Ep. 131 - Early Arrival to Unexpected Journey with Jamiliah Jackson

Host Rashidah welcomes Jamiliah Jackson, a 44-year-old NewYork mom who became a first-time mother in 2021 to twins Alana and Array after delivering at 26 weeks due to peripartum cardiomyopathy and being hospitalizedin ICU and cardiology. She describes dismissive care before an emergency C-section, the trauma of the NICU during COVID, Alana’s two-month stay, Array’s nearly seven-month stay and discharge on oxygen, and her determination to advocate so Array could come home. After the twins turned two, Alana was diagnosed with autismlevel one and Array with level three nonverbal; Jamiliah emphasizes early intervention, pursuing psychological evaluation, building supportive “village” relationships, prioritizing self-care, and taking action over denial. Sheshares grief after her mother’s death, progress through therapies including ABA, Array beginning to speak, and her nonprofit-in-progress, PS Mommy Loves You, to support families affected by maternal death and autism. Connect with Jamiliah JacksonPPCM Survivor – NICU Mom ~ CEO of PS Mommy Loves You Non-Profit~ Black Maternal Rights ActivistInstagram - www.instagram.com/mrs_slaytemberTikTok – mrs_slaytemberIn this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Badass Moms Welcome01:10 Why This Story Matters02:01 Meet Jamiliah and The Twins05:01 Symptoms and Dismissal07:28 Emergency C Section Crisis13:51 ICU Fight and Faith18:24 First NICU Visit Reality22:47 Bringing Array Home Oxygen26:25 Postpartum Grief to Purpose34:04 Advocacy and Early Intervention39:36 Autism Signs and Testing41:32 Autism Diagnosis Shock44:31 Family Reactions and Resolve45:25 Finding Support Online47:49 Self Care for Moms51:10 Building the Care Team54:35 Grief and Julie’s Help57:08 Advocacy Over Denial01:04:01 Twins Progress and Bond01:08:28 Advice for Struggling Moms01:14:46 Nonprofit and How to Connect01:20:48 Gratitude and Closing01:23:51 Guest Application Outro If this episode resonated with you:Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastYouTube: autismforbadassmoms