53 | Olympic Champion, NICU Mom: Elana Meyers Taylor on Perseverance, Parenting & Advocacy
EPISODE 53
In this episode, we sit down with Elana Meyers Taylor! Elana is a six-time Olympic medalist, 2026 Olympic Gold Medalist, mother of two, and NICU mom. Her journey with her sons, Nico and Noah, has inspired a powerful story of faith, perseverance, and advocacy.
When Elana won gold in Milan at age 41, she dropped to her knees and signed "champion" to her boys in the stands, later celebrating with her family in a moment that had me swiping the happiest tears from my eyes.
It was an honor to hear Elana share her experience navigating the NICU, having a NICU grad during the pandemic, competing at the highest level of her sport, and now raising two children with disabilities. This conversation is such an encouraging reminder that advocacy starts at home, that leaning into community changes everything, and that even in the most overwhelming seasons of life, love for your child is always enough to keep going.
Quick Notes from the Episode:
It's important to find your village. Having a community around you truly plays a meaningful role in your baby's life and your own wellbeing.
Trust your parent instincts. You know your child better than anyone else, and your voice in their care matters.
Take it step by step. No matter how overwhelming it gets, focus on what's most important, which is loving your baby.
It's okay if it looks different. Interact with your child in whatever capacity you can, and give yourself permission to find a new normal for your family.
You can do it. NICU parents are proof that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Even as life takes on a new rhythm, you will find the strength to show up for your baby in all the ways that matter, just as you did through the NICU.
Elana’s NICU Grad Guide - Resources Mentioned:
Jack's Baskets - A nonprofit that believes every baby born with Down syndrome deserves to be welcomed with a "Congratulations!" They send free gift baskets filled with baby gifts, books, and resources to families from the time of diagnosis through baby's first birthday.
Gigi's Playhouse - A national network of Down syndrome achievement centers offering free therapeutic, educational, and career programming for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
You can connect with Elana Meyers-Taylor via her Instagram or Twitter/X!
P.S. One more thing we talked about: our Graduation Orientation - Eat, Play, Poop, Sleep. It's a small, intimate gathering on the first Tuesday of every month, the kind where you can actually ask your real questions without feeling like a number. You'll leave with clarity and confidence on where to start, how to tell red flags from normal baby behavior, calming techniques for NICU grads, sleep, feeding and growth support, and how to navigate medical costs. Sign up here ➡️ nicualumni.org/nicu-graduation-orientation
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The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.