Krystal Janet is a full time working momma and stepmom. She embraces all parenting a child with special needs, coparenting and life changes with good books and cafecito. Krystal enjoys traveling, attending community events, eating sushi and trying all the red wines. This momma strives to continue strengthening and growing her village through her family and friends, both local and out of state, and has a soft spot for Autism Moms, Stepmoms and graduates of the NICU. Check her out on instagram @theinclusivemama. Sensitive topic: Code Pink
Quick Call Outs from the Episode:
- Leaving the hospital is a huge milestone, but it can be challenging for friends and family to understand that being discharged from the NICU doesn’t necessarily mean the difficulties are over. You and your baby may still have ongoing concerns that need to be monitored and supported. The time after the NICU can be very overwhelming and isolating.
- Krystal reminds us that taking time to think of yourself and to take care of yourself, will help you to be able to care for your child.
- After learning about her son’s autism diagnosis, Krystal shares that it was hard to grapple with, and she was upset by how hard it was to get the support he needed
- We asked Krystal, "when did you feel like you went from being in 'survival mode' to 'thriving'”?
- Krystal shares that it's ok to take a minute to grieve that what you thought, expected, planned, and dreamed, will look different
- Embrace what the new expectations, plans, and dreams can look like
- FIND YOUR PEOPLE! Community and support make a meaningful difference. Do not stay isolated.
Additional Resources
- Free support: UM-NSU Card (free services and programs for those in the South Florida area that are affected by autism and related disabilities)
- Miami Mom Collective - Miami Mom Collective is a website that aims to connect area moms to relevant resources, local businesses, can’t-miss happenings, and most of all — each other!
- Krystal’s posts on Miami Mom Collective
Follow Krystal on Instagram @theinclusivemama!
Let's keep in touch!
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org.
A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!
You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.
The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.