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In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of life, love, and inclusion. Annie Rocchio joins us to share the story of her daughter’s life with Down Syndrome—a journey filled with joy, lessons, and a deeper understanding of what it means to embrace differences. Annie’s story is not only a tribute to her daughter but also a call to practice compassion, celebrate diversity, and teach future generations the importance of acceptance.

Please note: This conversation touches on sensitive topics surrounding choice and the difficult decisions many families face. Listener discretion is advised.

Through Annie’s words, we’re reminded that no one is perfect—and that’s what makes us beautifully human. Together, we can honor every life, celebrate the unique gifts each person brings, and work toward a world that is more inclusive, kind, and open-hearted.

Resources & Inspiration from Annie:

• National Down Syndrome Society: https://ndss.org
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org
• National Down Syndrome Congress: https://ndsccenter.org
• Canadian Down Syndrome Society: https://cdss.ca — These guys do some great campaigns; Annie really loves their work!

Some inspiring families on Instagram:

• @makingmilliestones
• @a_little_extra_jayne
• @the.sofia.sanchez
  
  

Annie’s personal page:

@annielrocchio — She posts a lot of political content in her stories, just a heads-up!

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Sometimes the boldest leaps bring the most beautiful rewards. 🌟 In this episode, Marquita takes us inside her inspiring journey as a single mom by choice—first welcoming her daughter, and now joyfully preparing for baby girl number two! She shares what it’s really like to navigate the ups and downs of fertility, why trusting your provider matters, and how building your own version of a village can make all the difference. Marquita’s story is full of courage, love, and yes—even choosing a little chaos along the way. 💕

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Fertility is rarely simple. For many, it’s a journey that calls for time, patience, and the courage to adjust course—whether that means changing clinics, rethinking treatment options, or finding new sources of hope.

In this episode of Choosing Chaos, we sit down with Lindsay, who was told at just 33 years old that motherhood might not be possible. Years later, after navigating heartbreak, loss, countless rounds of treatment, and the rollercoaster of hope and disappointment, her persistence led to life-changing news.

✨ A gentle note: This episode includes sensitive conversation around pregnancy loss.

Lindsay’s story is a powerful reminder of self-compassion, and the truth that while the fertility journey is often invisible to others, it deserves our empathy, respect, and love.

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What does it mean to embrace motherhood on your own terms? In this episode of Choosing Chaos, we sit down with Kristen Caples, a single mom by choice to twins. After an early arrival landed her babies in the NICU, Kristen navigated the challenges of the hospital, the journey home, and the adventures of raising twins with resilience, joy, and a strong village by her side.

Now, she’s traveling the world with her children, exploring museums, aquariums, and diverse cultures, all while redefining what family can look like. Kristen shares her story of courage, connection, and why she’s passionate about normalizing the many paths women can take into single motherhood.

Follow Kristen and her journey at uncomplicatedmomming.com
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What happens when motherhood begins in the unexpected?

In this episode of Choosing Chaos, we sit down with Melissa Whalen, whose journey into motherhood started when her daughter was born at just 29 weeks and six days. After developing preeclampsia that escalated into HELLP syndrome, Melissa faced an early delivery and the challenges of the NICU.

Now, she’s raising her neurodivergent daughter—who is making incredible strides with her skills—with endless love, advocacy, and determination. Melissa shares how she continues to seek out the support her daughter needs to thrive, while navigating the ups and downs of motherhood with honesty and strength.

Melissa's Recommended Resources:

Medicaid Waiver Programs – Some states provide Medicaid for kids with special needs regardless of parent income. Find your state’s info here: Kids Waivers

Service Coordination – State/county coordinators can connect families to resources and waitlists.

Early Intervention – Early services are available in every state for infants/toddlers with developmental delays.

ABA Therapy – While controversial, neurodiversity-affirming ABA can be helpful for some families.

Education Supports – Explore IEPs and 504 Plans to ensure schools provide needed tools. Advocates are available if schools aren’t meeting a child’s needs.

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In this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, we sit down with Linzay Davis, founder of Hello-Bundle, to talk about navigating parental leave as a new parent. After struggling to figure out paid leave, job protection, and postpartum support herself, Linzay created Hello-Bundle to help thousands of parents maximize their benefits and thrive while spending precious time with their newborns. Tune in to learn how to get the parental leave you deserve and make the transition back to work smoother—because every parent deserves a little support. Check them out at hello-bundle.com to learn more!

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In this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, Sara shares her journey to solo motherhood, from combining IUI and IVF to the surprise of identical twins. She opens up about pregnancy bedrest, early motherhood anxiety, and the lessons learned raising her girls into their teenage years. A story of resilience, love, and embracing a little beautiful chaos along the way.

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In this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, Lakeisha shares her journey to becoming a mom on her own terms—from prioritizing motherhood when dating took a back seat, to embracing the sweet surprise of discovering her baby’s gender at birth. She reflects on the joy of raising her daughter and the unique connections she’s built through dibling meetups, while also opening up about the emotional shifts that come with postpartum life. Most importantly, Lakeisha reminds us that seeking help when you’re struggling is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. By speaking candidly about postpartum depression and the courage it takes to ask for support, her story highlights the resilience, honesty, and love that define solo motherhood. Every path to parenthood is unique, and Lakeisha shows that even in the chaos, reaching out for help can make all the difference.

📞 Immediate Help

• Emergency: If you ever feel like you may act on thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Dial 988 anytime to connect with trained crisis counselors.

🌸 Postpartum-Specific Support

• Postpartum Support International (PSI):
  • Helpline (US & Canada): Call or text 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish available).
  • Website: postpartum.net
  • Offers a provider directory, online support groups, and peer mentors.
• Postpartum Progress:
  • Website: postpartumprogress.com
  • Community-focused site with stories, blog posts, and mental health resources.
• The Motherhood Center (NYC-based, with virtual options):
  • Website: themotherhoodcenter.com
  • Offers therapy, classes, and day programs.

📚 Self-Help & Education

• Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman (book with illustrations, very approachable).
• The Postpartum Stress Center – postpartumstress.com

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