What happens when every instinct tells you something is wrong, but no one can find answers?
In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Christina Bernardo, Cuban-American mother of five and co-founder of Avocado Health, to discuss parenting through uncertainty, navigating unimaginable grief, and learning to trust your instincts.
Christina shares the story of her daughter, Aviva, whose health struggles began at just nine days old. Despite six unexplained hospitalizations, extensive testing, and consultations with specialists, doctors were never able to determine why Aviva experienced recurring episodes of lethargy, low body temperature, slow heart rate, and breathing difficulties. At just 10½ months old, Aviva passed away when her heart suddenly stopped.
Christina opens up about the guilt, questions, and heartbreak that followed, as well as the unique challenges of grieving during the COVID pandemic. She discusses how writing became a lifeline in processing not only the loss of Aviva, but other layers of grief connected to family relationships and past experiences.
The conversation also explores how friends and family can better support those who are grieving, the importance of self-compassion, and how Christina transformed her pain into purpose by helping launch Avocado Health. Designed to empower parents, Avocado Health combines clinician-vetted AI guidance with access to parent coaches, workshops, and trusted resources to help families advocate confidently for their children.
If you’ve ever questioned your instincts as a parent, struggled through loss, or wondered how to support someone who is grieving, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical encouragement.
