How can mothers use their skills and passions to support and showcase their children's dreams, especially when facing unique challenges?

In this heartfelt episode, Jess Ngaheu explores how mothers can leverage their skills and passions to support and showcase their children's dreams, even in the face of unique challenges. Our guest, Sophia Louisa Lee, is an award-winning screenwriter and single mother of a daughter with Mosaic Down Syndrome. Sophia shares her incredible journey of advocacy, creativity, and unwavering love, offering valuable insights and inspiration for all parents navigating similar paths.

Sophia Louisa Lee is an award-winning screenwriter and the proud mother of a 25-year-old daughter with Mosaic Down Syndrome. She has used her talents to create the documentary "Believing to Dream: Olivia's Journey," highlighting her daughter's passion for singing and her encounters with professional musicians. Sophia's story is a testament to the power of maternal love and determination, showcasing how she has turned her creative skills into a platform for her daughter's dreams.

Key Takeaways:

• Advocacy and Education: Sophia fought the education system to ensure her daughter could be mainstreamed, highlighting the importance of standing up for your child's rights.
• Harnessing Creativity: By creating a documentary and involving her daughter in artistic projects, Sophia shows how parents can use their talents to support and inspire their children.
• Overcoming Challenges: Sophia's journey illustrates the resilience required to navigate societal and personal challenges while maintaining a focus on her daughter's happiness and growth.
• Community and Support: The value of finding and creating supportive communities, both in person and online, to share experiences and resources with other parents facing similar challenges.

Quotes:
"I just thank God that every day I have the strength to just keep going. I try to see everything with grace and love."

"For anyone to tell you what is better for your child, my only response is, ‘No one knows your child more than you do.’"

"As a parent, you have to be engaged, you have to really be there. I think that really makes a difference."

"The more love you can give to yourself, the more love you'll give to your kid and your kid will grow. They will exceed expectations with just love."

Be sure to check out the links below to learn more about Sophia's work and connect with her inspiring journey.

https://www.instagram.com/sophialouisalee/
https://www.facebook.com/sophialouisalee/

To learn more about Maternal Grounding and to book Pregnancy Massage, Postpartum Massage, and Baby Massage, visit https://maternalgrounding.com.au/services/

Join our supportive community on Facebook: "Birth Trauma By Maternal Grounding" https://www.facebook.com/groups/1012299449213573

Connect with us on social media:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maternalgrounding/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maternalgrounding

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at hello@maternalgrounding.com.au

In this special episode of the Jess Ngaheu Show, we're joined by Julie Foge, a devoted mother and advocate from Anchorage, Alaska. Julie shares her deeply personal journey through the unexpected challenges of the NICU and the world of special needs parenting following the diagnosis of her daughter, Eliza, with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) in 2016. Dive into this heartfelt conversation as Julie discusses the impact of PWS on her family, the power of advocacy, and the profound lessons of motherhood.

Guest Bio:
Julie Foge is the proud mother of three incredible daughters: Amelia, Eliza, and Caroline. Her life took a dramatic turn when Eliza was born in 2016, landing first in the NICU and subsequently entering the special needs world with a rare chromosomal condition called Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). This pivotal moment redefined Julie's life, leading her into roles of fierce advocacy, profound connections, and a deep appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of parenting. Julie, alongside her husband Derrick, is deeply committed to raising awareness about PWS and empowering other families navigating similar paths from their home in Anchorage, Alaska.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The initial challenges and emotional turmoil of NICU stays.
• Insights into Prader-Willi syndrome and its impact on family life.
• Strategies for coping with the demands of special needs parenting.
• The importance of community and support in navigating health challenges.
• Julie’s transformation into a passionate advocate for her daughter and others with similar conditions.

Quotes from the Episode:

• "The journey through the NICU and into special needs parenting is fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with moments of profound growth and connection."
• "Advocacy isn't just about speaking up; it's about connecting hearts and fostering understanding."

Resources Mentioned:

• Prader-Willi Syndrome Association
• https://incm.org/three-ways-leaders-can-help-families-in-medical-crisis/

Connect with Julie Foge:

https://www.instagram.com/juliefoge
https://www.leaningintolove.com/

To learn more about Maternal Grounding and to book Pregnancy Massage, Postpartum Massage, and Baby Massage, visit https://maternalgrounding.com.au/services/

Join our supportive community on Facebook: "Birth Trauma By Maternal Grounding" https://www.facebook.com/groups/1012299449213573

Connect with us on social media:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maternalgrounding/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maternalgrounding

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at hello@maternalgrounding.com.au

Are traditional medical approaches failing our neurodivergent and special needs children?

In this episode, Jess Ngaheu delves into the shortcomings of the traditional medical system for neurodivergent and special needs children. She highlights the complexity of multiple appointments, high costs, and the lack of communication between specialists. Jess shares insights on the importance of individualised care and the transformative power of brain plasticity, offering hope and practical solutions for parents navigating these challenges.

Key Takeaways:

Challenges of the Traditional Medical System:

• High costs and multiple specialist appointments.
• Lack of communication and coordination between different therapists.
• Limited focus on root causes, often leading to temporary solutions rather than long-term improvements.

Importance of Individualised Care:

• The need for a tailored approach considering each child's unique needs and history.
• The significance of comprehensive evaluations to understand the big picture.

Power of Brain Plasticity:

• The brain's ability to change and adapt through targeted therapies.
• Success stories of children making significant progress with individualised treatment plans.

Holistic Approaches to Treatment:

• Combining functional neurology, movement, massage, and other therapies.
• The importance of consistent, long-term work for sustainable improvement.
  
  

Chapters
00:00 - 00:19 - Introduction to the Episode
00:19 - 00:34 - Welcome and Overview
00:34 - 03:51 - Challenges in the Traditional Medical System
03:51 - 06:49 - Financial Burden and Communication Issues
06:49 - 08:04 - Power of Brain Plasticity and Success Stories
08:04 - 10:09 - Holistic Approaches to Treatment
10:09 - 12:01 - Individualised Care and Call to Action

Quotes
One-size-fits-all approach that is often seen in traditional medicine is not how it works, and it's definitely not how it works these days

The science of brain plasticity and the brain's ability to change and adapt is huge, but people don't often talk about it.

The fact that we can change the brain is absolutely true. I've seen it firsthand with my son.

We combine functional neurology, movement, massage, and many different aspects in one treatment.

Having regular treatment with us, we have sustainable improvement.

To learn more about Maternal Grounding and to book Pregnancy Massage, Postpartum Massage, and Baby Massage, visit https://maternalgrounding.com.au/services/

Join our supportive community on Facebook: "Birth Trauma By Maternal Grounding" https://www.facebook.com/groups/1012299449213573

Connect with us on social media:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maternalgrounding/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maternalgrounding

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at hello@maternalgrounding.com.au