DS 024: A Micro Preemie Birth Story & NICU Survival Story with Heather Law

Delivering Strength Podcast

In this episode, we talk with local mom Heather Law about the birth of her daughter Holly, born at 24 weeks. This story has a happy ending because Holly is now 2 years old and thriving! Hear all about their pregnancy, birth and NICU stay in this episode.

TRIGGER WARNING: In this interview, Heather shares her daughter Holly’s birth, which includes topics such as premature cesarean birth, postpartum depression, and postpartum ptsd.

After going back and listening to the interview, i wanted to make sure that we touched on the tone of our conversation. Heather is two years into her journey and has leaned on the support of family, friends and counselors to help with postpartum depression and PTSD. Our conversation was very comfortable and the entire interview carries a lighter tone on the topic although we understand not everyone is in that same place. We just want to remind our listeners that everyone handles their situation differently. If you are struggling with a perinatal mood disorder or are struggling with emotions surrounding a traumatic birth we encourage you to seek out a professional, reach out to us for referrals or look into one of the support groups we have mentioned.

2:45 – Intro to episode topic

3:37 – Ice breaker

6:45 – Heather Intro

16:43 – Heather shares her journey to motherhood

• Fertility struggles with PCOS
• Incompetent cervix
• Bedrest
• Emergency c-section
• Pumping

34:31 – Heather sees Holly for the first time

36:00 – Recovering from a cesarean birth with a baby in the NICU

• Holly’s first days

38:10 – NICU doctors are a different breed

43:00 – Holly is making progress

47:30 – Heather’s routine with her baby in the NICU

49:52 – Heather’s advice for parents with a baby in the NICU

53:15 – Dealing with birth trauma, PTSD, and PPD

59:30 – Micro preemie vs. preemie

62:45 –

• Full Circle Support Group meets on the East Side on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month at Mayfield Public Library. This support group is open to any NICU parent.

• 4th Monday of every Month the West Side group meets at Circle of Life Birth Services
• Contact: [e-mail]

65:12 – Project Preemie

67:47 – Holly is two! Heather updates us on how Holly is doing!

1:10:40– How do you feel like you are delivering strength through that you are doing?

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If you have show topics or guests that you’d like to recommend to us, please feel free to send us a message through our website or send us an email at [e-mail].

Find Dr. Candace Gesicki, DC at Cleveland Chiropractic & Integrative Health Center or Birthfit Cleveland.

We’d love to hear from you! Do you have comments on today’s episode? Ideas for future episodes? Questions for us? Send them to us at [e-mail].