Pregnant Mom ‘Felt Empty Inside’ at 37 Weeks, Then Toddler Son Listened to Her Tummy and Helped Save Brother’s Life (Exclusive)

A Wisconsin mother is now a prominent advocate for stillbirth prevention, following a life-altering experience that occurred when she was pregnant with her second son, Preston. Amanda Braverman-Brohn’s journey began 18 years ago when she faced a critical situation during her pregnancy that inspired her to become an educational leader in maternal health.

Amanda, who has always had a passion for helping others, realised the gravity of her circumstances when she sensed a lack of movement from her unborn child. At 37 weeks pregnant, she had been placed on bed rest due to pre-term labour, a condition that wasn’t new to her. However, on that crucial day, her two-year-old son Aiden noticed the stillness in Amanda’s abdomen during one of his playful medical checks with a toy stethoscope.

During his usual routine, Aiden, who nursed aspirations of being a doctor, suddenly reported, “The baby’s not okay.” Alarmed by her son’s observation, Amanda quickly sought medical assistance. Her anxiety escalated when she discovered that Preston had suffered a stroke in utero. Fortunately, due to the prompt response of medical professionals, his life was saved through an emergency cesarean section.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Amanda expressed her resolve to raise awareness regarding the signs and risks associated with stillbirth. “When I realised how lucky we were, that really inspired me to help advocate for information and education,” she said. She firmly believes that luck should not be relied upon in such critical situations when education and knowledge can make a difference.

In her efforts to contribute to maternal health education, Amanda founded her own non-profit organisation, the Moving Forward Foundation. Through this initiative, she aims to empower pregnant individuals by teaching them to monitor fetal movement closely. Research indicates that stillbirths occur in approximately 1 in every 175 births, with 21,000 stillbirths recorded annually in the United States alone. Amanda’s advocacy has particularly focused on addressing the disparities faced by non-Hispanic black women, who are twice as likely to experience stillbirth.

To effect change on a wider scale, Amanda has spoken to state legislators about the importance of maternal education. “Teaching expectant parents how to track fetal movement is not only non-invasive but also crucial,” she explained. “It allows them to advocate for their own health and the health of their babies.”

Even as she dedicates time to her advocacy work, Amanda cherishes her moments spent with her partner, Matthew, and their five children: Aiden, Preston, Benjamin, Tate, and Jovie. The family remains closely knit, often participating in musical activities together. Amanda describes Preston, who plans to pursue music in college, as “compassionate” and someone who is inherently supportive of others.

Recently, Amanda experienced an emotional milestone with Preston’s high school graduation. Reflecting on the occasion, she acknowledged how easy it can be to take ordinary moments for granted. “Life is fragile and life is special,” she stated, profoundly aware of the preciousness of each day with her children.

Aiden, the older brother who had played a crucial role in alerting Amanda to the emergency, continues to recognise the importance of his actions. He often tells nurses about the broader implications of preventing stillbirth, saying, “You’re saving somebody’s brother and somebody’s best friend.” This sentiment underscores the profound impact that education and awareness can have not only on families but on communities as a whole.

Amanda Braverman-Brohn’s advocacy and personal journey serve as powerful reminders of the importance of proactive measures in healthcare. By sharing her story, she aims to empower others to stay vigilant during pregnancy and actively engage with medical professionals about their experiences. Through her ongoing commitment to education and community service, Amanda is determined to change the narrative surrounding stillbirth and ensure that other families do not have to endure the same anxieties she faced.