Trauma Mamas

#7: You Weren't Expecting to Know That It’s Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month: with Kaylee

Alison Winter Season 1 Episode 7

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When you’re expecting a baby, you don't think you’ll become an expert in congenital heart defects (CHDs). But for Kaylee Berner, that became her reality when her son, Bennett, was born with Tricuspid Atresia, Transposed Great Arteries, and Pulmonary Vein Stenosis. His heart may be one of a kind, and in this episode, Kaylee breaks down his complex condition in a way that makes sense. 

Bennett spent his entire first year in the NICU, undergoing multiple surgeries, including open-heart procedures. But despite the challenges, Kaylee made sure that their hospital stay wasn’t just about survival. she found ways to bring joy, connection, and even a little humor into the ICU. From celebrating milestones in his room to forming lifelong friendships in the hospital hallways, she turned unimaginable circumstances into something meaningful.

This family is tough and inspiring. This is a story that everyone should hear.