SMA is a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. Babies muscles slowly deteriorate, causing low motor ability, troubles feeding and eventually, breathing. At just 5 weeks old, Lucy was diagnosed with Type 1, which is the most aggressive form of SMA. After learning of her  diagnosis and being educated by their doctors, Lucy's family knew that the most effective option was for Lucy to receive the life saving medication Zolgezma. But, because it isn't yet approved in Canada, this drug costs 2.8 MILLION dollars. This weeks guest, Laura (Lucy's beautiful mama!) is sharing their story to raise awareness and advocate for SMA families.

There are other families here in Canada who are on the daunting journey of raising almost 3 million dollars so that their babies (who must get the treatment before their 2nd birthday) can also receive Zolgezma.

If you feel compelled, PLEASE visit the websites below to donate to babies who are fighting the timeline of this disease.

Harper Hanki - @myhero.haper

https://ca.gofundme.com/f/my-hero-harper

Etransfers: [email protected]

Nathan Ouellet - Nathan_sma1  

https://www.gofundme.com/f/realiser-l039impossible-avec-nathan?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link-tip

Reign Josiah - Reignjosiah

https://www.gofundme.com/f/treatment-for-type-1-smamy-5-month-old-son-reign?sharetype=teams&member=2690754&rcid=r01-156746572274-f69d2dd2c3324d4e&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_m

Chloe Madison Sousa - Cutelikechloe

https://www.gofundme.com/f/cute-like-chloe?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

Kaysen Martin- Kaysensquest

https://ca.gofundme.com/f/kaysens-quest

Wyatt Vasey - Bravewyattsma

https://www.gofundme.com/f/brave-wyatt-sma?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_more

Eva Batista - Forevastrong.sma

https://www.gofundme.com/f/foreva-strong

A BIG thank you to Parker and Posie for being this weeks sponsor! Jaimie has makes baby shoes using upcycled bamboo and suede. These are my FAVOURITE shoes for babies and toddlers. The elastic ankle makes it super easy to slide three on, but also KEEPS them on little, active feet! The neutral colour palette and lace add ons help to make these SO adorable, too!

To see for yourself, visit @parkerandposie on Instagram or go to www.parkerandposie.com

I think that it's safe to assume that as women, we have all felt shame around our body at one point or another.

Perhaps that shame came from our weight or shape, and its ability to do what we ask of it. Maybe it was caused by what we see in the media and how beauty is portrayed. Or maybe the shame stemmed from what others have said about the way our bodies look.

How do we achieve true self acceptance? How can we finally break through diet cultures harsh views and truly accept and resepct our bodies?

Logan Russell shares about her early struggles with self acceptance, and the breaking point that made her realize that her worth is not determined by her bodies size or weight.

Something we hear so often is that couples go through IVF in order to have their kids. It seems like the more social media evolves, the more women/couples share their story’s. But what exactly does IVF entail? Who goes through IVF? What is the process like? How much does it cost? These are all questions that Kelsi and I sit down and chat about on today’s episode.

There has been a recent awakening  of the racial injustices taking place. The Black Lives Matter Organization has been making big strides, but we still have so much work to do. As a mom, I know that it is my job to leave my children better than I am, and that inclusion, anti racism and acceptance starts in the home.

I'm so thankful for today's guest, Ima, who is coming on to share her personal experience in raising black children. We are going to be hearing about some of the racial injustices her and her husband, Marcus, have personally experienced, some of the fears they have around raising black children, the unjust treatment black mothers face within the healthcare system, the racist acts her children have already endured, and how we, as moms, can help shape our kids to be inclusive, anti racist and accepting of everyone.

Let’s go learn, mama’s.

Sonya’s journey to mamahood did not come easy. Her and her husband spent years battling infertility. After completing a round of IVF, they were left feeling defeated, and broken hearted. They were left with a choice: do they start all over, both physically and financially, for another round of IVF?

With adoption always being on Sonya’s heart, and a plan in her and Drew’s parenthood journey, now felt like the perfect time for them to dive in and start the process of adopting their first child.

What are some common fears adoptive parents experience? What are the logistics of adoption? How do you choose who’s baby you will soon get to call your own? Can you really love a baby that you didn’t grow in your own tummy?

These are all questions Sonya answers as we chat about her journey to becoming Jayce’s mama!

There is also an alarming amount of women who have had traumatic or negative experiences with healthcare providers, leaving them feeling anxious and uncomfortable to seek medical help.

This week we are hearing from Jen McLellan, host of The Plus Mommy Podcast and a plus size pregnancy and birth educator. She is on a mission to change the way healthcare providers see and treat women in large bodies, and help moms feel confident in their ability to carry and birth their babies.

Join us as Jen shares her story of being an advocate for plus size women and what her journey to motherhood and learning to not only accept, but love herself has looked like!

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Are you plus size and looking for additional support while you are TTC, pregnant or giving birth? Visit Jen's website to learn how she can support you OR for more information!

https://plussizebirth.com/

Jen's Plus Mommy Podcast:

https://plusmommy.com/

Instagram:

@plusmommy

@plussizebirth

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SPONSOR!

Today's episode has been sponsored by Ashley, owner of Millie's Little Closet. She is a mama to two littles who runs her business with one kiddo strapped to her back, while her other plays at her feet. I have absolutely loved getting to know Ashley and can't say enough great things about how this Canadian mama runs her business!

Find her adorable and affordable kids clothes by visiting her on Instagram @millieslitlecloset

BIRTH TRAUMA

I think it's safe to say that we all have a certain level of nervousness and fear when we are preparing to deliver our babies. But, we put our confidence and trust in our healthcare providers to do what is best and safest for us, and believe they have our best interest at hand. Are there women who have beautiful experiences while bringing their little babes into the world? Absolutely! But the reality is that there are a lot of moms who leave the hospital feeling violated, taken advantage of or simply in complete shock from what they just went through.

Today we are hearing from Taylor. A mom who sat in the NICU while her sons brain was closely monitored, and he was rigorously tested for brain damage. Her story isn't one any mama hopes for, but she knows that by sharing it, it can allow other moms to know their rights and learn when, and how, to advocate for themselves.

On today’s episode we are learning from parent coach and expert, Myla Leinweber. What is restitution, and why is it important? How can we model it for our kids? And do our kids misbehave, or make mistakes? Myla covers all of these questions and gives us some incredible tools to improve our every day parenting, making it a little less chaotic, and a lot more joyful.

Let's go learn, Mamas!

Karisa was over the moon when her and her husband found out that their dream of becoming parents was going to soon be a reality. Like most of us, they prepared for their little girl by filling the nursery with adorable clothes and essentials, and educating themselves on things like safe sleeping methods and the best baby products.

Karisa's worst nightmare came true when her sweet girl, Mieya, suddenly and unexpectedly passed from SIDS when she was just 3 months old.

What is SIDS? What causes it? What does life after losing a child look like? Karisa shares the intimate details of Mieya's passing and how her and her family keep Mieyas memory alive for her little siblings.

My gosh, we are already entering Season 2 of The Messy Mama Podcast! What is the mission of the Messy Mama Pod? What direction is the podcast going to go? What can you expect from me this season? Well, let's go chat to find out!