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In this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, Lakeisha shares her journey to becoming a mom on her own terms—from prioritizing motherhood when dating took a back seat, to embracing the sweet surprise of discovering her baby’s gender at birth. She reflects on the joy of raising her daughter and the unique connections she’s built through dibling meetups, while also opening up about the emotional shifts that come with postpartum life. Most importantly, Lakeisha reminds us that seeking help when you’re struggling is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. By speaking candidly about postpartum depression and the courage it takes to ask for support, her story highlights the resilience, honesty, and love that define solo motherhood. Every path to parenthood is unique, and Lakeisha shows that even in the chaos, reaching out for help can make all the difference.

📞 Immediate Help

• Emergency: If you ever feel like you may act on thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Dial 988 anytime to connect with trained crisis counselors.

🌸 Postpartum-Specific Support

• Postpartum Support International (PSI):
  • Helpline (US & Canada): Call or text 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish available).
  • Website: postpartum.net
  • Offers a provider directory, online support groups, and peer mentors.
• Postpartum Progress:
  • Website: postpartumprogress.com
  • Community-focused site with stories, blog posts, and mental health resources.
• The Motherhood Center (NYC-based, with virtual options):
  • Website: themotherhoodcenter.com
  • Offers therapy, classes, and day programs.

📚 Self-Help & Education

• Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman (book with illustrations, very approachable).
• The Postpartum Stress Center – postpartumstress.com

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Amanda found out she was having twins at just three weeks pregnant — surprise! In this episode, she shares what it’s like to raise two babies solo, flee a state mid-pregnancy, and survive postpartum with the help of friends, caffeine, and a synchronized nap schedule. Chaos? Yes. Regrets? Zero.

In this episode, Amanda shares her thoughtful journey into single motherhood by choice (SMBC), offering a wealth of practical advice and personal reflections:

• Community Support: Amanda highlights the value of SMBC-focused Facebook groups as a vital space for connection and shared experience.
  
  
• Tapping Into Benefits: She urges listeners to explore their employer-provided benefits, sharing how her insurance provider and HR department offered unexpected resources. Amanda emphasizes that HR reps often love to help and can even connect you with external brokers if needed.
  
  
• Fertility Support: Her company offered Progyny as an enhanced IVF support program, and Amanda shares how her Progyny caseworker was instrumental—supportive, informative, and a true advocate.
  
  
• Advocating for Benefits: Amanda encourages building relationships with HR reps—especially at smaller companies, where HR can influence future benefits based on employee needs.

Favorite Resources:

• Emily Oster’s books for data-driven insights into pregnancy and planning.
  
  
• “An Excellent Choice”, a memoir that deeply resonated with Amanda during her SMBC journey—one of the few she could find that spoke directly to her experience.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or navigating the SMBC path, especially those looking to make the most of their workplace support and benefits.

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In this powerful episode of Choosing Chaos, Lindsey opens up about her path to solo motherhood—from choosing to become a single mom by choice to the unexpected detour of navigating life in the NICU with her preemie. We talk about fertility, preeclampsia, advocacy, and the emotional strength it takes to keep going when nothing goes as planned.

💛 NICU Support Resources:

• Hand to Hold
  
  
• Graham’s Foundation
  
  
• NICU Parent Network
  
  
• March of Dimes – NICU Support
  
  
• Peekaboo ICU
  
  
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
  
  
• UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation Medical Grants (UHCCF)
  
  
• Early Intervention Services (via CDC)
  
  
  

🩺 Preeclampsia Resources:

• Preeclampsia Foundation
  
  
• Count the Kicks
  
  
• March of Dimes – Preeclampsia Info
  
  
• Every Mother Counts
  
  
  

🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts and find all the links in the show notes!

#ChoosingChaos #PreemieStrong #SMBC #NICUMama #SoloMomByChoice #FertilityJourney #DonorConception #PreeclampsiaAwareness #MotherhoodUnfiltered #NICUAwareness #PreemieLife

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