“Instantly we started googling, and I listened to a podcast that led me to Mama Bear Care. My first doctor said she didn’t see anything concerning. But at 17 weeks we had a conversation with a different OB. He said something didn’t seem normal, and he had concerns. He encouraged us to think about having amniocentesis done and seeing a different MFM doctor.” [Maternal-Fetal Medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics focused on managing high-risk pregnancies.]

Sarah had another anatomy scan at 18 weeks which revealed some abnormal findings, including Baby’s size, some brain fluid, and a two-vessel cord. She and her husband wanted to learn all they could about their baby girl so they could know how best to prepare for her arrival and what could be done to help her. An additional ultrasound a week later seemed to indicate some earlier concerns had resolved. However, the lab results from an amniocentesis told a different story.

“It was something we never heard about—Triplody. Instantly we were devastated, knowing this was a fatal diagnosis. We prayed harder than ever before and stuck to our plan of loving her until God called her home to be with him. We developed a game plan to monitor her via ultrasounds until she passed, because I wanted to see her every chance I could! For 31 beautiful weeks I got to feel her sweet movements, talk to her, and safely keep her wrapped in my love nestled in my womb. My husband, son, and I prayed for her, talked about her, and loved her dearly. On June 12, 2025, I was able to bring her earthside as she was born sleeping.”

Sarah provided fierce love and tender care for Ellie every day she carried her. Baby Ellie brought her own gifts to the family as well! Sarah shares, “This experience has brought us so much closer and built our faith stronger than we ever could have imagined. Ellie has taught us so much through her sweet life. We have found strength in our love and faith. We have found light in the horrible darkness. We saw so many blessings, and I don’t think that would have been possible without her or without us having to go through this journey.”

Mama Bear Care was a part of the Spitzenbergers’ journey from the moment Sarah heard the founder’s story on a podcast. Sarah remembers, “It made me want to know more and be a part of a group who was going through what I was about to experience. Having a community made me feel more normal, because in my everyday life I felt so abnormal compared to everyone else around me. When I received the Faith Box, I was blown away by the thought and care that went into it. The book of how to explain to our son about his baby sister was the icing on the cake for us. Then when we received the Love Box after Ellie passed, it couldn’t have come at a better time. Everything truly provided us comfort and showed how much value this organization gives back to the hurting mamas. We have put everything to use and will treasure it always!”

To be an ongoing part of changing the narrative surrounding genetic anomalies from heartache to hope, you may choose to join the Mama Bear Movement as a monthly partner to support more Mama Bears like Sarah as they provide fierce love and tender care to their precious babies.