Life-Limiting Diagnosis (Trisomy 13), Navigating the Medical System & Advocating for Her Son[Part 01] | Episode 146 with Megan Gamboa

Episode 146

This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Megan Gamboa. In this week’s episode Megan is sharing the story of her son Levi and the life-limiting diagnosis of trisomy 13 she received for him and what it looked like for her to make the decision to carry him to term and how she advocated for his life with her medical time. Megan is a physical therapist and during our time together she shares her unique experience of what it looks like to navigate the medical system after having received a life-limiting diagnosis. Megan shares very practical advice about how she did this that I am sure will encourage you and give you tangible steps to take that feel manageable and doable if this is your story. In this part 1 of Megan’s 2 part interview we also talk about her pregnancy after loss journey as well. If you are in that season I know that Megan’s story will remind you that you aren’t alone in how difficult pregnancy after loss is to navigate and I’m sure you will find a lot of hope in her honesty.

Next week in part 2 Megan will share about what returning to work looked like for her, the same hospital where her son both lived and died is also her workplace – and her wisdom and honesty about this is going to be so helpful for you. We will also discuss marriage, faith and mental/emotional health after loss. One of my favorite questions that Megan answered was how her grief has changed over the last 3 years – I can’t wait for you to hear that next week.

This episode is tender and honest but also tangibly and practical helpful. I hope it reminds you that it is ok and gives you the courage to advocate for yourself and for your baby and to make decisions that are best for you and your family and your baby.

QUESTIONS we discuss IN EPISODE 146

You said this to me: “I felt a great responsibility to be an advocate for Levi. I felt like this was my way to parent him. I don’t get to put Band-Aids on his knees or help him pick a college, but I was going to be involved in every decision that I could.” Tell me more about that -- how did you advocate your Levi’s life? What did that practically look like?
What wisdom or encouragement would you give to a mom about advocating for her baby?
You told me that you really dug into research about your son’s diagnosis — tell me more about that, what did that practically look like and where would you advise a mom who wants more information to begin?
Tell me what you learned about navigating the medical system as a mom carrying a baby with a life-limiting diagnosis.
What is one thing you would tell a mom who has received a life-limiting diagnosis, something you wish someone had told you or something someone did tell you that was helpful and hopeful?
Tell me about your pregnancy journey after Levi.
What did you learn through that experience?
What hope or encouragement would you give to a mom who is pregnant after loss or considering pregnancy after loss?