Episode 132 | Tanisha's Story - A son with Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction

Tanisha tells a story of strength and perseverance as her son Jaleel was born with a lower urinary tract obstruction. This story highlights the powerful ways Tanisha and her husband, Quentin work together as a team for Jaleel and their family. From her experiences in the NICU and beyond, Tanisha created a community to support NICU Medical Moms.

[3:52] The journey to motherhood for Tanisha

[6:13] Learning that Jaleel had a lower urinary tract obstruction at her 20 week anatomy scan

[9:30] How Tanisha's husband helped her feel included in Jaleel's care

[14:16] Healing is on-going for Tanisha and her family

[18:39] She describes how she had the urge to walk one evening and the next morning learned she was in labor

[20:35] Jaleel was born and was immediately rushed to the NICU for respiratory issues

[22:57] Tanisha explains the emotional reunion in the NICU

[24:51] Her husband advocated for Tanisha become involved in Jaleel's care to connect with him

[26:49] Tanisha shares how she went into learning mode to not be stressed

[28:42] Child Life specialists put up pictures of Jaleel's progress in the NICU and decorated his room the theme of his nursery

[31:33] Getting a G-Tube was key to getting Jaleel ready for transplant

[33:30] Moral support from Mom to Mom was key for Tanisha

[37:43] Tanisha shares how she was enrolled in her Master's Degree program and how she was supported by faculty

[42:00] Tanisha shares how she feels she is getting to live her dream in a new way

[45:24] How Child Life Specialists shaped Jaleel's interest in music

Connect with Tanisha:

Medical Moms of NICU Facebook Group

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

• Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
• Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
• Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.