Are you aware of the issues surrounding pregnancy, prematurity, childbirth, miscarriage, or even child mortality? These issues and experiences are often overlooked even though they most likely impact parents for the rest of their lives.

Parents who experience miscarriage or the death of their child(ren) undergo a grieving process and pain of child loss, which is often not spoken about in society. Both antenatal and prenatal mothers need healthcare and socio-economic support to have a solid foundation.

On the show today, we have Michelle Valiukenas, a mom, advocate, survivor, and founder of Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, where they help families in crisis. After the death of her 9-day old daughter Colette, she was inspired to take action and improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, prematurity, and infancy, as well as aid in the grieving process after child loss. Michelle shares her story of pregnancy difficulties, miscarriage, and the painful loss of a child and how it all impacted her.

Listen in to learn how socio-economic and racism issues are impacting mother’s healthcare and child mortality rates in this country.

“The obstacles, barriers, and difficulties don’t equate to it being all on you or all on how you would be as a parent.” [58:45]

What You Will Learn:

[2:06] Michelle shares her miscarriage story and child loss experience and how it impacted her.

[16:12] Understanding the incredibly beautiful yet difficult process pregnancy and childbirth is.

[27:11] The importance of sharing and dealing with the issues of miscarriage and child loss.

[39:35] The power of creating a ‘village’ of support to get pregnant, give birth, and raise a child.

[42:42] The socio-economic and racism issues in healthcare that need to be addressed to prevent child mortality rate and protect mothers’ health.

[52:40] The necessary support system that pregnant mothers need to give them a foundation.

[57:37] Michelle on why obstacles barriers and difficulties don’t define the parent you become.

[59:41] Why she would remind her future self to step back and appreciate the impact of her progress.

Relevant Links:

Website: https://colettelouise.com/

Email: [email protected]