What happens when every instinct tells you something is wrong, but no one can find answers? In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Christina Bernardo, Cuban-American mother of five and co-founder of Avocado Health, to discuss parenting through uncertainty, navigating unimaginable grief, and learning to trust your instincts. Christina shares the story of her daughter, Aviva, whose health struggles began at just nine days old. Despite six unexplained hospitalizations, extensive testing, and consultations with specialists, doctors were never able to determine why Aviva experienced recurring episodes of lethargy, low body temperature, slow heart rate, and breathing difficulties. At just 10½ months old, Aviva passed away when her heart suddenly stopped. Christina opens up about the guilt, questions, and heartbreak that followed, as well as the unique challenges of grieving during the COVID pandemic. She discusses how writing became a lifeline in processing not only the loss of Aviva, but other layers of grief connected to family relationships and past experiences. The conversation also explores how friends and family can better support those who are grieving, the importance of self-compassion, and how Christina transformed her pain into purpose by helping launch Avocado Health. Designed to empower parents, Avocado Health combines clinician-vetted AI guidance with access to parent coaches, workshops, and trusted resources to help families advocate confidently for their children. If you've ever questioned your instincts as a parent, struggled through loss, or wondered how to support someone who is grieving, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical encouragement. In This Episode Christina's experience with postpartum anxietyAviva's first medical emergency and six unexplained hospitalizationsThe grief, guilt, and "what ifs" that follow child lossProcessing grief through writing and creative expressionHow friends can show up for grieving familiesLearning self-compassion after tragedyThe story behind Avocado HealthHow AI can support parents without replacing medical professionalsWhy trusting your gut matters as a parentFinding purpose after profound loss Connect with Avocado Health Learn more about Avocado Health and its parent-support resources at https://avocadohealth.com. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Tragic Cold Open 00:15 Meet Christina Bernardo 01:26 Postpartum Anxiety Reality 03:25 Aviva's First Scare 06:09 Six Hospitalizations 09:46 Aftermath and Guilt 14:13 Writing Through Grief 17:55 How Friends Can Help 19:33 Show Up For Grief 21:04 Turning Pain Into Purpose 23:14 Self Critic To Self Kindness 25:02 Parent Coach In Pocket 26:13 How The AI Works 27:51 Origin Story And Pivot 30:04 Human Coaches And Workshops 31:56 Why Avocado Health 32:18 Trust Your Gut 36:06 How To Join And Connect 37:00 Final Takeaways See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
