Meet Paige Kinowski

We were lucky to catch up with Paige Kinowski recently and have shared our conversation below.

firstName}, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with us about a deeply personal and sensitive topic. Postpartum depression affects so many in the community and hearing from someone who has overcome PPD might help someone who is going through it right now. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience

I gave birth 10/27/25. Very recently, I’m doing my best to not let PPD take over by, talking to close friends and my mom. I have a caringbridge site for my son who was born 32 weeks 5 days and is in the NICU. He is 3 pounds 6 oz about 17 inches. I receive support though online platforms such as facebook and tik tok sharing my experience with being a first time mom and being a NICU mom. I have set specific boundaries to family, friends and strangers, I take them very seriously to avoid burnout and unwanted advice and behaviors. My son is at children’s minneapolis and they have support group every wednesday, activities like making banners for your child’s NICU room, bracelets, onesies, keychains and self care. I have found many moms on tik tok and facebook groups who are going through similar experiences and that is who I wish to talk to most, along with moms at this NICU. People who understand, or loved ones respecting my boundaries and helping with meals, chores, getting his nursery set up since he came almost 2 months early. I was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia at 31 weeks, 2 days 10/17/25. I was hospitalized until 10/30/25. It was genuinely the hardest time in my life. My mom was my support person and she was by my side during the induction they tried to do multiple times through multiple days, eventually ending up having an emergency C section. Basically my worst fear, she was there. She advocates for me and my boundaries and has really brought our relationship together. She was the first one to see my son as he was whisked away and I didn’t see him until later that day in the NICU. I ended up finally holding him 11/2/25. He has an infection and respiratory issues. He’s slowly improving and off the high pressure ventilator now on the conventional ventilator. He is so strong and I’m so proud to be his mom. I leave everyday without him, which is so hard, but he will come home. I have really tried my best to let me emotions come as needed, but not take me over and be strong for him. I have made bracelets for prematurity awareness month which is November. I am always busy or doing something and some loved ones are trying to get me to relax with a facial or self care, which is great. I appreciate those who are gentle and loving during this time. Mindset is everything and I am grateful I’m okay and my son is on the path to healing and getting bigger.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I work with children! I have always loved them. I was originally in college for nursing and stopped because of my previous job in oncology was affecting my mental health poorly. I think being in the NICU with my son I might be interested in nursing again and being a NICU nurse. I absolutely now have a soft spot here, I just want to help those sweet babies. My job currently I’m a teacher for infants and toddlers, it’s tough, but I adore them! I also love to craft, bracelets, blankets, paper crafts, painting, honestly anything. I also used to model before becoming a mom, which I plan to go back to in the future. I would love to get my son into baby modeling when he’s older too, he’s just so cute! I post lifestyle content on tik tok, instagram and snapchat as well.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Mindset, motivation and support.
It all starts with you, things get hard, but the mindset you have can make you stronger or make you weaker. Choosing the right support system. I go to my mom and people who do understand because I find the most comfort there, it’s not the same for everyone.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My mom! She is so brave, courageous, empathetic, strong and independent. She has raised me to be the same. I would’ve never gotten through the past month without her or the strength she gives me. She is the definition of a woman.

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