll have a NICU stay. How to cope with an unexpected NICU stay Supports in the NICU Online supports Building and communicating with your support system Bonding in the NICU Transitioning home from the NICU If you are looking for a therapist or need help finding someone local to you, reach Evelyn Gama directly HERE. Learn more about The Motherhood Center and how they can support you. Follow The Motherhood Center on Instagram Learn more about Postpartum Support International Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  Find show notes and a full transcript at www.mountmotherhood.com TRANSCRIPT COMING SOON

Welcome to episode #78 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Carla, mother to 10 children, four of which she internationally adopted using Reese's Rainbow. Today's episode is a celebration of the work Carla has done helping other families adopt children with special needs abroad, but also a celebration of her son Henry who became an Angle in heaven 7 years ago today. Carla walks us through her adoption process with henry which took 7 months and how his passing impacted her family and the ways in which her children coped with his loss. She also speaks of her adoption to 3 other children who were siblings and how they integrated with their forever family. She also shares the support Reeces Rainbow offers families wanting to adopt a child with special needs abroad and shed light on a number of other resources for families exploring adoption.  You can follow Carla on HERE and Reece's Rainbow HERE. Visit Reece's Rainbow HERE for information on children looking for their forever family. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  You can find a full transcript HERE. 

Welcome to episode #76 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Ebony, mother to Reign Victoria who was born just shy of 27 weeks. After experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of infertility and child loss, Ebony first shares how she grieved the loss of a child and celebrated the pregnancy of another. She also shares ways families and friends can help and be supportive through such trying times and pays tribute to her own family's support. Ebony also tells the very scary truth of what happens when a woman is diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome and Preeclampsia.  We will be joined by Ebony again later this week to hear about Reigns NICU Journey, Ebonies recovery and her involvement with March of Dimes. You can follow The Ford Family on Instagram. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  You can find a full transcript HERE. 

Welcome to episode #75 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Michelle, mother to two boys, one of which, Finn was born at 32 weeks and stayed in the NICU for 57 days. After experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of multiple hospital stays, Michelle founded Finn and Co. Gifts. She developed Finn the Panda to help comfort babies during hospital stays, as well as to foster the bond between the baby and their caregivers, even when they have to be apart. Michelle also speaks of all of the wonderful features including the voice recording capabilities of Finn the Panda.Michelle also shares the complications in her pregnancy that led to a premature delivery including placenta previa, preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.  Michelle is also offering 20% off for our community. Use coupon code: MOTHERHOOD at checkout!  You can also follow Michelle and all Finn and Co developments on Instagram. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  You can find a full transcript HERE. 

Welcome to episode #74 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Katie. Mother to three, Katie has led the charge in her province of Saskatchewan, Canada to connect families with children on the Autism Spectrum with resources and support. In this two-part series, Katie dives deep into her family's journey reflecting on the time her son Avery was diagnosed with "bad parenting" to today where her family navigates a new season of change for Avery and his severe non-verbal Autism diagnosis. In this second part, Katie focuses on how Avery's younger siblings advocate and care for Avery and how going up in an inclusive household has naturally taught them to be kind and genuinely friendly to other children of all abilities. Katie also shares how taking care of yourself is important and the impact it has made on her life and marriage. Katie also opens up about the challenges that have come from opening their life up to others on social media and how she deals with negative opinions. You can connect with Katie on Facebook where she shares Avery's journey, Autism specific news, research, and provincial support and events. You can also follow Avery's journey on Instagram. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  You can find a full transcript HERE.  RESOURCES MENTIONED: Kat & Nat Book: Mom Truths

Welcome to episode #73 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Katie. Mother to three, Katie has led the charge in her province of Saskatchewan, Canada to connect families with children on the Autism Spectrum with resources and support. In this two-part series, Katie dives deep into her family's journey reflecting on the time her son Avery was diagnosed with "bad parenting" to today where her family navigates a new season of change for Avery and his severe non-verbal Autism diagnosis. In this first part, Katie focuses on how asking for help and not just waiting for it has made the difference in her son Avery's diagnosis and obtaining the therapies and support he currently has. This has also been the driving force that led her to advocate for individual families and the community for more and quality supports for the children of the province on the Autism Spectrum. Katie has been featured and interviewed on multiple outlets, speaking out and shining a light on the current state of what is available to her underserved community. You can connect with Katie on Facebook where she shares Avery's journey, Autism specific news, research, and provincial support and events. You can also follow Avery's journey on Instagram. Mam'a Tip: "I really, really believe that help is not just given to you. And I find that to be something that a lot of people that I've, you know, connected with or talked with or met, just with this whole Autism roller coaster, is that everybody is waiting for some shape or form of help. They don't really know what they're looking for or what even really they want. They just want someone, you know, to be in their corner and someone to help them. And I just, I believe that help isn't given that you have to ask for help and you have to push for help and you have to want help and you have to want help for your entire journey." Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  You can find a full transcript HERE. 

Welcome to episode #72 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Caritta. Caritta is the founder of Raising Little Miracles and also mama to Isaac, born at 26 weeks. Turning two this year, Caritta shares the obstacles she overcame from multiple miscarriages, a 116-day stay in the NICU and graduating law school two months after Isaac graduated from the NICU.  Caritta brings energy, understanding and a strong belief in positive thinking as a coping strategy to push past challenging times. Her positivity has touched the lives of hundreds of mothers in the Illinois area also navigating a NICU journey and has shifted her attention to supporting these mothers and their warriors. You can reach out to Caritta and follow Isaac's journey on Instagram. Resources Mentioned/Recommend in this episode: - Our Little Preemie - Colorful Beginnings - Black Moms Daily Mama Tip: "First, I would say allow yourself to feel whatever you need to feel. A lot of times we get the bad news or, you know, what some people would consider not ideal news about their children. And it's like, well, you have to act like it doesn't bother you or, you know, we have to put on a brave face, but you have to allow yourself to feel those emotions and in order to move forward in order to heal. And a lot of times people will say to you they think it's going to make you feel better. But they say, well, it could be worse. Well, yeah, it could be worse. But right now, this is what I'm feeling and this is what I'm dealing with. So that needs to be acknowledged. And I feel like you can't be afraid to say that. You can't be afraid to say to some people that you don't have to try to make me feel better right now. Just let me feel what I'm feeling and I'll work through this. And then at some point, it will start to get a little easier and just keep in the back of your mind who you're fighting for. You're your child's biggest advocate. You're their voice when they can't speak for themselves. So you have to always speak up for them and no matter what. Don't be afraid to ask for your needs to be met. Or question the doctors or, you know, maybe even seek therapy because you have to be the best version of you in order to advocate for your child. So I think that's something very important to keep in your mind as you journey through whatever you go through with your children." You can find a full transcript HERE. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! 

Welcome to episode #71 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Jessica. Jessica discusses navigating infertility treatments, PCOS, becoming pregnant with twins, child loss, giving birth to Lily at 24 weeks, a NICU journey and staying organized at home with a beautiful, strong-willed one-year-old.   This episode is nothing short of resourceful and uplifting for families navigating a similar journey. Jessica offers herself as a point of contact to any family looking to connect or looking for advice on anything medical or emotionally related to a NICU stay or medically fragile child.  You can reach out to Jessica and follow Lily's journey on Instagram. Resources Mentioned/Recommend in this episode: - Look into your state's early intervention program. - Look for your states equivalent to a medically fragile technology dependent waiver. This program helps with medical bills and energy costs.  Mama Tip: "One day you'll tell your story of how you overcome what you're going through now and it will be part of someone else's survival guide." So that has been my like, mantra. We have been through...we've been to hell and back. And there are other... So many other families that are in the exact same situation that we are. And if I can reach one other person, give hope to one other family from the tiniest way to set up supply in their house to like full-on emotional support like that is...has become one of my life's missions because I felt so alone and Pat felt so alone. We both did. And to know that there are other people out there who are going through the exact same thing has really kept us going and kept us motivated to help Lily, to help ourselves, to just kind of make the best of the situation that we've been we've been handed. You can find a full transcript HERE. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! 

Welcome to episode #70 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Melissa about her five-year-old warrior, Hudson. Hudson has been diagnosed with: Hydrocephalus, Cerebral Palsy, Anopthalmia and Growth Hormone Deficiency. Despite what the doctors have advised, Melissa has continued to fight for and challenge Hudson. Today, he is enjoying life as a kindergartener among his "typical" peers! Since recording this episode he has also learned that the team at Campaign One At A Time has secured funding for a three day trip to Lego Land selling "Smile Like Hudson" bracelets! Learn how Melissa has advocated for Hudson and how they have both overcome challenges to ultimately help Hudson lead age-appropriate independence. Resources Mentioned/Recommend in this episode: Children's Hospital Los Angeles Campaign One At A Time Glendora Music and Art's School Mama Tip: I was a preschool teacher before having Hudson, so I believe music is important especially while the brain is developing. I recommend (to parents often) repetitive music in the first few years of life. Like preschool songs. I played the same cd for about a year to the point where Hudson knew the words. I believe that by doing so, it improved his language skills and memory. Here are my favorites that I play for Hudson: Raffi | Charlotte Diamond | Greg & Steve You can find a full transcript HERE. You can follow this family's journey on Instagram HERE.  Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! 

In today's Mount Motherhood podcast episode, we chat with Jennifer Swegles of Habitat Schoolhouse. Habitat Schoolhouse provides wholesome homeschool resources, a supportive community, and can help you understand all the options that are available to you in the world of home education. This episode is full of information and you definitely want to check out all of the links included in these show notes! Also, be sure to take advantage of the discount code Jennifer has for you! Email Social@CharlotteLaila.com to claim it. You can listen and find a full transcript of this episode HERE. Listen, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts HERE. Listen, Review and Subscribe on Spotify HERE. Follow Habitat Schoolhouse on Instagram Join the Teacher's Lounge Learn more about the Pre-K Curriculum Learn more about the Kindergarten Curriculum Learn more about the extra workbooks and flashcards available HERE. Be sure to subscribe for early access to new episodes each week!

In today's Mount Motherhood podcast episode, we chat with Jennifer Swegles of Habitat Schoolhouse. Habitat Schoolhouse provides wholesome homeschool resources, a supportive community, and can help you understand all the options that are available to you in the world of home education.

Welcome to the I am Made to Mother Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Brittany, who is the mother of four - Aden, Austin, Addison and Addley. Brittany talks about her CHD warrior Addison and all of the ups and downs of the NICU, tough surgery decisions, and coping with the diagnosis. She also talks about the benefits of sharing her story and helping other mothers along the way.

In today’s episode, we chat with Taylor and Joey about their daughter Lily, who was born on February 25th, 2018. Two days after Lily was born, she was diagnosed with Zellweger syndrome. During this episode, the couple talks about the ups and downs of the transition bringing Lily home and the grief of Lily passing away six months after she was born. Taylor and Joey discuss how their organization Lily’s List is helping other families in need and they also share details about how our listeners can get involved. The couple mentions how grateful they are to many people who have helped during their journey, including family, friends, GFPD, along with the geneticist and hospital staff that took care of Lily. You can follow the couple on Instagram @lilyslist2018! You can also access the Lily's List website at lilyslist.org.

Today we speak with Jen Allison, mama to Jack AKA Mighty Jack! Jen first shares their experience learning of Jacks congenital heart disease diagnosis after rushing him to SickKids, a hospital in Toronto. She also gives us a raw insight of Jacks medical journey thus far. Jen also chats with us about Project Mighty Hearts, which provides complimentary photography sessions to heart families in Toronto. Jen began Project Mighty Hearts after six months of being part of the SickKids family and has since then expanded with an ambassador program that allows other photographers across Canada to get involved! You will also hear all about the impact that Project Mighty Hearts is having on other families. Follow Jen and her families journey on instagram and be sure to follow Project Mighty Hearts on instagram as well!  Thanks for tuning in for today’s podcast. We encourage you to check out our Facebook page @themamacommunity and also be sure to subscribe and review this podcast so we can grow our community and reach more parents like you!

In today’s episode, we chat with Genie about her six-year-old son Roland, who received a diagnosis of ADNP syndrome at the age of four. Genie talks about how she and her husband are dedicated to research and advocacy. Genie also shares some practical tips that have helped her family along the way… including a mention of The Safety Sleeper that is made by Abram’s Nation. During this episode, Genie also highlights the ADNP Foundation and the research being done at the Seaver Autism Center. Be sure to follow Genie on Instagram @genierice!  Subscribe and review our show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

In today’s episode, Brittany shares the story of her daughter Dylan, who lived 6 weeks before passing away peacefully on October 13, 2018. Brittany talks about the ups and downs, and how through those 6 weeks, more and more people grew to love Dylan while being able to see her personality shine through. Brittany also mentions how connecting with other moms on social media has helped her cope with her tremendous loss and also advocate in carrying on the memory of Dylan. You can follow Brittany on Instagram and be sure to check out the story she wrote on CarryingToTerm.org!

In today’s episode, we chat with Carolyn and Stephen about their daughter Evelyn. We are a bit delayed in posting this episode so a belated congratulations to their family on the birth of their third child, Merrit, who arrived in October. The rest of this episode is all about Evelyn, who was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Her parents have created a movement called Evelyn’s Voice, which is meant to raise awareness and find a cure for Rett syndrome. They hope to use Evelyn’s story to not only change people’s lives, but to make a significant impact in finding a cure.