“It wasn't any kind of strength within myself that helped me get through the NICU. It was the strength they had—they gave it to me.”- Savannah O'Malley
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What happens when your birth plan is shattered in an instant? For Savannah, the unexpected arrival of her micropreemie twins at just 24 weeks turned her world upside down. One of her sons faced significant medical challenges, including brain bleeds and a cerebral palsy diagnosis, while the other grew without complications. Through it all, Savannah found healing in advocacy, art, and the power of sharing her story.
In this moving episode, we explore:
✅ The emotional and medical complexities of delivering micro-preemie twins
✅ How a cerebral palsy diagnosis reshaped their family’s journey
✅ The silent struggle of maternal mental health after a traumatic birth
✅ Why peer support and storytelling matter in healing and advocacy
✅ How Savannah’s Cards of Hope project is making a difference for other NICU moms
Savannah’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the incredible strength of mothers navigating complex medical journeys. Whether you're a NICU parent, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you feeling empowered.
⏱️ [00:00] – Episode Intro
Welcome to today’s episode featuring Savannah O’Malley
The importance of sharing NICU and maternal mental health stories
⏱️ [01:00] – Meet Savannah
Mom to three, including twin micro-preemies
Advocate for maternal mental health and children with disabilities
⏱️ [03:00] – The Unexpected Arrival: 24-Week Twins
How Savannah’s pregnancy took a sudden turn
Navigating a traumatic birth and immediate NICU admission
⏱️ [09:00] – The Medical Rollercoaster Begins
Brain bleeds, heart complications, and emergency surgeries
Balancing hope with overwhelming medical challenges
⏱️ [13:00] – A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy & Hydrocephalus
How Lachlan’s brain injury shaped their early intervention journey
The emotions of receiving a CP diagnosis and shifting expectations
⏱️ [24:00] – Maternal Mental Health: The Hidden Battle
Why Savannah struggled with PTSD and anxiety
The moment a medical professional finally validated her trauma
Why maternal mental health screenings should extend beyond the NICU
⏱️ [30:00] – The Power of Peer Support
Finding community in other NICU and disability moms
How social media became a lifeline for connection and hope
⏱️ [38:00] – Turning Pain into Purpose: Cards of Hope
How Savannah combined her love for art with her advocacy
Sending free, uplifting artwork to mothers of traumatic births
How small acts of kindness can have a profound impact
⏱️ [44:00] – Lessons from Motherhood & Advocacy
Why Savannah wouldn’t change a thing about her son’s journey
The importance of celebrating progress, not just milestones
How caregivers can find strength in their child's resilience
⏱️ [50:00] – Where to Find Savannah & How to Support Cards of Hope
How you can receive or gift a Card of Hope
Why sharing your story can be the start of healing
📌 Sign Up for a Card of Hope: SavvyJane.com
📥 Follow Savannah’s Journey on Instagram: @SavvyJaneOMalley
🎨 Support the Cards of Hope Project: Purchase art prints to fund outreach
🎧 Listen to more episodes: Child Life On Call
Did Savannah’s story resonate with you? Have your own experience with micropreemies or maternal mental health? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media.
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The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.