“The Best Possible Chance” — Danielle’s Story of Early Onset Preeclampsia, Loss, and a New Surrogacy Journey
Danielle shares the sacred, heart-shattering, and hopeful story of her two children, Carter and Mackenzie, both lost to early-onset preeclampsia. In this deeply moving episode, she takes us through the shock of her first loss, the traumatic birth experience that followed, and the healing moments she found when holding her daughter, even for just a short time. Danielle also opens up about her decision to stop carrying pregnancies, her journey into surrogacy, and the beautiful ways she continues to honor both of her children.
We talk about:
Experiencing early-onset preeclampsia in both pregnancies
The day she couldn’t find her son’s heartbeat and knew something was wrong
Navigating a traumatic D&E and the grief of not seeing her son
The bittersweet gift of holding her daughter for an hour before she passed
How Mackenzie’s birth brought a measure of peace after Carter’s loss
The decision to pursue surrogacy and what that process has been like
Building a deep connection with their surrogate and feeling excitement about pregnancy again
The traditions they keep each year to honor Carter and Mackenzie
Why continuing to check in with loss parents months and years later matters so much
This episode is a tender, powerful reminder that grief and hope can live side by side—and that parenthood can take many different, beautiful forms.
Carter and Mackenzie, this one is for you.
Get to Know Danielle:
Danielle Kipp is a registered nurse, military spouse, and proud mom to two angel babies. Caring for pregnant women has long been one of her professional passions, but after walking through two high-risk pregnancies and losses of her own, it became a true labor of love. With a special place in her heart for the infant loss community, Danielle hopes her journey helps create space for connection and hope for those who need it most.
