Navigating Parenthood After the NICU: Helping Families Flourish with Jodi Klaristenfeld

Leaning Into Being

It takes a village to raise a child. But for families with unique challenges, that village needs to be carefully curated.

Jodi Klaristenfeld, Founder of FLRRiSH and NICU mom, knows firsthand how important it is to build the right support team. Her daughter was born prematurely, and together, they spent 77 days in the NICU. She had a dedicated team throughout that challenging time, and their help made all the difference. Grateful for the care she received, Jodi has made it her mission to help other parents navigate similar struggles.

Jodi’s journey is a powerful reminder that there is strength in asking for help and leaning on your community for support.

You won’t want to miss it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Power of a Support Network: Jodi shares how crucial it was to build a strong care team for her daughter during and after their NICU experience. She encourages parents to seek support, reminding us we don’t have to face challenges alone.
• Navigating Trauma in Motherhood: Jodi found healing by processing her emotions and allowing herself to grieve what she had envisioned. It’s okay to mourn the loss of the ideal birth story and still move forward with strength.
• Reframing Success as a Parent: Jodi discusses how it’s important to let go of expectations and focus on your child’s progress and happiness, no matter how different the journey looks from what you imagined.
• Advocating for Maternal Health: In dealing with Pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome, Jodi stresses the need for better maternal healthcare and parental leave policies. She encourages parents to speak up about their needs and advocate for systemic changes that better support families.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Meet Jodi Klaristenfeld
(04:24) What are Pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome?
(08:39) Coaching parents of preemies through FLRRiSH
(13:05) Coping with unexpected situations
(16:01) Overcoming judgment and making personal family decisions
(23:41) The mental health of NICU parents
(26:23) The importance of finding your village
(29:26) How to offer support for parents
(33:29) Don’t be afraid to ask for help
(35:19) Jodi’s messy motherhood moment

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