Jodi Klaristenfeld shares her harrowing experience with preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome which nearly claimed her life and that of her unborn daughter. Jodi shares her experience healing emotionally from her daughter’s premature birth and how hard she fought to get her daughter the resources she needed to grow, thrive and flourish once she was home from the NICU. Jodi quickly realized how hard it is for families with premature babies to get their children the resources they need,  leading to the inception of FLRRISH. FLRRiSH serves as a platform providing NICU parent education, resources, and support, aiding families in navigating the path through premature childbirth. Jodi also shares valuable insights on recognizing the symptoms of preeclampsia. Don't miss out on the inaugural episode of season six!

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

 

• [0:00] Julia introduces guest Jodi Klaristenfeld and why the topic of life-threatening preeclampsia is the first topic of season six

• [3:42] Jodi explains why she started Flrrish to meet the needs of parents whose child is born prematurely

• [6:03] Jodi describes her pregnancy journey and the signs of preeclampsia

• [17:17] Jodi talks about her feelings when she learned she almost died, the choice her mother had to make, and the distance she felt toward her daughter

• [24:13] Jodi tells about the different emotions she went through and the support given by her doctor and husband

• [29:25] Jodi reveals what her daughter was experiencing while hospitalized, including the frustration of a therapist not wanting to do her job

• [38:35] How Jodi helps others through Flrrish

• [43:30] Jodi describes how this situation has informed her parenting skills and what Flrrish clients are seeking

• [46:45] Jodi describes her definition of family

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 

• The infant and maternal mortality rates in the U. S. are the highest of any developed nation.

• Nearly 15 percent of all children in the U. S. are in the NICU at some point.

• Kangaroo Care, or Skin-to-Skin Care, benefits the baby and the parents.

 

RESOURCE LINKS:

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd - YouTube 

Flrrish - Instagram

Flrrish - Website

 

BIOGRAPHY: 

Jodi Klaristenfeld is the founder of FLRRiSH. She is a mom to an adorable little girl who was born at 28 weeks due to a rare and life-threatening form of preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. After her daughter's early birth, Jodi quickly discovered preemie moms and dads aren’t always given the support they need. As a result, she created FLRRiSH, a platform that offers NICU parent education, empowerment, support and resources to help families navigate this beautiful and challenging journey. Jodi, her husband and her family live in NYC.