They Told Us to Prepare for Palliative Care… But we chose to fight for Louie
In The Heart Of The VaultShow Notes
In this episode of In the Heart of the Vault, Nicola shares the deeply personal journey that began when her baby boy Louie was born prematurely at 32 weeks.
Just days after his birth, Louie’s intestine twisted and strangulated, leaving only 8cm of small intestine able to be saved after multiple emergency surgeries.
Nicola and her husband were told to prepare for palliative care.
They were warned that continuing treatment could prolong suffering and that letting him go may be the kinder option.
But Nicola trusted her instinct as a mother.
What followed was eight months in hospital, navigating life in survival mode, making impossible decisions, and learning how to advocate for their son while holding their family together.
Today, Louie is exceeding expectations.
This conversation explores the raw reality of motherhood in medical crisis, the grief parents carry behind closed doors, the strength it takes to advocate for your child, and the deep trust that can grow when you learn to listen to your intuition.
Nicola shares what it means to walk through uncertainty, resilience, and the parts of motherhood that are rarely spoken about. Disclaimer
The experiences shared in this episode reflect the personal journey and perspectives of the guest. This conversation is intended to share lived experience and raise awareness and should not be considered medical advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Listener discretion is advised as this episode includes discussion of neonatal illness, medical trauma, and hospitalisation.
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