A family of three sits on a blanket in front of a stone wall. The woman and man are sitting close together, each wearing casual clothing. A young boy in a red plaid shirt sits in front of them holding a teddy bear, with another teddy bear beside him.

Michelle Van Benthem

Wife, mom, and teacher, Michelle Van Benthem strives to find that perfect balance between these important roles while also taking care of herself. Having experienced a twin pregnancy, stillbirth, a NICU baby, and now a pandemic pregnancy, Michelle hopes to be a relatable voice to the moms who haven’t had “normal” pregnancy and parenting experiences.

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A newborn baby lies in an incubator surrounded by medical equipment. The baby, wearing a diaper, has several wires and tubes attached, indicative of medical monitoring and support. The scene is characteristic of NICU babies in a clinical setting, suggesting a hospital neonatal unit.

A Mother’s Letter to Her NICU Babies
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Two people are standing near a window, each holding a cup. They appear to be engaged in conversation. The person on the left has curly hair and is wearing a striped t-shirt, while the person on the right, possibly a grieving mother, has wavy hair and is wearing an off-the-shoulder top.

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Holidays
A person with shoulder-length hair is standing indoors, looking out of a window with yellow curtains on either side. Holding a red mug, they seem deep in thought and are seen from the back. Outside the window, there is a building with black and white half-timbering—almost as if searching for something lost long ago.

Just Because I Lost My Baby Doesn’t Mean I’m Not a Mother
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Articles

Two people are standing near a window, each holding a cup. They appear to be engaged in conversation. The person on the left has curly hair and is wearing a striped t-shirt, while the person on the right, possibly a grieving mother, has wavy hair and is wearing an off-the-shoulder top.

How to Support a Grieving Mother on Mother’s Day
Holidays
A person with shoulder-length hair is standing indoors, looking out of a window with yellow curtains on either side. Holding a red mug, they seem deep in thought and are seen from the back. Outside the window, there is a building with black and white half-timbering—almost as if searching for something lost long ago.

Just Because I Lost My Baby Doesn’t Mean I’m Not a Mother
Motherhood
A newborn baby lies in an incubator surrounded by medical equipment. The baby, wearing a diaper, has several wires and tubes attached, indicative of medical monitoring and support. The scene is characteristic of NICU babies in a clinical setting, suggesting a hospital neonatal unit.

A Mother’s Letter to Her NICU Babies
NICU
The interior of a vehicle showcasing two car seats in the back seat, each holding a stuffed animal. The left seat features an owl plush toy, while the right hosts a plush dog toy. Two rear-facing windows reveal a green outdoor area beyond.

Empty Car Seats: A Mother’s Story of Loss
Motherhood