Mount Motherhood Podcast

We highlight the inspiring and vulnerable stories of parents caring for a child with a medical diagnosis. Recognizing the needs of these children, we also feature businesses who create products to support the little superheroes.

Ep. 81 - A Mother with a Mission 12/02/2019

Ep. 81 - A Mother with a Mission Jessica manages 2 foundations, speaking engagements, a retail shop and also cares for her three boys including her youngest Bodey who was born with a rare muscular dystrophy called Muscle Eye Brain Disease. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/12240530

Ep. 80 - And She Shall Reign: The NICU & Beyond 12/01/2019

Ep. 80 - And She Shall Reign: The NICU & Beyond In this episode, Ebony shares what life in the NICU was like, as well as ways that she took care of herself and also how she advocated for Reign. Ebony also shares more details on her recovery after Reign's birth and her involvement with March of Dimes. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/12231008

Ep. 79 - Finding Balance as a Special Needs Parent 11/29/2019

Ep. 79 - Finding Balance as a Special Needs Parent In today’s episode, we bring you the story of Sara England, mother to three children, including Sam who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and because he was born prematurely, had a 147 NICU stay. This episode is all about finding balance. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/12222722

Ep. 77 - Coping in the NICU 11/29/2019

Ep. 77 - Coping in the NICU Evelyn Gama is a perinatal mental health therapist in NYC. Evelyn has a private practice on the Upper West Side and in midtown Manhattan. In addition, Evelyn works in the outpatient program at The Motherhood Center which is an innovative day treatment and outpatient program helping parents with perinatal mood disorders. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/12221693

Ep. 78 - Mother of 10 and Special Needs Adoption 11/29/2019

Ep. 78 - Mother of 10 and Special Needs Adoption Today's episode is a celebration of the work Carla has done helping other families adopt children with special needs abroad, but also a celebration of her son Henry who became an angel in heaven 7 years ago today. Carla walks us through her adoption process with henry which took 7 months and how his passing impacted her family and the ways in which her children coped with his loss. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/12217001

Ep. 76 - Ebony's Journey with HELLP Syndrome and Preeclampsia 11/27/2019

Ep. 76 - Ebony's Journey with HELLP Syndrome and Preeclampsia Welcome to episode #76 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Ebony, mother to Reign Victoria who was born just shy of 27 weeks. After experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of infertility and child loss, Ebony first shares how she grieved the loss of a child and celebrated the pregnancy of another. She also shares ways families and friends can help and be supportive through such trying times and pays tribute to her own family's support. Ebony also tells the very scary truth of what happens when a woman is diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome and Preeclampsia. We will be joined by Ebony again later this week to hear about Reigns NICU Journey, Ebonies recovery and her involvement with March of Dimes. You can follow The Ford Family on . Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on or ! You can find a full transcript . /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/12192461

Ep. 75 - Finn The Panda: A New Way to Bond in the NICU 10/31/2019

Ep. 75 - Finn The Panda: A New Way to Bond in the NICU We chat with Michelle, mother to two boys, one of which, Finn was born at 32 weeks and stayed in the NICU for 57 days. Michelle also developed Finn the Panda to help comfort babies during hospital stays, as well as to foster the bond between the baby and their caregivers. Michelle also shares the complications in her pregnancy that led to a premature delivery including placenta previa, preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/11862098

Ep. 74 - Avery's Journey: Parents Know Best 10/29/2019

Ep. 74 - Avery's Journey: Parents Know Best In this second part, Katie focuses on how Avery's younger siblings advocate and care for Avery and how going up in an inclusive household has naturally taught them to be kind and genuinely friendly to other children of all abilities. Katie also shares how taking care of yourself is important and the impact it has made on her life and marriage. Katie also opens up about the challenges that have come from opening their life up to others on social media and how she deals with negative opinions. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/11833754

Ep. 73 - Avery's Journey: You Have to Ask for Help 10/24/2019

Ep. 73 - Avery's Journey: You Have to Ask for Help In today’s episode, we chat with Katie. Mother to three, Katie has led the charge in her province of Saskatchewan, Canada to connect families with children on the Autism Spectrum with resources and support. In this two-part series, Katie dives deep into her family's journey reflecting on the time her son Avery was diagnosed with "bad parenting" to today where her family navigates a new season of change for Avery and his severe non-verbal Autism diagnosis. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/11768465

Ep. 72 - Raising Little Miracles 10/22/2019

Ep. 72 - Raising Little Miracles Welcome to episode #72 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/11742152

Ep. 71 - Lily's Little Lungs: A Mother's Mission to Support Other Families 10/17/2019

Ep. 71 - Lily's Little Lungs: A Mother's Mission to Support Other Families Welcome to episode #71 of the Mount Motherhood Podcast. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/11682428

Ep. 70 - Hudson's Hope; They're Not Always Right. 10/15/2019

Ep. 70 - Hudson's Hope; They're Not Always Right. In today’s episode, we chat with Melissa about her five-year-old warrior, Hudson. Hudson has been diagnosed with: Hydrocephalus, Cerebral Palsy, Anopthalmia and Growth Hormone Deficiency. Despite what the doctors have advised, learn how Melissa has advocated for Hudson and how they have both overcome challenges to ultimately help Hudson lead age-appropriate independence. Today, he is enjoying life as a kindergartener among his "typical" peers! /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/11647226

Ep. 69: Habitat Schoolhouse 09/13/2019

Ep. 69: Habitat Schoolhouse In today's Mount Motherhood podcast episode, we chat with Jennifer Swegles of Habitat Schoolhouse. Habitat Schoolhouse provides wholesome homeschool resources, a supportive community, and can help you understand all the options that are available to you in the world of home education. This episode is full of information and you definitely want to check out all of the links included in these show notes! Also, be sure to take advantage of the discount code Jennifer has for you! Email [email protected] to claim it. You can listen and find a full transcript of this episode . Listen, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts . Listen, Review and Subscribe on Spotify . Follow Habitat Schoolhouse on Join the Learn more about the Learn more about the Learn more about the extra workbooks and flashcards available . Be sure to subscribe for early access to new episodes each week! /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/11236700

Ep. 68: Addison's Story 08/30/2019

Ep. 68: Addison's Story Welcome to the I am Made to Mother Podcast. In today’s episode, we chat with Brittany, who is the mother of four - Aden, Austin, Addison and Addley. Brittany talks about her CHD warrior Addison and all of the ups and downs of the NICU, tough surgery decisions, and coping with the diagnosis. She also talks about the benefits of sharing her story and helping other mothers along the way. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/11056406

Ep. 67: Lily's List 02/07/2019

Ep. 67: Lily's List In today’s episode, we chat with Taylor and Joey about their daughter Lily, who was born on February 25th, 2018. Two days after Lily was born, she was diagnosed with Zellweger syndrome. During this episode, the couple talks about the ups and downs of the transition bringing Lily home and the grief of Lily passing away six months after she was born. Taylor and Joey discuss how their organization Lily’s List is helping other families in need and they also share details about how our listeners can get involved. The couple mentions how grateful they are to many people who have helped during their journey, including family, friends, , along with the geneticist and hospital staff that took care of Lily. You can follow the couple on Instagram ! You can also access the Lily's List website at . /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/8555942

Ep 66: Mighty Jack & Project Mighty Hearts 02/02/2019

Ep 66: Mighty Jack & Project Mighty Hearts Today we speak with Jen Allison, mama to Jack AKA Mighty Jack! Jen first shares their experience learning of Jacks congenital heart disease diagnosis after rushing him to SickKids, a hospital in Toronto. She also gives us a raw insight of Jacks medical journey thus far. Jen also chats with us about , which provides complimentary photography sessions to heart families in Toronto. Jen began Project Mighty Hearts after six months of being part of the SickKids family and has since then expanded with an ambassador program that allows other photographers across Canada to get involved! You will also hear all about the impact that Project Mighty Hearts is having on other families. Follow and her families journey on instagram and be sure to follow on instagram as well! Thanks for tuning in for today’s podcast. We encourage you to check out our Facebook page and also be sure to subscribe and review this podcast so we can grow our community and reach more parents like you! /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/8492060

Ep. 65: Roly & The ADNP Tribe 01/24/2019

Ep. 65: Roly & The ADNP Tribe In today’s episode, we chat with Genie about her six-year-old son Roland, who received a diagnosis of ADNP syndrome at the age of four. Genie talks about how she and her husband are dedicated to research and advocacy. Genie also shares some practical tips that have helped her family along the way… including a mention of The Safety Sleeper that is made by . During this episode, Genie also highlights the and the research being done at the Be sure to follow Genie on Instagram @genierice! Subscribe and review our show on and ! /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/8377907

Ep. 64: Daily Dose of Dylan 01/17/2019

Ep. 64: Daily Dose of Dylan In today’s episode, Brittany shares the story of her daughter Dylan, who lived 6 weeks before passing away peacefully on October 13, 2018. Brittany talks about the ups and downs, and how through those 6 weeks, more and more people grew to love Dylan while being able to see her personality shine through. Brittany also mentions how connecting with other moms on social media has helped her cope with her tremendous loss and also advocate in carrying on the memory of Dylan. You can follow Brittany on and be sure to check out the story she wrote on ! /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/8290178

Ep. 63: Evelyn's Voice 01/10/2019

Ep. 63: Evelyn's Voice In today’s episode, we chat with Carolyn and Stephen about their daughter Evelyn. We are a bit delayed in posting this episode so a belated congratulations to their family on the birth of their third child, Merrit, who arrived in October. The rest of this episode is all about Evelyn, who was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Her parents have created a movement called , which is meant to raise awareness and find a cure for Rett syndrome. They hope to use Evelyn’s story to not only change people’s lives, but to make a significant impact in finding a cure. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/8204354

Ep. 62: Raising Faith 12/27/2018

Ep. 62: Raising Faith In today’s episode, we chat with Keina and her husband Anthony about their daughter Faith. They learned of Faith’s Hirschsprungs Disease diagnosis at the 2.5-month mark and through this interview, they share the resources and support they tapped into to help their family through the tougher times. The parents describe Faith as a loving, caring girl… and during the holiday season, their features Faith singing Jingle Bells non-stop and even delivering a fruit basket to a local nursing center. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/8021693

Ep. 61: The Story of Kenai 12/20/2018

Ep. 61: The Story of Kenai In this episode of the Baby Nation Show, we chat with Cassie, the mother of 5 kids, including 2-year-old Kenai. We recorded this episode back in October, just a few days shy of Kenai’s birthday. In 2016, Kenai was born with several heart defects and through this interview, Cassie talks about how her son has battled many hurdles in his first two years of life. She describes him as positive, funny, and mentions that he likes to roughhouse and knock his toys down. Cassie also gives a shout out to Heart Heroes, who donated a cape to Kenai, and Littlest Warriors for their wonderful messages on different shirts that Kenai wears. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/7961027

Ep. 60: Andy and Katie 11/20/2018

Ep. 60: Andy and Katie In today’s podcast, we’re thrilled to share a conversation we had with Christy and Dan about their two children Andy and Katie, who both battle neonatal diabetes. The parents discuss the ups and downs of receiving varying diagnosis information, and they also give advice to themselves as they reflect on the past nine years. Christy and Dan describe their son Andy as a funny boy who loves airplanes like his dad. As for Katie, she’s a determined problem solver who is caring and loving. Toward the end of the episode, Christy talks a bit about how blogging has been a form of therapy for her. You can follow the family on Instagram @kandylandmom or shop on their website at ! /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/7627250

Ep. 59: Ayden Gives to Other Kids 10/25/2018

Ep. 59: Ayden Gives to Other Kids In today’s episode, we chat with Aranely about her son Ayden. Throughout her son’s journey, Aranely has been a tremendous advocate in raising awareness for heart warriors. Throughout this interview, we also discuss Ayden’s loving personality which is showcased in his Facebook page titled Ayden’s Fulfilling Your Birthday Wish where he donates his own toys to kids in need. Ayden is truly an amazing kid as he also stands up to bullying with a passionate campaign that you’ll also hear about on this episode. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/7310933

Ep. 58: Owen's Inspirational Journey 10/11/2018

Ep. 58: Owen's Inspirational Journey On today’s episode, we chat with Darlene about her son Owen, who is just a few months shy of his 4th birthday. After being born as a micro preemie at 24 weeks, Owen was diagnosed with chronic lung disease. Darlene discusses the journey at the NICU and the support her family received from the local community, the staff at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego (@radychildrens), and the Ronald McDonald House (@rmhcsandiego). Among the many resources she highlights, the music therapy of Resounding Joy (@resounding_joy) also stood out. Darlene shares plenty of advice for parents throughout this heartfelt conversation. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/7156269

Ep. 57: Celebrating Every Moment 09/27/2018

Ep. 57: Celebrating Every Moment On today’s episode, we chat with Kali, who is the mother of three-year-old Eisley. Through the interview, Kali talks about finding support in the Down syndrome community after learning of her daughter’s diagnosis at birth. Kali provides advice for other parents and also shares plenty of fun stories about Eisley’s personality and love for life. Kali also highlights Club 21, a center in Southern California that provides tools and resources that enable individuals with Down syndrome to be fully included. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/7097892

Ep. 56: The Twins Return Home 09/20/2018

Ep. 56: The Twins Return Home On today’s episode, we are joined by Jessica and Aaron, who are the parents of Carter and Mason. These two boys were born at 28 weeks after their mother was diagnosed with a Mo-Mo Twin Pregnancy, meaning the babies shared one placenta and one amniotic sac. Through our conversation, the couple shares the ups and downs of their journey, the adjustment to their recent return home, and much more. If you like today’s episode, jump onto iTunes and leave us a review! That will help us increase the reach of this podcast. /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/7058827

Ep. 55: Life 1-Year Post NICU | Calvin's Story 08/09/2018

Ep. 55: Life 1-Year Post NICU | Calvin's Story A warm welcome to all of The Baby Nation! Thanks so much for joining us for Season 2 of The Baby Nation Show. For those that are new to The Baby Nation Show… Every Thursday, we share stories from families who have been through the journey of having a child with a medical diagnosis and everything that it entails. In this episode, we reconnected with Cait, the mother of 1-year-old Calvin. We featured the family back in episode 33 and this time around, we went into more detail while talking about the support Cait has received from her husband, the ups and downs of the first year home after the NICU, and highlighted some advice she has for other parents. Enjoy the show and be sure to follow Cait on Instagram . We hope you enjoy today’s episode. Take a moment to leave us a review or rating on iTunes, and if you would like to connect with us, go to and send us a message! /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/6905552

Ep. 54: Amy's Serenity 04/19/2018

Ep. 54: Amy's Serenity In today’s episode, we chat with Amy about her daughter Serenity, who was a still born due to a rare birth defect called anencephaly. Amy talks about the parents she connected with on Facebook during her pregnancy and how she was offered doula services and an opportunity to raise awareness through a documentary. Also during this interview, Amy talks about one of the routines that has helped her with the grief… she’s found that writing to Serenity in a journal has been therapeutic. Be sure to follow Amy's Instagram and visit , too! /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/6498404

Ep. 53: Amelia Katja 04/12/2018

Ep. 53: Amelia Katja In today’s episode, we chat with Tricia and Joel about their daughter Amelia, who will turn 2 in August. Amelia was born with Apert syndrome and during this interview, the couple talks about how they deal with Amelia’s feeding issues during her 5-day NICU stay. They also describe how some of the best advice they received came from an adult who has Apert syndrome as that individual reiterated to Tricia and Joel that Amelia would be OK. The couple describes Amelia as a funny girl who has a bright smile. She also loves her older sister Jocelyn and copies everything she does. Be sure to follow the family on Instagram ! Also throughout this episode, Tricia and Joel highlight a lot of great organizations, including , and . /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/6473703

Ep. 52: Princess Savvy 04/05/2018

Ep. 52: Princess Savvy In today’s episode, we talk with Yolanda, who is the mother of two boys and one girl. Through the interview, she describes the NICU journey of her 10-month-old daughter Savannah, who was born at 23 weeks. Yolanda describes Savannah as feisty while the NICU nurses called her a diva. The NICU stay lasted 120 days and during this episode, Yolanda talks about how she connected with Facebook groups and was reminded that the NICU journey is a marathon, not a sprint. She also mentions how the experience taught her patience and forced her to go with the flow. Be sure to follow @savvychronicles journey on instagram! /episode/index/show/thebabynation/id/6447740

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