Karen Beck | Personal Journey from IVF to Full-Term Pregnancy to Welcoming a 29-weeker

The journey to starting a family is different for each of us. This episode's guest is here to share her personal journey with IVF, finally learning she was pregnant, and welcoming a premature baby with a big brother at home. Karen Beck is a former educator and has served as the Program Coordinator for Today is a Good Day. She has been a part of Today is a Good Day’s dedicated team of volunteers for many years and we are grateful for all she contributes to help other families navigate the NICU. Karen knows first-hand the struggles of welcoming a premature baby, balancing home life and NICU life, and the challenges of starting a family. On this episode you will hear: • Karen tells you a little about her personal journey to starting a family. • Karen talks about "chemical pregnancy" and "blight ovums," and explains what those terms mean. • Karen talks about her next experience in the NICU, and will share with you what that journey to pregnancy looks like and what you can expect. • You will hear about what it is like to visit a baby in the NICU while caring for a toddler. • Karen shares how she explained having a new baby brother “here” but not actually “here” at home to her other child. • You will hear about how Karen helped her toddler feel connected to his brother. • Karen shares her most difficult moments during the NICU journey and how she overcame those moments. • Karen shares her advice for you or other families going through a similar situation?Please subscribe to NICU Today: A podcast by TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel.