After an unexpected hiatus, Jacqueline is back with a new episode as she joyfully shares her family's recent expansion to five as they welcomed a perfect little girl into the world! She was born happy and healthy on April 17th via their gracious surrogate. Everyone is doing well! More on her birth story to come...

In this episode, Jacqueline chats with Jodi, a fellow preemie mom, on how to manage when birth stories deviate from expectations. Jodi's journey with her daughter's premature birth at 28 weeks, the subsequent NICU stay, and the emotional aftermath is intimately detailed. Through both of their stories, this episode delves into the struggles and triumphs of navigating premature parenthood, advocating for one's children, and the importance of finding and offering support to others in similar situations.

The discussion also touches on broader themes of motherhood, infertility, surrogacy, and reframing mindsets to cope with unexpected life events. The conversation is not only a source of comfort and camaraderie for those with shared experiences, but also offers practical advice and highlights the critical need for extending and seeking support through networks like Jodi's initiative, FLRRiSH. Jacqueline encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection, reach out for support, and contribute to the podcast community.

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00:00 Welcome Back & Personal Updates

00:27 The Magical Journey of Surrogacy

01:48 Podcast Season Updates & Listener Support

03:12 Navigating the NICU Journey: A Conversation with Jodi

06:42 Empowerment Through Advocacy: Flrrish's Mission

11:11 The Transition Home from NICU: Challenges and Support

17:17 Reframing Parenthood After Premature Birth

19:38 Advocating for Your Child's Needs Beyond the NICU

25:11 The Power of Resilience in Premature Births

26:23 Celebrating Preemie Strength as a Superpower

28:23 Navigating Parenthood and the Importance of Mindset

29:21 Embracing Alternative Paths to Parenthood

30:10 The Impact of Positive Energy and Support

34:25 Creating Flrrish: A Journey from Personal Struggle to Helping Others

38:45 The Emotional Complexity of Parenthood and Fertility Challenges

44:04 Advice for Moving Forward After Birth Trauma or Infertility

48:00 Connecting with Resources and Community Support

Support the Show.

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

This episode features an inspiring conversation with Gretchen Witt, who shares her profoundly personal journey through pediatric cancer with her son, Liam, and how it led to the founding of Cookies for Kids' Cancer. Faced with the dire need for funding in pediatric cancer research, Gretchen turned her pain into purpose, initiating a massive cookie bake sale that evolved into a year-round national organization, raising millions for research and treatment options. The episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of navigating pediatric cancer, the nuances of different types, and the importance of advocacy and grassroots involvement. Gretchen's story illustrates the power of community, determination, and love in the fight against pediatric cancer.

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Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay focused on your journey to baby.

This episode is brought to you by History on the Rocks, the podcast that brings you the fascinating tales of lesser known history while you get ready for the weekend with your favorite drink in hand. Join Cody and Audrey as they uncork the stories that time forgot. From famous people like George Washington and his distillery, to pirate queens causing mayhem on the high seas, each episode is a journey through the ages with endless possibilities. Give History on the Rocks a follow on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with news about the latest episodes.

00:00 Welcome and Personal Update: Awaiting a New Arrival

01:55 Introducing Gretchen Witt: A Mother's Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

04:24 Gretchen's Story: The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

15:28 Navigating the Healthcare System: Seeking the Best Care for Liam

26:04 Advocacy and Communication: Protecting Childhood Amidst Cancer

32:30 The Rollercoaster of Cancer Treatment: Hope, Gratitude, and Giving Back

33:49 Understanding Pediatric Cancer and a Mother's Journey

34:29 The Birth of a Cookie Fundraiser

37:11 The Logistics of Baking 96,000 Cookies

39:00 The Impact of Cookies for Kids' Cancer

45:10 Expanding the Mission and Making a Difference

54:57 How to Get Involved and Support Pediatric Cancer Research

01:00:27 Reflections and Encouragement to Take Action

Support the Show.

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In this bonus episode, Jacqueline shares a personal conversation with her son Hunter, reflecting on his growth and experiences as he turns six. The episode explores themes of family, memory-making, and celebrates milestones, including Hunter's progress in school and his latest birthday party. Additionally, Jacqueline highlights the importance of community through the 'Motherhood Intended' Facebook group and extends an invitation to listeners to contribute to the conversation on motherhood struggles and joys. Furthermore, the episode shares insights into preparing for a new family member and reflects on Hunter's early challenges, including his premature birth and NICU stay. It concludes by emphasizing hope, resilience, and the significant impact of family connections.

• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
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Struggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay focused on your journey to baby.

00:00 Welcome to the Bonus Episode: A Special Guest Appearance

00:39 Join the Motherhood Intended Community: A Space for All Moms

03:29 A Heartwarming Chat with Hunter: Celebrating His 6th Birthday

06:35 Hunter's Kindergarten Adventures and Favorite Things

08:42 Rapid-Fire Questions: Getting to Know Hunter Better

12:01 Podcasting Adventures: Imagining Time Travel

12:53 Dreaming of Dinosaur Dialogues

14:07 Envisioning a Personal Podcast

16:33 Family Dynamics and Big Brother Duties

18:36 Preparing for a New Sibling: Nursery and Responsibilities

22:59 Reflecting on Hunter's Journey and the Miracle of Life

Support the Show.

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12