021: The Journey from the NICU to Ultimate Happiness with Karri Friedenberger

For NICU parents, watching their child graduate from the NICU feels like an enormous relief! It’s such an important milestone and deserves to be celebrated and cherished.

However, sometimes it doesn’t take long before you realize that the journey is far from over. But, if you’re surrounded by the right people, it can also be a very rewarding one filled with hope, strength, and joy. However, sometimes it doesn’t take long before you realize that the journey is far from over.

Today’s guest is Karri Friedenberger, and she is no stranger to the NICU or pregnancy-related trauma. She’s experienced several miscarriages, the birth of three pre-mature NICU babies (including twins), and navigated many years of post-NICU therapy, surgeries, treatments, and preventative medical programs.

Today, her four “babies” are healthy and happy young adults; Karri shares her story with as many parents as she can to remind them that there is hope for everyone. Her work with March of Dimes - March for Babies began in 2005, and she has been advocating for mother and baby care ever since. 

In this episode, we discuss the ups and downs of the NICU journey, the post-NICU experience (including lifelong treatments), and Karri shares tips on finding support and community.

Key Takeaways with Karri Friedenberger

• How Karri mentally prepared herself for a pregnancy with twins after two miscarriages.
• The importance of sharing stories & experiences with other NICU parents who can relate to what you’re going through.
• How to navigate life post-NICU graduation with continued therapies and treatments.
• How to begin healing from pregnancy and neonatal related trauma.
• Overcoming feelings of mom guilt & other difficult emotions.
• Why she is raising awareness for mother/baby care and supporting NICU parents.

Show Notes:

Get Full Access to the Show Notes by visiting: MatteasJoy.org/21.

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