This is a raw and personal solo episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition podcast, as I share what’s really been going on the last 2 months. I open up about giving birth to my second son, Levi, and the heartbreak and anxiety that quickly followed. Baby Levi and I spent two and a half weeks in hospital before we were able to return home. From his birth, Levi fought for his life with a collapsed lung and undetectable blood sugar. I talk about some of the challenges we faced that first week and the realization that something was seriously wrong with Levi, something that didn’t have a quick fix or recovery timeline. Levi was diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder, glycogen storage disease, impairing his ability to control his blood sugar. Since returning home, this means my husband and I are responsible for tube feeding him and very closely monitoring his blood sugar: at any moment Levi’s blood sugar could crash and result in a medical emergency. I discuss what home life looks like for us with a critically newborn, how it has impacted our future plans to relocate to Japan, my business Rise Up Nutrition, and the emotional toll it has had. As well as sharing the challenges we’ve faced since Levi’s birth, I touch on some of the positives and blessings Levi has brought us. I talk about tube feeding a newborn, working with a team of medical professionals to find answers, and what the future might hold. I emphasize my gratitude for having the support of family, medical experts, and the whole Rise Up Nutrition team during this tough time. Currently, it is still an incredibly challenging and emotional time for myself and Levi, and while I’m not ready yet to discuss everything, this is a look into the last couple months, and I plan on sharing more soon. If you find value in this podcast and would like to support the show, join our patreon community! Become part of our Fiercely Fit and Fueled community today, and receive bonus episodes, merch, monthly recipes, access to an exclusive community message board, and have the chance to ask Lindsey your questions and get a podcast shoutout, and more! Head to patreon today patreon.com/femaleathletenutrition Your support means a lot! Follow me, your host Lindsey Cortes, on Instagram @female.athlete.nutrition  Need help with your fueling? Want to get in touch with Lindsey? Interested in the Female Athlete System of Transformation?  Head to www.RiseUpNutritionRUN.com to learn more & book a call! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Previnex: https://www.previnex.com/ use code RISEUP for 15% off at checkout InsideTracker: www.insidetracker.com/riseup for 20% off the entire store for a limited time only! THIS PODCAST IS ALSO SUPPORTED BY: Orgain, head to www.orgain.com and use the code RISEUP30 for 30% off your first order. Repeat customers can use the code OA2203 for 25% off future orders. Practice Better Click the link below to view plans and get a 14-day free trial. Then use the code RISEUP20 for 20% off your first 4 months: https://practicebetter.grsm.io/runp  Jen & Keri: https://jenandkeri.com/ use code RISEUP10 for $10 off your order In this episode we talk about: 1:45 I’ve had a baby! Introducing this solo episode and what’s been going on the last 2 months 4:00 Levi’s birth story: giving birth to a critically ill baby  9:35 Realizing something was very wrong with my newborn; Levi and his life threatening medical condition: glycogen storage disease  13:00 Home life with a critically ill newborn  17:15 The emotional toll of having a baby 22:30 Postpartum life, returning to work, and gratitude and positives among the heartbreak 26:40 How Levi’s health has changed our future as a military family  29:45 Future plans for me, Levi, and the podcast