Ashley Schafluetzel is a kindergarten teacher and mom of two who lives outside St. Louis, Missouri. Her daughter, Ella, loves big hair bows and Frozen 2, is a great big sister, and is thriving in first grade. However, Ella’s start in life was anything but typical, and through a high-risk pregnancy, premature birth, and extended NICU stay with multiple complications, Ashley and her husband faced challenges that they never expected would come with parenthood.
In this special bonus episode of The Mom Hour, Ashley shares an honest look back at her pregnancy, birth, NICU days, and early motherhood experience. From how she learned to advocate for herself and her baby, to growing into her role as a mom of a child with special needs, Ashley’s story is part of an important conversation that we hope you’ll enjoy.
LINKS MENTIONED:
- March of Dimes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF)
- Books that Ashley personally found helpful include:
- Preemies – Second Edition: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies
- Teaching Motor Skills to Children With Cerebral Palsy And Similar Movement Disorders: A Guide for Parents And Professionals
- Psalm 91 for Mothers: God’s Shield of Protection for Your Children
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
- Visit our website
- Check out deals from our partners
- Follow us on Instagram
- Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
- Sign up for our newsletter
Featured image credit: Anna Hollister | Schafluetzel family photos credit: Simply Elizabeth Photography
