Story Sanctuary

Erika Mendence
  • 5.0 (20)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Story Sanctuary is a space for NICU parents to use storytelling as a healing art. Each episode features the birth story + NICU experience of one remarkable family. Join us on this journey of connection, community-building and healing!

  1. 12/01/2022 · BONUS

    A Farewell

    Every ending is a beginning,

    3 min

  2. 11/10/2022

    Amber + Rowan

    After a devastating 20-week scan, Amber was given the option to terminate or wait for baby to pass in her womb. On today’s episode of Story Sanctuary, Amber traces her pregnancy journey and the NICU stay that followed baby Rowan’s birth. She also shares what inspired her to start an Etsy shop (Medical Mama Bear) and the power of spreading joy during difficult times.

    59 min

  3. 10/27/2022

    E'sha + Kennedy

    On today’s episode of Story Sanctuary, E’sha shares her personal medical journey, leading up to the birth of her daughter Kennedy. This journey brought her back to Kansas City where she was able to receive family support during her daughter's NICU stay. Kennedy was born at 4 months, weighing 1lb and 3oz, and was in the NICU for over a year.  —— PSI Online Support Meetings: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/#toggle-id-9-closed

    36 min

  4. 10/13/2022

    Sophia + Winsley **RE-RELEASE**

    When Sophia was pregnant with her first child Winsley, she never imagined how difficult her entry into motherhood would be. At 33 weeks, Sophia delivered a healthy 5 lb 12 oz baby girl via emergency c-section. Unfortunately, Winsley’s NICU was ill-equipped to care for premature babies and during her hospital stay, she contracted MRSA. Without proper and timely treatment, the MRSA ended up entering Winsley’s spinal fluid and became meningitis. On today’s episode, Sophia shares their 63 day fight for Winnie’s life, her NICU journey, and the lessons learned along the way. ⁣ ⁣  𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳 + 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩, 𝘔𝘙𝘚𝘈 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴⁣

    31 min

  5. 09/29/2022

    Cathy, Ari & Tikvah

    “We were not born to be Tikvah’s parents, we are growing into being Tikvah’s parents” - Cathy On today’s episode of Story Sanctuary, Cathy and Ari share the story of their medical journey, which began after a seemingly typical pregnancy and birth. Join these two as they take a “leap of faith” and allow trust in God to shepherd them on their path as they settle into the role of mom and dad to their lovely daughter Tikvah.

    1h 37m

  6. 09/15/2022

    Krista + Riley

    At the 20-week anatomy scan, Krista and her husband were surprised to discover their daughter Riley had a birth difference called an omphalocele. On today’s episode, Krista traces her pregnancy and 9-month NICU stay with courageous Riley. She also discusses the anxiety of having another child after loss, finding the positive along the way, and what encourages her to continue to help other medical families. *Content Warning: This episode explores infant loss* https://socialworklicensemap.com/blog/coping-with-secondary-trauma/ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/secondary-trauma/

    47 min

  7. 09/01/2022

    Pam's Family

    Pam never expected to have 7 children or that she would become a medical mom, but as we’ve heard again and again on Story Sanctuary—life often doesn’t go the way we planned.  On today’s episode, Pam shares her motherhood story which encompasses adoption, fertility treatments, biological children, and being a medical foster parent. She goes in-depth into the medical portions, exploring adopting a heart baby, then finding out devestating news about her daughter Ally (pictured above) and what that journey has looked like for her family. Pam also discusses the difference in support with having a sick child in the 1990s vs. in the internet age, trusting your gut and what being a fierce advocate for her children has looked like over the years. Oley Foundation website: https://oley.org/ Ally’s crochet business page: hooksnspoons.com

    57 min

  8. 08/18/2022

    Celeste + Vincent

    “Of course, they give you that percent—95% success, but what happens when your child is born and they’re in that 5%?” At 14 weeks pregnant, Celeste and her husband received confirmation of a gastroschisis diagnosis with their child, kickstarting a rollercoaster medical journey. On today’s episode of Story Sanctuary, Celeste shares her pregnancy story, NICU stay, and the transplant journey that followed. We also discuss having Crazy Faith, supporting someone who is grieving, and learning to live again after loss. CW/TW: This episode explores grief and the loss of a child ----- Grounding worksheet: https://www.winona.edu/resilience/media/grounding-worksheet.pdf ----- If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on Story Sanctuary, please contact nicustorysanctuary@gmail.com

    1h 34m
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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Story Sanctuary is a space for NICU parents to use storytelling as a healing art. Each episode features the birth story + NICU experience of one remarkable family. Join us on this journey of connection, community-building and healing!

Information

  • Creator
    Erika Mendence
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2022
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Erika Mendence
  • Show Website
    Story Sanctuary