Trauma Mamas: Beyond the Bedside

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In this special episode, we’re wrapping up the first 10 episodes of Trauma Mamas: Stories from the ICU and Having Medically Complex Kids. I’ll be taking a short break from posting new episodes until April 15, during this time I’ll be working behind the scenes on new content and spending time with my family.

Here’s a HUGE thank you to all of our amazing co-hosts and listeners! I’ll share some updates on the first 9 co-hosts, highlight some positive feedback we’ve received, and give a quick update on what’s coming next for the podcast. Plus, I’m excited to share a flyer with information about the podcast—let me know if you’d like to help spread the word! Thank you all for your love and encouragement.

I’ll see you soon with new episodes starting April 15!

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Wow!! Episode 10! I had just met Leslie for the first time doing this episode. She is just so easy to talk to and get to know. After discovering our podcast through Tori, Leslie reached out, excited about the community we’re building—a community she wished was there during her own uncertain and difficult times with her son, Nick, back in 1995.

Leslie tells what it was like to have nick unexpectedly, miles away from her home, at 28 weeks. Unknowingly, she contracted listeriosis while pregnant, which led to preterm labor and a very sick baby. She shares her birth story like it happened yesterday and talks about the day Nick was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a couple years later. taking us through the many medical challenges they’ve faced—and overcome.

Even though I haven’t gotten the opportunity to meet nick myself, I can tell he has an infectious spirit by what Leslie tells. Leslie celebrates Nick’s unstoppable spirit. from his school accomplishments to joining a men’s choir, even though he doesn’t talk. Reflecting on her evolving perspective as a parent, she says,

“Before you have kids you see someone with a disability and think oh my gosh I hope that never happens to me and then you have a child with medical complications with the fresh perspective of my gosh look how many things actually ended up going right for him to be here or you think about how many ways things aren’t as bad as what they could’ve been.”

Leslie’s story reminds us that even in the toughest moments, there’s room for hope, humor, triumphs and getting creative with your child in a wheelchair. Like many of our episodes Leslie will have you laughing, crying and inspired..equal parts healing and real talk about life as a Trauma Mama.

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When Ariana learned at 20 weeks pregnant that her son Hudson had severe kidney issues, her world changed. With one kidney non-functional and the other working at only 10%, Ariana faced a challenging journey of managing Hudson’s care — including peritoneal dialysis at home — before her husband Grant became Hudson’s kidney donor.

In this episode, Ariana shares her experience navigating hospital frustrations, unexpected emergencies, and the emotions of going through a transplant with your little baby. This episode is both a great story and an informative guide for families facing similar challenges.

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Kim shares her experience of having periviable preemie twins at just 22 weeks. She tells the story of her daughters: Amelia, who was stillborn, and Quinn, who was a fighter from the start, letting out a scream at birth, something almost unheard of at that gestational age.

In this episode, we discuss the realities of NICU life, bagging, codes, ventilation and things that might sound shocking if you’ve never lived it. But for us, this was life. Talking about it is the easy part.

Trauma Mamas exists to give an honest look at what it’s like to care for a child in a critical care setting. It’s not always pretty. It can be traumatic, isolating, and devastating. But Kim’s story is also one of hope.

As a former school counselor turned life coach, Kim has found a way to turn her pain into purpose. Through Kind Minds Coaching and Kind Minds Kids, she helps others heal, reframe their mindset, and rebuild after trauma.

She also receives undeniable signs from her girls, signs so perfectly timed they are impossible to dismiss. The number 10/10 keeps appearing in her life, a message from Quinn and Amelia that feels like more than just coincidence.

Kim shares her story with deep vulnerability and grace. She’s been where no parent should ever have to go, and yet, she continues forward, helping others, honoring her daughters, and proving that love never truly leaves us.

 Listen now to hear her story and find out why 10/10 means so much. 

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When you’re expecting a baby, you don't think you’ll become an expert in congenital heart defects (CHDs). But for Kaylee Berner, that became her reality when her son, Bennett, was born with Tricuspid Atresia, Transposed Great Arteries, and Pulmonary Vein Stenosis. His heart may be one of a kind, and in this episode, Kaylee breaks down his complex condition in a way that makes sense. 

Bennett spent his entire first year in the NICU, undergoing multiple surgeries, including open-heart procedures. But despite the challenges, Kaylee made sure that their hospital stay wasn’t just about survival. she found ways to bring joy, connection, and even a little humor into the ICU. From celebrating milestones in his room to forming lifelong friendships in the hospital hallways, she turned unimaginable circumstances into something meaningful.

This family is tough and inspiring. This is a story that everyone should hear. 

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I’m joined by ICU nurse Sammie, who made a lasting impact while caring for my son. We discuss how parents and medical teams can work together in the high-stress ICU environment, focusing on communication, mutual trust, and making tough decisions. Sammie shares advice for parents on navigating hard truths, accepting the emotional toll, and finding clarity while addressing the communication barriers that can arise between parents and staff. This episode highlights the importance of partnership, empathy, and trust in the journey of raising a medically complex child.

Sammie’s embroidery business is WildsunshineSM on Facebook and instagram! 

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Episode Title: You Weren’t Expecting to Have a Micropreemie in the NICU

In this episode, Tori and I share our personal stories of navigating the NICU with a micropreemie—complete with some comedic relief! We talk about how to face the NICU with grace (even though we didn’t always get it right 😆), common preemie complications like ROP, NEC, and brain bleeds, and the emotional rollercoaster of intubation and reintubation.

Tori shares what those early days were like and gives advice on coping, taking breaks, and the power of journaling. We also discuss how we showed up for our babies every day, even when it felt impossible.

This episode is for anyone who needs understanding and encouragement through the toughest moments of parenthood. We aren’t trying to scare you—just sharing the realities of having a preemie in the NICU. We all wish we had been better prepared, and that’s our goal with this episode. But you and your baby are stronger than you know—never lose hope.

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Andrea shares her traumatic pregnancy complications and the early birth of her daughter, Sienna, at just 24 weeks. 

Sienna, battled extremely severe BPD (Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia) due to her underdeveloped lungs from being born prematurely. Sienna’s perseverance and strength carried her through challenge after challenge, all while keeping a smile on her face. She truly was a medical mystery and miracle. 

Andrea, a college instructor, is a great resource to the podcast. Her expertise is in public health, BPD, trach/vent care, grief, and child loss. Our listeners will learn so much from her insights and ability to speak so openly about these tough topics.

The main takeaway? Hold on to hope and cherish the beautiful moments, even in the toughest times. 💛

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In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Tori, whose son Elias spent 21 months in the hospital after being born at 25 weeks and 6 days, battling severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), a heptoblastoma, and being vent- and trach-dependent. But Tori’s journey didn’t start in the NICU—it began with a rare and life-threatening complication called HELLP syndrome, which led to Elias’s early birth at just 26 weeks.

Tori shares the traumatic experience of surviving HELLP syndrome while also feeling immense excitement about bringing her baby into the world under the most challenging circumstances. Despite her severe illness, her mindset was incredibly brave. She explains her thoughts before undergoing surgery:

“It’s hard to describe the calm and clarity I had of just, ‘Okay, let’s do this. And if I come out of this, okay. If I don’t, okay. But I know Elias and Caleb are going to be fine no matter what happens. There will be heartache and trials, but it’ll be okay. And I had so much joy and was so excited to be having my baby. It was scary, but I’m still having a baby. I was going to see his face and touch his hands. I didn’t know what it meant to have a preemie.’”

Tori’s storytelling ability paints a vivid picture of the emotional and physical impact of surviving a traumatic pregnancy, giving birth to a micropreemie, and navigating life in the ICU. Elias is now 2 years old, thriving, and continuing to defy odds every day.

Tori’s been passionate about this project and shared this about being on the podcast:

“It would be so easy for us to just be like, ‘Oh, I’m never thinking about all that ever again. Those were the worst and most traumatic years of my life.’ But it’s so important to remember. We’re not the same people we were before we had our sons, but look at all the things we are capable of and accomplished. And look how strong we are—our husbands and kids included. To be on the other side and be able to look back and talk about it with such hope. Because when you’re in it, everything feels so disparaged and heavy all the time. But then to look back and think, ‘Oh my gosh, we survived that… we did that.’ that’s an incredible feeling.”

I’m so grateful to Tori for her positive and hopeful insight. She’s been a huge help in getting this podcast off the ground and has encouraged me along the way.

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In this episode of Trauma Mamas, we meet Kelsey, a first-time mom who never expected her journey into motherhood to look like this. At just 23 weeks and 1 day, Kelsey gave birth to her daughter Baylor, weighing only 1 pound, 2 ounces. What followed was 143 days of uncertainty, fear, and the relentless fight to bring her tiny girl home from the NICU.

In this episode, Kelsey opens up about the emotions of waking up not knowing if she had a baby, the surreal experience of seeing her daughter’s name on an incubator before meeting her, and the unwavering love and dedication that kept her going through every challenge. From the overwhelming first days in the NICU to celebrating the small victories, Kelsey and Baylor's story is a testament to hope and resilience

Tune in to hear their journey through 143 days in the NICU and how she and her family found strength in the most difficult of circumstances. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the uncertainty of the NICU or looking for a powerful reminder of what hope and love can accomplish.