52. Navigating an Unplanned Diagnosis + NICU Stay with Shanna Hutcheson Artwork

The Expecting and Empowered Podcast

We’re Amy and Krystle, sisters, mamas and co-founders of Expecting and Empowered. We built this business because we saw a HUGE gap in information given to women who were pregnant or postpartum. During the incredibly demanding and challenging years of early motherhood, we wanted to create a safe space for women to learn, grow and feel supported.We wholeheartedly believe in serving every woman no matter where they are in their motherhood journey. Through our professional background, real life experiences and mamas in our community, we are opening up the conversation around common issues that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum, sharing birth stories and giving women the knowledge and resources they deserve to put their best foot forward in motherhood.

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The Expecting and Empowered Podcast

52. Navigating an Unplanned Diagnosis + NICU Stay with Shanna Hutcheson

February 07, 2024 • Amy Kiefer + Krystle Howald

Shanna from @wellnessforthewin on Instagram is on the show today. She is a dietitian, an Expecting and Empowered ambassador, and a mom to two beautiful boys. Shanna is going through an incredibly tough situation after the birth of her second son, Levi. He had an unexpected stay in the NICU and we hope that by sharing Shanna’s story we are able to help other NICU moms feel seen, understood and less alone.

Not only did Shanna’s son Levi have an extended stay in the NICU but Shanna herself had to recover from an unexpected C-section as well. She shares what those around her did to help her and her family feel loved and supported during the most difficult time of their lives. Shanna also shares what she tried to do to take care of herself when most days it felt like all she could do was just survive.

Shanna and her husband also have a toddler at home while they are trying to navigate everything with Levi. She shares how their first born has been such a blessing through these last several months and how he has brought a sense of normalcy to their hectic lives. The future is still unknown for Levi and Shanna shares how she continues to navigate this medical mom journey that she did not sign up for.

We love Shanna and we hope her story gives other NICU moms some feelings of solidarity. If you enjoyed or connected with this episode we would love it if you shared it to your Instagram stories and tag us both; @expectingandempowered and @wellnessforthewin.

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People on this episode

Amy Kiefer

Co-host

Krystle Howald

Co-host