[Content Warning: This episode discusses physical and sexual abuse]

In this episode, we're joined by Maria (she/her), a mother whose life took an unexpected turn when her daughter, Josephine, was diagnosed with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare chromosomal abnormality at two weeks old. Maria shares the challenges and transformations her family experienced, from the initial shock of the diagnosis to their journey towards acceptance and gratitude.

Maria shares the emotional rollercoaster from the initial shock of the diagnosis to embracing the realities of special needs parenting. At 36 weeks into her pregnancy, an ultrasound revealed her baby was measuring 10 weeks behind, potentially leading to a c-section and an extended stay in the NICU. Maria believes her extensive research and use of acupressure, essential oils, curb-walking, and determination led to a complication-free, physiological, vaginal birth.

Maria reflects on how, despite the initial hardships and endless appointments, she and her husband began to discover the incredible blessings Josephine brought into their lives. Their marriage grew stronger, they formed meaningful friendships, and their prayers were answered in unexpected ways. Grief transformed into profound gratitude as they got to know their little girl.

Josephine's life may be different, but it is no less valuable. The experience reshaped Maria's perspective on motherhood, emphasising the power of love and the true meaning of life.

Maria has also put all of the evidence and information she researched into a pregnancy and birth app, ⁠Zelie.⁠ It covers useful things to do during each trimester to prepare for birth, pregnancy exercises and stretches, the importance of nutrition - with some great smoothie and food recipes - and things like pain management and breathing techniques for labour. You can download it to iOS or Android.

Content Warning: From 48 - 51 minutes, this episode contains discussions about the physical and sexual abuse experienced by children and individuals with disabilities. These discussions can be difficult to hear, so feel free to skip this episode, segment of the episode, or take breaks as needed. I encourage you to seek support (I’ve listed some resources below) if you find these topics distressing or they bring anything up for you:

COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cope.org.au/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Beyond Blue: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.beyondblue.org.au⁠⁠⁠

PANDA: ⁠⁠⁠https://panda.org.au/⁠⁠⁠

Lifeline: ⁠⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au/⁠

To see some photos of Maria and her family, follow us on instagram ⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Definitely Baby theme music was written by Hagan Mathews and produced at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sleeplessfootscray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The photo in the podcast logo was taken by ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maki.levine⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This episode was partially recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri Wilam and Boon Wurrung/Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. Australia always was and always will be the land of the First Peoples. Every month, I Pay The Rent and so can you - click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more.