In this episode, Michelle opens up about something many NICU families experience but don’t always talk about the things that go unspoken.

She shares what it felt like when the medical team seemed afraid to verbalize that Colette was dying, the emotional roller coaster ride of the NICU, the pressure of having to ask permission to parent your own baby, the financial impact of an unexpected premature birth, and the guilt that can come when bonding doesn’t look the way you imagined.

And through her loss, Michelle turned her pain into purpose.

She is now the founder and CEO of the Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, which has provided more than $2.1 million in direct financial assistance to over 4,000 families navigating high-risk pregnancies, NICU stays, and loss.

This episode is for NICU parents.
-For families who have experienced loss.
- For anyone who has loved someone through a high-risk pregnancy.
- And for healthcare providers who want to better understand what families need when the unthinkable happens.

Please follow the Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation on all social media platforms and visit the website for more information:

https://colettelouise.com

In this powerful episode of The Konnected NICU Space, we sit down with Zoe to hear her deeply personal journey of navigating an unexpected diagnosis during pregnancy.

During her pregnancy, Zoe discovered that her son had a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). Faced with overwhelming news, she was told by a doctor to consider terminating the pregnancy without being presented with other options or given the information she needed to make an informed decision.

Instead of accepting that as the end of the conversation, Zoe continued to seek answers. She eventually connected with another medical provider who took the time to explain her son’s diagnosis, discuss available options, and provide the information and support she needed to make the decision that was right for her and her family.

Although Zoe’s story is not specifically a NICU story, her experience speaks to many of the emotions and challenges that medical moms can face; fear, uncertainty, difficult decisions, advocating for your child, and learning to trust your instincts.

This episode is a powerful reminder that you have the right to ask questions, seek more information, and get a second opinion.

For moms receiving unexpected or life changing news during pregnancy, you don't have to navigate the unknown alone. Your questions matter. Your voice matters. And having the right information can make all the difference.

Join us for an honest conversation about CHD, pregnancy, medical advocacy, second opinions, and the importance of finding providers who will listen, educate, and support families through difficult moments.

What happens when someone who has experienced deep medical trauma finds herself becoming a NICU mom to a 25 week preemie? 

In this powerful episode of the Konnected NICU Space Podcast, Kristina Denham opens up about overcoming a deep fear of hospitals after a traumatic medical experience and the courage it took to learn how to trust medical professionals again.

Kristina's journey would eventually lead her to becoming a NICU mom to a baby born at just 25 weeks.

Her story is one of unexpected turns, including being told she couldn't have children, navigating a life changing autoimmune liver diagnosis, losing her job, housing, and health insurance, experiencing a 25-week delivery, and facing devastating grief. She also shares the impact of a hospital error that deeply affected her during an already vulnerable chapter of her life.

Through it all, Kristina found a way to transform her experiences into purpose.

Today, Kristina Denham is an artist, community builder, and founder of NICC the Incubator and the NICC SCOUTS TEAM, creative initiatives focused on transforming how families experience the NICU and maternal health journey. Through storytelling, art, community partnerships, and advocacy, she works to create educational resources, healing experiences, and meaningful support for families.

Kristina's story reminds us that our hardest experiences don't have to define the rest of our story. Sometimes, the very experiences that break our hearts can become the foundation for the work we are called to do.

To learn more about Kristina and the work of NICC the Incubator and the NICC SCOUTS TEAM, follow them on Instagram 

In this special episode of the Konnected NICU Space Podcast, we're turning the microphones around as two of the voices behind Dear NICU Mama share the deeply personal experiences that shaped their passion for serving NICU families.

Ashley, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Dear NICU Mama, shares the story of her son, who was born at 28 weeks and is now a thriving 7-year-old. Her experience navigating the NICU inspired her to create a community where NICU mothers feel seen, supported, and connected.

You'll also hear from Aisha, a volunteer with Dear NICU Mama and co-host of the Dear NICU Mama Podcast. Aisha vulnerably shares her two NICU journeys the heartbreaking loss of her son, born at 24 weeks, and the incredible story of her daughter, born at 26 weeks and now 6 years old. She also shares how finding Dear NICU Mama helped her feel understood and gave her a place to heal.

Their stories are powerful reminders that behind every advocate is a lived experience, and behind every voice is a story worth telling.

To learn more about Dear NICU Mama and the amazing support they provide to NICU families, visit www.dearnicumama.com and follow Dear NICU Mama on Instagram and Facebook.

Be sure to subscribe to the Dear NICU Mama Podcast on Apple Podcasts.

In this heartfelt episode of The Konnected NICU Space, Latoya shares the beautiful story of her daughter, Skylar, whose life continues to inspire hope and healing for families around the world.

Latoya reflects on the emotional journey of navigating the NICU, where Skylar spent much of her 18-month life. She opens up about the challenges of caring for a medically complex child, the profound grief of losing her daughter, and the difficult path of learning to live with unimaginable loss.

Rather than allowing grief to define her story, Latoya chose to honor Skylar's life by creating The Skylar Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting NICU and bereaved families. Through financial assistance, care packages, mental health advocacy, and compassionate support, The Skylar Project serves families facing journeys that are all too familiar to Latoya and her family.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while grief never truly disappears, love can become a lasting legacy. Latoya's story is one of resilience, compassion, and hope, demonstrating how one family's experience can create meaningful change for countless others.

Whether you are a NICU parent, a bereaved parent, a healthcare professional, or someone supporting a loved one through loss, this conversation offers encouragement, understanding, and the reminder that no family should have to walk this journey alone.

To find out more about the Skylar project please visit their website https://theskylarproject.org/ and follow The Skylar Project on Instagram & Facebook 

In this heartfelt episode, Jocelyn shares the story of her beautiful daughter, Jewelz, who was born prematurely and tragically passed away from NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) shortly after birth.

Jocelyn opens up about the joy of becoming a mother, the heartbreak of losing her daughter, and the grief journey that followed. Through unimaginable loss, she found purpose and created Forever Jewelz, an organization dedicated to supporting NICU families while raising awareness and education about NEC.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, love leaves a lasting legacy. Jewelz's life continues to make an impact through the families her mother serves and the awareness being raised in her honor.

Join us as we honor Jewelz, learn more about NEC, and hear how one mother's love transformed pain into purpose.

To find out more about the amazing work that Jocelyn is doing in the southern Virginia area please visit follow her on Instagram at ForeverJewelzfoundation 

After nearly a year of fertility treatments and IVF, this week's guest Jean Sargent finally received the news she had been hoping and praying for a pregnancy. But what followed was a traumatic pregnancy/birth experience and an unexpected journey through the NICU that would forever change her life.

In this heartfelt episode of The Konnected NICU Space Podcast, Jean shares her path through infertility, pregnancy, birth trauma, and the emotional challenges of becoming a NICU mother. She opens up about the healing process, the support that helped her move forward, and why she refused to let one traumatic experience define the rest of her story.

Today, she is a wife, mother of two, NICU mama graduate, and artist who uses her creativity to transform pain into purpose. Through her artwork, she hopes to bring comfort, healing, and connection to others navigating their own difficult journeys.

Join us for an honest conversation about resilience, healing after trauma, motherhood, and finding the courage to embrace hope again.

n this heartfelt episode of the Konnected NICU Space Podcast, we sit down with a former 25 week preemie who is now 30 years old as she shares her powerful perspective on the NICU journey and the lasting impact of parental love and support.

Through her story, she reminds NICU parents that their presence matters more than they may realize. The touch, prayers, encouragement, and moments spent at the bedside leave an impact that can last a lifetime.

This conversation brings hope to families currently navigating the NICU while offering a unique perspective from someone who once fought through prematurity herself.

In this heartfelt episode of the Konnected NICU Space Podcast, Marianna shares her deeply personal journey of experiencing preeclampsia, giving birth prematurely, and navigating the emotional challenges that followed during her child’s NICU stay.

What began as an unexpected medical emergency became a journey filled with fear, uncertainty, motherhood guilt, and emotional healing. Marianna opens up about the mental toll the NICU experience can have on mothers and families, while shedding light on conversations that are often overlooked after premature birth.

Now the founder of Maison Alexander Support Group, Inc. (MASG INC), Marianna uses her experience to support NICU families by helping provide access to mental health services and emotional support during one of the most vulnerable seasons of parenthood.

This episode serves as a reminder that mothers deserve support, safe spaces, and healing too.

To learn more about Marianna’s organization please visit https://www.masgnicu.org

Follow her on Instagram: Masgnicu

This powerful episode shares New Jersey Artist, Athena’s NICU journey one marked by strength, determination, and unconditional love.

After an emergency C-section, Athena faced not only her own physical recovery, but also the emotional challenge of having her newborn daughter in the NICU. Through pain, uncertainty, and the overwhelming desire to be present, Athena found the strength to heal while showing up for her daughter in ways she never imagined.

Born weighing just 2 pounds, her daughter’s early days were fragile and uncertain. But through daily visits, bonding moments, and unwavering faith, Athena witnessed both her daughter’s incredible resilience and her own.

Now thriving , her daughter’s journey is a testament to the power of presence, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child.

This episode is a reminder that even in the most fragile beginnings, there is strength, healing, and hope.

To connect with Athena Toledo and explore her current and upcoming events, visit her website:https://athenamums.wixsite.com/flora