“It wasn't any kind of strength within myself that helped me get through the NICU. It was the strength they had—they gave it to me.”- Savannah O'Malley

We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. We are pleased to provide more information about this product, and we invite you to learn more by visiting their website.

What happens when your birth plan is shattered in an instant? For Savannah, the unexpected arrival of her micropreemie twins at just 24 weeks turned her world upside down. One of her sons faced significant medical challenges, including brain bleeds and a cerebral palsy diagnosis, while the other grew without complications. Through it all, Savannah found healing in advocacy, art, and the power of sharing her story.

In this moving episode, we explore: ✅ The emotional and medical complexities of delivering micro-preemie twins ✅ How a cerebral palsy diagnosis reshaped their family’s journey ✅ The silent struggle of maternal mental health after a traumatic birth ✅ Why peer support and storytelling matter in healing and advocacy ✅ How Savannah’s Cards of Hope project is making a difference for other NICU moms

Savannah’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the incredible strength of mothers navigating complex medical journeys. Whether you're a NICU parent, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you feeling empowered.

 

Timestamps & Key Topics

⏱️ [00:00] – Episode Intro

• Welcome to today’s episode featuring Savannah O’Malley

• The importance of sharing NICU and maternal mental health stories

⏱️ [01:00] – Meet Savannah

• Mom to three, including twin micro-preemies

• Advocate for maternal mental health and children with disabilities

⏱️ [03:00] – The Unexpected Arrival: 24-Week Twins

• How Savannah’s pregnancy took a sudden turn

• Navigating a traumatic birth and immediate NICU admission

⏱️ [09:00] – The Medical Rollercoaster Begins

• Brain bleeds, heart complications, and emergency surgeries

• Balancing hope with overwhelming medical challenges

⏱️ [13:00] – A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy & Hydrocephalus

• How Lachlan’s brain injury shaped their early intervention journey

• The emotions of receiving a CP diagnosis and shifting expectations

⏱️ [24:00] – Maternal Mental Health: The Hidden Battle

• Why Savannah struggled with PTSD and anxiety 

• The moment a medical professional finally validated her trauma

• Why maternal mental health screenings should extend beyond the NICU

⏱️ [30:00] – The Power of Peer Support

• Finding community in other NICU and disability moms

• How social media became a lifeline for connection and hope

⏱️ [38:00] – Turning Pain into Purpose: Cards of Hope

• How Savannah combined her love for art with her advocacy

• Sending free, uplifting artwork to mothers of traumatic births

• How small acts of kindness can have a profound impact

⏱️ [44:00] – Lessons from Motherhood & Advocacy

• Why Savannah wouldn’t change a thing about her son’s journey

• The importance of celebrating progress, not just milestones

• How caregivers can find strength in their child's resilience

⏱️ [50:00] – Where to Find Savannah & How to Support Cards of Hope

• How you can receive or gift a Card of Hope

• Why sharing your story can be the start of healing

Resources & Links

📌 Sign Up for a Card of Hope: SavvyJane.com 📥 Follow Savannah’s Journey on Instagram: @SavvyJaneOMalley 🎨 Support the Cards of Hope Project: Purchase art prints to fund outreach 🎧 Listen to more episodes: Child Life On Call

 

Share Your Thoughts!

Did Savannah’s story resonate with you? Have your own experience with micropreemies or maternal mental health? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media.

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