Welcome, Deanna!

We are so excited to welcome a new NWI Center for Maternal Wellness volunteer, Deanna Ramirez! Please take a few moments to read about Deanna's motherhood journey. She is passionate about supporting other moms and families and is excited to join the volunteer team at the Center.

"Hi! My name is Deanna Ramirez, and I am truly honored to begin volunteering at the NWI Center of Maternal Wellness. I earned my master’s degree in Mental Health and Addictions from Indiana University Northwest and currently work in private practice with children (6+) and adults. Beyond my professional role, my passion for this work is deeply personal. I am a wife and a mother to two beautiful boys, Luca and Noah, and one angel baby who will always be part of our story.

My journey into motherhood was not what I expected. With Luca, I was placed on bed rest early due to the risk of preterm labor. After exhausting every intervention to support a natural delivery, I ultimately had a C-section.

With Noah, the experience was even more intense. After being closely monitored throughout my pregnancy, my water broke unexpectedly, and I was hospitalized for a week and a half before delivering him just one day shy of 30 weeks via another C-section. Noah spent 47 days in the NICU—through Christmas and New Year’s. During that time, I returned to work early so I could save my maternity leave for when he finally came home. My days were a cycle of working, visiting Noah in the hospital, and coming home to Luca. It was one of the most emotionally

challenging seasons of my life, filled with uncertainty, fear, and hope all at once.

Even as a therapist, I learned firsthand that having knowledge doesn’t take away the emotional weight of these experiences. I often wished there had been a space like this—a place for support, understanding, and connection during such a vulnerable time. Today, I am incredibly grateful to be on the other side of that journey. Watching Noah grow, thrive, and meet all his milestones—with the support of PT, ST, and OT, and with his big brother Luca guiding him—has been nothing short of amazing. My husband and I cherish the family we’ve built, shaped by both joy and resilience.

It is because of this journey that I feel so called to give back. I want to be a source of support, compassion, and understanding for other mothers navigating their own paths—especially during the moments that feel overwhelming or uncertain. No one should have to walk that road alone."

Welcome to the Center, Deanna! We are so grateful for your commitment to supporting NWI moms!