Help Katherine Heal and Care for Baby Emma

Hi, my name is Katherine, and I’m a mom to a toddler, Georgie, and a newborn baby girl, Emma, who was born in February 2025. What was supposed to be a joyful and tender time bonding with my newborn has turned into the most physically and emotionally challenging chapter of my life.

Just before Emma’s birth, I developed mastitis that progressed into a severe breast abscess due to negligence at the hospital. Since Emma was just 10 days old, I’ve had to undergo multiple surgeries, including incision and drainage, debridements, an excisional biopsy, and now weekly surgical procedures under general anesthesia to change the wound VAC device that’s helping the area heal.

The wound has left me unable to carry anything over 7 pounds. While I can hold Emma briefly, it’s painful and not recommended, and I’ve had to limit it almost entirely. I can’t pick her up when she cries. I can’t soothe her to sleep or feed her without discomfort. I’ve had to stop breastfeeding to support my healing. It’s incredibly painful, physically and emotionally, to not be able to care for her in the way I long to.

Because of how intense recovery has been, we had to move back to St. Louis to be close to family and lean on their support. My husband is working full-time while trying to help care for me, our baby, and our toddler. I’m unable to do basic chores or manage the day-to-day at home. We’ve had to rely on extra childcare and help around the house just to make it through each week.

Unfortunately, this journey is far from over. I’m still facing a long healing process and will ultimately need a skin graft to fully close the wound.

While some of my medical costs are covered by insurance, we’re facing extraordinary out-of-pocket expenses, not just medical, but also the kind of help and care we need right now as a family.

We’re asking for $15,000 to help us bridge this difficult time, support our household, and give me the space to heal while still being there for my babies.

This isn’t easy to share, but we know we can’t do this alone. If you’re able to donate or share this page, we’d be so grateful. Every bit of support, big or small, makes a difference.

Thank you,

Katherine