“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...
Episode 154 | Savannah’s Story – Traumatic birth, Micro Preemie Twins, and Cerebral Palsy
Podcast Show Notes
On this episode, Savannah shares what it means to have wreck-less hope. Through her traumatic birth, having micro preemie twins and receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis for one of the twins, Savanah explains how her twins have changed her outlook on life and how she cherishes the little things life has to offer. Savannah opens up about maternal mental health and how it affected her. It is her mission to help other moms experiencing a traumatic brith feel not alone through the gift of artwork and support.
[4:05] Introductions
[4:55] Stories of hope
[6:47] History of pre-term labor
[7:29] Going into labor at 24 weeks gestation
[8:34] Journaling became therapeutic
[11:32] Finding out both boys had brain bleeds
[13:00] Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus diagnosis
[14:45] Leaning on each other and family and friends
[17:00] The answers to the hard questions
[20:00] The shift of worry
[22:30] Charm and Wit of Lochlan
[25:29] Staying in the present
[27:05 The strength within came from
[30:30] Cards of hope for mothers who experienced a traumatic birth
[31:27] Survival mode
[36:00] Caregivers needs the proper help
[40:21] Beads of Courage
Connect with Savannah
Additional Resources
Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Parents, download our free parent starter kit.
When you download our starter kit, you’ll learn how to:
- Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
- Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
- Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure
The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn’t send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you’re facing.
Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.
Shop for your CLOC gear here.
Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.
You Might Also Like…
246: Pyroxd1 and the Path Forward: A Rare Disease, a Life-Saving Lesson & a Mission to Help Others- Maria + Matt’s Story
"What we realized was that rare isn’t as rare as we think—there are so many of us out here searching for answers, fighting for our kids, and trying to make a difference."- Maria Granados We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer...
245:Navigating HIE: Hope for Families, and Life Beyond the NICU [REPOST]- Betsy’s Story
"I remember sitting in the NICU thinking, ‘Am I going to lose my baby? Is this the best outcome for him? What will his life look like?’ And then I realized—I wasn’t alone in these thoughts. Other parents had been here before, and they found a way forward. That’s when...
