Ashley Schafluetzel is a kindergarten teacher and mom of two who lives outside St. Louis, Missouri. Her daughter, Ella, loves big hair bows and Frozen 2, is a great big sister, and is thriving in first grade. However, Ella's start in life was anything but typical, and through a high-risk pregnancy, premature birth, and extended NICU stay with multiple complications, Ashley and her husband faced challenges that they never expected would come with parenthood.
In this special bonus episode of The Mom Hour, Ashley shares an honest look back at her pregnancy, birth, NICU days, and early motherhood experience. From how she learned to advocate for herself and her baby, to growing into her role as a mom of a child with special needs, Ashley's story is part of an important part conversation that we hope you'll enjoy.