Podcasts about perinatal loss

In this episode of the Franciska Show, host Franciska speaks with Chumi Friedman and Yonina Kaufman from ATIME's HUG program, which provides support to Jewish couples experiencing perinatal and infant loss. They discuss the complexities of emotional and physical grief, common misconceptions around pregnancy loss, and the importance of community and cultural sensitivity. The conversation also includes insights into how HUG offers medical, emotional, and spiritual support, along with details on personalized care packages and training doulas and medical staff to help families through these challenging experiences. The episode aims to raise awareness and offer practical advice for listeners who might be supporting someone undergoing a similar journey.   00:00 Welcome Back to the Franciska Show 00:40 Updates on Personal Projects 01:59 Introducing Today's Guests 02:21 Meet Chumi Friedman 03:37 Meet Yonina Kaufman 04:50 Personal Stories of Loss 12:12 Halakhic and Cultural Considerations 16:54 Day-to-Day Operations of ATIME Hug 25:54 Impact on Marriages and Personal Stories 32:16 Emotional Turmoil and Grief 32:44 Communicating Needs and Self-Care 33:20 Navigating Trauma and Community Support 34:25 Coping with Loss in a Baby-Filled World 35:29 The Struggle with Faith and Internal Conflict 36:42 Seeking Therapy and Understanding Grief 40:30 Physical Aspects of Loss 41:50 Navigating Mikvah and Physical Triggers 56:47 Training and Support for Doulas 01:04:29 Closing Remarks and Organizational Support     About Chumi Friedman: Chumi Friedman is the Director of HUG, a program of ATIME supporting couples who have experienced perinatal and infant loss. She is a trained peer support counselor, doula and chaplain. @atimehug   About Yonina Kaufman: Yonina is a specialist in Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health which includes infertility, perinatal loss, and Postpartum Depression and / or Anxiety. Yonina is clinically trained in maternal mental health, grief and bereavement, trauma, child development and parent training. Yonina presents nationally on compassionate bereavement support, on issues facing women post perinatal death and on other women's health matters. While using evidenced based approaches, Yonina helps clients untangle their thoughts and feelings, while they go through their grieving, mourning, and/or parenting journey. As the Clinical Coordinator for ATIME HUG, Yonina supports women and couples experiencing perinatal and infant loss. In Yonina's private practice, she provides tele-mental health services by phone or online. Additionally, Yonina provides clinical supervision for therapists and social work interns, as well as conduct parenting classes for parents with children of all ages and stages. @yoninakaufman

What does mourning and grieving look like if it is not the type of loss we can grieve independent of our physicality and is intimately tied to our bodies?In today's episode, I'm joined by a certified DONA International Postpartum Doula and Grief Educator Eileen Santos Rosete. Experiencing pregnancy loss twice during her motherhood journey, Eileen is helping women feel seen, held, and honored. As part of her work, she authored the book, To Tend and To Hold, dedicated to women who went through perinatal loss. The book was born to support them in acknowledging the pregnancy and the end of it while undergoing postpartum without a living child. Throughout this episode, the importance of doulas, the need for cultural guidelines and resources supporting those who experience infant loss will be highlighted. You will learn about the added layer of bodily connection when it comes to perinatal loss. Eileen also talks about how others can hold space for this tender intersection of postpartum care, grief, and trauma. Plus, Eileen shares a personal story to emphasize that in the world of grief and grief literature the stance around darkness should be softened as there can be tremendous potential in it. Tune in and listen to episode 274 of Grief and Happiness, and learn to give the reverence to Womb Loss that it deserves as it happens within us and to us. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Doulas are having a moment (02:16)The uniqueness of pregnancy and infant loss (09:47)Caring for those who experience postpartum without a living child (14:07)Introducing the term Womb Loss (19:26)Softening the language around loss (23:26)Connect with Eileen Santos Rosete:WebsiteGet Eileen's book!InstagramLet's Connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, alongside Kelly Griffiths and Dr. Travis Engel, who are at the forefront of Centra's work in Advance Care Directives and Perinatal Loss and Palliative Care for newborns, we illuminate the importance of a holistic approach to this type of care. Their team, involving obstetricians, pediatricians, midwives, social workers, and spiritual care providers, ensure families facing perinatal loss receive culturally respectful and comprehensive support.The team empowers parents to make informed decisions during challenging pregnancies and diagnoses. Educating families that they can have this control over their choices can ease anxiety and prevent future regrets. From creating meaningful birth plans to making pivotal decisions about labor and delivery, we discuss the lasting impact of these choices. This podcast covers the power of open communication with healthcare providers, as well as the ongoing emotional journey of grieving families and the lasting support provided by healthcare professionals. For more content from Centra Health check us out on the following channels.YouTubeFacebookInstagramTwitter

In this episode of Conversation of the Heart my special guest Jane Johnson Wall, LMFT educated us on the depths, layers, and complications of perinatal loss and birth trauma. Jane is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing virtually in California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Florida. Her practice is women-centered, with an additional niche in perinatal/maternal mental health, including perinatal loss and birth trauma. She loves helping women feel empowered and connected to their inner bad-ass as they navigate through the various phases of their lives. She wants them to feel supported as they journey through the healing process. She believes that the foundational component of a successful therapy experience is the interpersonal connection between therapist and client. Her clients would describe her as being relatable and easy-going. (*She likes to say that she lives in the “real world” too!*) That said, she will “lovingly” call people out on their $h!t! As part of her work in the field of perinatal/maternal mental health, she co-created The MotherLoad Collective, with her colleague, Kelsey Mizell. As part of their commitment to supporting mothers, they have created free resources and workshops for parents, and also host trainings for professionals who work with families. They believe that when mothers are supported, families thrive, and they are committed to expanding their offerings in this realm. Keep up with Jane: https://www.themotherloadcollective.com/ https://www.janejohnsonwall.com/ https://www.yourmompod.com/about https://www.instagram.com/themotherloadcollective/ https://www.instagram.com/your_mom_pod/ https://www.facebook.com/yourmompod https://www.facebook.com/themotherloadcollective/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/conversationsoftheheart/support

In this episode, we welcome back Caitlin Suff, a psychologist specializing in grief in the perinatal space. This time Anna shares her personal experience with a termination for medical reasons (TFMR), and Caitlin provides insights into the complex emotions and challenges that come with perinatal grief. They discuss the nuanced decision-making process, the emotional aftermath, and the importance of acknowledging and validating such losses. The episode also covers coping mechanisms, societal misconceptions, and available support resources, aiming to create a safe and informative space for those affected by similar experiences.   This episode includes:   -       Personal Story: Termination for Medical Reasons -       Receiving the Diagnosis -       Making the Decision -       The Termination Process -       Navigating Postpartum Emotions -       Societal Expectations and Personal Boundaries -       The Complexity of Grief -       Understanding Perinatal Loss -       Myths and Misconceptions about TFMR -       The Emotional Impact of TFMR -       Grieving and Functioning -       Therapeutic Approaches to Grief   Resources  https://throughtheunexpected.org.au/ TFMR for Mammas on instagram  

Perinatal loss and grief are different from other types of grief. In this episode, we discuss how parents can care for themselves during the grief process and why people often don't acknowledge this kind of grief. We, as a society, do not do a good job in supporting people through perinatal loss and grief. We can do better! My guest is Nneka Symister, a licensed clinical social worker with over two decades of experience in social services. She has dedicated the past decade to private practice, working with diverse populations in New York, and currently specializes in PMADs, infertility grief, and loss. Working with both individuals and couples, her methods draw from a range of modalities, including CBT, EMDR, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness.  Show Highlights: An explanation of perinatal grief Ways in which perinatal grief shows up as “invisible grief” The complexities around perinatal grief that make it difficult to offer the right support How we can “sit” with someone in their grief/loss without being dismissive of their pain In dealing with your grief, protect your space and form a protective circle The difference between grief and suffering The compulsion to find fault and blame ourselves The tendency to be a martyr and not ask for the help we need Flexibility is needed in grieving as your needs change (There is no “proper” way to grieve!) Assessing your basic needs during grief Nneka's message: “If you are grieving, trust your feelings. Please reach out to a therapist who can sit with you and give you the language to navigate this space to ensure that your needs are met in the best possible way.” Resources: Connect with Nneka Symister: Website, Instagram, and LinkedIn Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be a better support in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

A new program is being launched to provide psychology session for rural, young and Indigenous mothers facing barriers to care.  The Rural Health Connects program 'support for those impacted by Perinatal Loss from Higher Risk Populations,'  will work to engage with mothers after miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death of a baby.  Rural reporter Georgia Kondek spoke with Founder and Director Megan Gomez who explains how this is an essential program for regional women.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of our mini-series on perinatal pathology, RCPA President, Associate Professor Trishe Leong is joined by anatomical pathologist Dr Nick Manton and paediatric radiologist Dr Ajay Taranath who work together at The Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide. Together, Dr Manton and Dr Taranath shed light on the critical role of radiology in the perinatal autopsy process, highlighting the nuanced collaboration between radiologists and pathologists in unravelling the mysteries of perinatal deaths. 

Welcome to True Birth, where we provide raw, honest insights into pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak, a Perinatologist, and Certified Nurse Midwife Kristin Mallon are here to share their professional perspectives straight from the trenches of the labor floor. Episode Overview: In this special episode, we delve into the sensitive topic of coping with perinatal loss. We recognize the profound impact that pregnancy loss can have on individuals and families, and our goal is to offer compassionate guidance and support. Discussion Points: Understanding Perinatal Loss: Dr. Abdelhak and Kristin provide insights into what perinatal loss entails, discussing its various forms and the emotional toll it can take on parents. Navigating Grief and Emotions: Coping with the loss of a pregnancy can evoke a range of emotions. Our hosts offer advice on how to navigate grief and provide support for individuals and couples experiencing loss. Honoring the Experience: We emphasize the importance of validating the grieving process and honoring the memory of the baby lost. Our hosts discuss various ways individuals and families can commemorate their loss and find healing. Seeking Support: Dr. Abdelhak and Kristin highlight the significance of seeking support from loved ones, support groups, and mental health professionals during this challenging time. They provide resources and strategies for finding the support needed. No path forward is really the wrong path. All feelins are valid We want to express our deepest empathy for anyone who has experienced perinatal loss. Remember, you are not alone, and it's okay to seek support as you navigate this difficult time. Stay tuned for more honest discussions and support on True Birth. Your feedback is essential to us! We would love to hear from you. Please consider leaving us a review on your podcast platform or sending us an email at info@maternalresources.org. Your input helps us tailor our content to better serve the needs of our listeners. For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement: Twitter: https://twitter.com/integrativeob YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/maternalresources Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrativeobgyn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegrativeOB Thank you for being part of our community, and until next time, let's continue to support, uplift, and celebrate the incredible journey of working moms and parenthood. Together, we can create a more equitable and nurturing world for all.

In the second episode of our mini-series on perinatal pathology, RCPA President Associate Professor,Trishe Leong, is joined by anatomical pathologist Dr Helen Harris and midwife, Serani Dodson, who how different professions work together to provide comprehensive care for families experiencing perinatal loss.

Join Elisa and Pam as they chat with Andréanne Charbonneau about supporting a friend, family, loved one through perinatal loss. It can be really hard to know what to say or how to help. We hope you are able to take the information Andréanne discusses with us and share with those in your circle. Please reach out to us or Andréanne with additional questions or for support. To reach out or to follow Andréanne; Email: acharbonneau.sadp@gmail.com Facebook page: Andréanne Charbonneau: SADP – PBSS https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088603777740 Website: Coming soon! To touch base with Pam or Elisa Pam and Elisa: info@restfulparenting.com As always, thank you for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/restfulparenting/message

On this special episode of Talking Away The Taboo, I Was Supposed To Have A Baby and Rabbi David Balto host Program 3 of the Perinatal Loss Summit.  Jewish Ritual Struggles with Perinatal Loss Although we have a rich and supportive set of rituals for the death of an adult, those that deal with the loss of a pregnancy or an infant are lacking. How do we honor the memory of such a short life? Do we need new rituals to grapple with this type of grief and suffering? What can we do to build ritual tools such as taharah, shmirah, burial, and periods of mourning? Rabbi Janet Madden, Ph.D, has served as a hospice, hospital, and congregational rabbi. She is a widely-published poet, ritualist, liturgist, and essayist, and finds joy in teaching Torah and creating and officiating soulful lifecycle events. She is the author of a forthcoming book on creative Jewish ritual. Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin is the founder of the National Council of Jewish Women, Pregnancy Loss Support Program and the author of Tears of Sorrow, Seeds of Hope: A Jewish Spiritual Companion for Infertility and Pregnancy Loss. Reva Judas created NechamaComfort to help families dealing with perinatal loss after the tragic loss of Reva's firstborn baby, Pesach. Reva's mission is that no one should ever feel alone when experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.

On this special episode of Talking Away The Taboo, I Was Supposed To Have A Baby and Rabbi David Balto host Program 2 of the Perinatal Loss Summit.  Time Does Not Heal All Wounds: The Wisdom of Grieving Perinatal Loss The experience of pregnancy loss as a disenfranchised or ambiguous loss can be confusing and isolating to grieving parents and family members. We will explore the language of compassion and connection surrounding the bereaved with support and a pathway forward through grief. Dvora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C specializes in reproductive and perinatal mental health, is a clinical consultant for Yesh Tikva and Knafayim and a lead trainer for Postpartum Support International, recently launching a two-day advanced training in Perinatal Loss. Dvora is an adjunct professor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work, teaching Maternal Mental Health, and maintains a group practice of specialized licensed therapists serving PA, NJ, NY, & Israel. Nancy Berlow, LCSW, has been the Clinical Supervisor of the Pregnancy Loss Support Program (PLSP) of the National Council of Jewish Women, New York Section since 2011. She trains and supervises volunteer counselors who provide care for PLSP's bereaved clients, work that includes facilitating support groups and conducting one-on-one telephone counseling sessions. Nancy has been in the field of providing support to bereaved parents and educating medical professionals for 25 years.

On this special episode of Talking Away The Taboo, I Was Supposed To Have A Baby and Rabbi David Balto host Program 1 of the Perinatal Loss Summit.  Grappling with Loss: The Personal Stories Two parents will describe how they grappled with the challenges of premature death, dealt with religious obligations, and created a path for spiritual healing. Rabbi Ilan Glazer is the Co-Founder of the Our Love Continues Facebook group, a space for Jewish parents who have experienced miscarriage, end of a wanted pregnancy, stillbirth, or death of a child to find meaning, resources, and community. Ilan and his wife Sherri helped start the group in response to the stillbirth of their son Shemaryah Zichri in January 2022. Ilan is also the Founder and Director of Our Jewish Recovery, which exists to uplift the hearts and souls of everyone impacted by addiction in the Jewish community. Ilan is working on an album of original melodies Shemaryah helped bring to the world. Ilan and Sherri hope and pray that he is at peace, surrounded by his ancestors, and that his melodies will bring comfort and healing to all who need it. Cantor Hinda Eisen Labovitz is the co-spiritual leader of Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase, MD. She is the mother of four children, including Ronen (z"l) who died in infancy of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. In Ronen's memory, Cantor Labovitz did a year-long study of the entire Tanakh/Hebrew Bible, and continues to teach about grief and loss, in particular about how bereaved parents are represented (or aren't) in the Bible. Her reflections on study and ongoing living with grief are published here.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of YXE Underground. This episode is a continuation of last week's episode where we featured an incredible nonprofit organization called Empty Arms. It is a perinatal support group that provides supports to individuals and families who have experienced the loss of a child during pregnancy or up to the age of six.Jasmin Herchak and Briana Koop co-founded Empty Arms in 2015 and were the featured guests in last week's episode. They were amazing to speak with and the feedback I've received from listeners highlights their empathy and kindness. I hope you get a chance to listen to their story if you haven't done so already.The other voices you heard in last week's episode belonged to Dax and Sara Irons. They share the story of their son, Everett, who was born on September 22nd , 2018 and passed away at birth. They are grateful for the support Empty Arms provided them during such a difficult time, and in fact it was Sara's idea to feature Jasmin and Briana on the podcast.Sara and Dax invited me to their home on a chilly Saturday morning in December to talk about Everett and the supports Empty Arms provided them. It was a really powerful conversation and I can't thank Sara and Dax enough for their honesty and vulnerability in sharing their story.I played a few minutes of our conversation in last week's episode but I want to share with you the entire interview because I just found it so powerful in how it shows the impact Empty Arms has on people like Sara and Dax. I also wanted to share it because Sara and Dax gave so much of themselves in telling their story. I've known Sara for years through Saskatoon's yoga community but this was the first time I met Dax, and he just shared so much of his heart in our conversation. I am grateful to both of them.We did the interview in the living room of their home. Dax and I sat on the couch while Sara sat cross-legged on the floor. On the coffee table in front of us were objects that were part of the Empty Arms care package that you'll hear them discuss throughout the interview.Again, I am so grateful to Sara and Dax for sharing their story with me on the podcast.Listen to and follow YXE Underground wherever you find your favourite podcasts including Spotify, Goodpods or the YXE Underground website. Please feel free to leave a 5-star review if you like what you hear.Cheers...Eric 

Today is Sanctity of Life Sunday. As a Loss Mom this day is really hard for me. American Evangelical Christianity is... Well, not what I'm about. On this Sanctity of Life Sunday 2023 I remember ALL lives... Even and especially the lives gone too soon.I see you. I hear you.#sanctityoflife #perinatalloss #perinatallosssupport #unspokenmotherhoodinc#1in4 #1in160 #pregnancyloss #stillbirth #ihadamiscarriage #stillbornbutstillborn #stillbornstillloved #ihadastillbirth #recurrentpregnancyloss  #stillbirthbreakthesilence #stillbirthsupport #stillbornawareness #babyloss #babylossawareness #babylossadvocate #babylosssupport #miscarriage #miscarriageawareness#pregnancyandinfantlossawareness #pailawareness #lossmama #hopemom #iamahopemom #bereavedmother #bereavedmom

Jasmin Herchak and Briana Koop took traumatic and devastating experiences with loss and turned them into something that is helping so many people and families in Saskatoon. I think that deserves to be celebrated.In 2015, Jasmin and Bri created Empty Arms. It is a nonprofit organization that provides support to individuals and families that experience grief and bereavement due to the loss of a child during pregnancy or up to the age of six. As you will hear in this episode, Jasmin and Bri started Empty Arms because they experienced the loss of a child and quickly noticed the lack of supports for people who experience such a loss. The work being done by the staff and volunteers Empty Arms is really incredible. They offer tangible supports to individuals and families when they are in the hospital and help create a supportive community in the months and years following a child's death. Jasmine and Bri explain why this work matters to them so much and how it continues to help them in their respective grieving processes. It was also interesting to learn how Jasmin and Bri have forged a wonderful relationship with the staff at the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital and the team at the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation. It's wonderful to see a big organization like the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation recognize the great work of a small, nonprofit organization like Empty Arms.This episode would not have happened without Sara and Dax Irons who you will hear in this episode. Sara sent me an email last year telling me about the death of their son, Everett, in 2018 and how vital a role Empty Arms played in supporting them through such a difficult time. I am grateful to Sara and Dax for sharing their story and introducing me to Jasmin and Bri. A big thank you to Rob Rongve and his team at Rongve Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities for supporting this episode of the podcast and for being such wonderful fans of all things YXE Underground. You're the best, Rob! Thank you for listening to this episode and I hope you find it inspirational. I sure did in producing it. Feel free to make a donation to Empty Arms as I know they would appreciate it.Cheers...Eric 

Staying Connected While Grieving Part Two: Intimacy After Perinatal Loss By Devora Entin LCSW PMH-C Moderatd by Mashpia and Kallah Teacher Mrs Sara Morozow --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mikvah/support

Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center Presents Reimagining Perinatal Loss. Featuring: Rabbi Efrem and Rebbetzin Yocheved Goldberg Bocca Raton Synagogue Hear their personal story of late term pregnancy loss, experienced from a Mother and Father's perspectives And Dr. Norman Blumenthal Director, Zachter Family National Trauma Center, Ohel.Also Featuring  Panelists: Aimee Baron, MD Founder and Executive Director, I Was Supposed to Have a BabyChumi Friedman Director, HUG, ATIME's Pregnancy and Infant Loss ProgramReva Judas Founder and Director, NechamaComfortRaizel Keilson, LCSW Ohel Clinical Supervisor Moderated by: David Mandel, CEO, Ohel Perinatal loss may have touched you or someone close to you. Deepen your understanding of its impact. Hear personal stories & learn about available resources. 00:00 - Introduction from David Mandel (CEO of Ohel) 4:35 - Rabbi Goldberg Opens Up Discussion 7:53 - Rebbetzin Yocheved Goldberg Shares Her Story 24:30 - Rabbi Goldberg Discusses Mourning Rituals and Their Connection to Their Late Son 32:03 - Dr. Norman Blumenthal Remarks on How to Deal With the Death of a Child 38:55 - Aimee Baron, MD Gives Her Background and Experience 47:25 - Chumi Friedman Shares Her Experience 53:56 - Reva Judas Shares Her Experience 1:06:17 - Raizel Keilson, LCSW Gives Advice on How to Handle Perinatal Loss 1:10:47 - Rebbetzin Goldberg Gives Advice to Mothers 1:13:27 - Rabbi Goldberg Gives Advice to Fathers 1:22:06 - Aimee Baron, MD Talks About How to Respond to Insensitive Comments 1:26:54 - Dr. Blumenthal Speaks About Guilt

Pregnancy and infant loss can often be the first experience of grief that parents face. Because we live in grief illiterate culture, we often lack the experience and knowledge of what is normal and expected as someone grieves and mourns. Education helps to provide a roadmap through the rocky terrain of grief. Michelle shares the different types of grief bereaved parents can experience such as disenfranchised, traumatic, ambiguous, cumulative, and delayed grief. Resource: www.grief.comConnect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

This week, I speak with Bina Bird, licensed marriage and family therapist. Bina is the director at Haslet Counseling in Haslet, Texas. She is a leading trainer for other therapists in the perinatal mental health field, and has taken up the charge to support individuals, families, couples, and other mental health providers in offering high-quality, evidence-based approaches to therapy. In this episode, we discuss pregnancy loss and the need for mental health support after a loss.    To learn more about Bina and her work: website:  http://hasletcounseling.com Perinatal Loss course:  https://hasletcounseling.thinkific.com/courses/perinatal-loss-a-framework-for-healing Resources for the Perinatal Mental Health Professionals Course--  https://pmhtrainings.kartra.com/page/HNA6 Mentoring the Perinatal Mental Health Clinician consultation group--   https://www.nurturingmamasnetwork.com/mentoring-the-perinatal-mental-health-clinician   PSI Texas:  https://psichapters.com/tx/   Maternal Mental Health Professionals FB group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/maternalmentalhealthprofessionals/   Visit us at www.themiscarriagetherapist.com Instagram: @themiscarriagetherapist

As a Certified Grief Educator with David Kessler and Grief.com, Michelle explains the Five Stages of Grief™️- denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance as well as the sixth stage- meaning through the lens of pregnancy and infant loss. She shares that unfortunately over the years the 5 Stages of Grief™️ have been misinterpreted by many, including mental health professionals. These six stages reflect where we are in our journey of grief at any given moment. They are about change we do not want. The stages are unconscious and natural responses to loss. They are tools to help us frame and identify what we may be feeling. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross explicitly stated that the stages “are not stops on some linear timeline in grief."  Not everyone goes through all of them or in a prescribed order. Everyone's grief is unique.  These stages can provide a roadmap for grief's rocky terrain and help us to be better equipped to cope with life and loss. Michelle invites you to also listen to Season 1 Episode 3 for an overview of the Four Phases of Bereavement for Baby Loss.Resource: https://grief.com/ Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithHolding Space for Pregnancy Loss Training:  birtheseservices.com/training-for-professionalsThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief.  

Each October, Michelle honors Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month on the podcast. This year she shares an episode from her Birth Ease Loss Support Podcast featuring samples of the Calm Birth meditations for perinatal loss. "The loss of a pregnancy or infant is an incredibly common heartbreak. Yet, we are given so few opportunities to grieve a loss that is often invisible to those around us. Calm Birth for Pregnancy and Infant Loss presents an opportunity to move through emotions and to send life on its way with love. If someone you know has lost a pregnancy or infant, this can be a beautiful way of supporting them through this journey. If you lost a pregnancy or infant recently, or in the past, please use these audioguides for healing and moving about life changed but still whole."—Calm BirthResources:To Purchase the Calm Birth Meditations for Pregnancy Loss  https://www.calmbirth.org/audioguidesProgressive Relaxation for Grief: https://www.futurity.org/grief-progressive-muscle-relaxation-2617232TONGLEN MEDITATION by Pema Chödrön: https://youtu.be/QwqlurCvXuM Connect with Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithPodcast: Birth Ease Loss SupportThank you for listening!

Speaker: Dr. Ashley Hill, PhDDescription: You do NOT want to miss this episode of Just Us! Listen in as Dr. Dixon talks with Dr. Hill on the topic of trauma in birth or pregnancy as well as secondary trauma experienced by healthcare providers. What an enriching conversation! If you liked what you heard please share with your network! We would appreciate if you can provide feedback by filling out the following survey:https://redcap.mahec.net/redcap/surveys/?s=XTM8T3RPNK  Show Notes: Survivor Services at Mission Health https://missionhealth.org/services-treatments/maternity-care/survivor-services/ 

Michele Benyo, founder of Good Grief Parenting shares with Michelle the 4 keys for parents with young children navigating perinatal loss. These 4 keys are self-care, accurate words describing death, inviting conversation, and honoring child-sized grief. She also explains why we need to avoid telling children euphemisms such as “He went to sleep.” or vague words such as ‘gone' or ‘passed' when explaining that someone has died. Dead and died have a very specific meaning and those are the only words that accurately tell children what happened. Young children won't understand death, but they still have the accurate word and they are going to grow into that understanding. She also explains why it is important to tell children in an age-appropriate way about the death in an honest and accurate way without too many details. Parents can follow the child's lead if they ask to know more. Michele also shares that children can internalize 4 messages when they lose a sibling: I don't understand, I hurt inside,  I don't belong, and I am not enough. She provides tips to help parents grief with their child in healthy ways. "I just think that when we are a bereaved parent and we have other young children to raise, we are being asked to do two of the hardest things we'll ever have to do in our lives at the same time. And that is to grief a loved one which is such hard work and parent a young child in those formative early childhood years."—Michele Benyo About Michele: Michele Benyo is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, parent mentor, and founder of Good Grief Parenting, whose purpose is to support parents who are raising young bereaved siblings after child loss. Her mission is to be a voice for the youngest of grievers and to help parents nurture and understand the unique needs of children who have lost a sibling in early childhood.When Michele's six-year-old son died of cancer, her daughter said, "Mommy, half of me is gone." She was just 3 1/2 years old. Even though Michele was teaching early childhood parenting classes and had a Masters in early childhood education, she didn't know how best to help her daughter. This inspired her to become the support she had needed most during that time so that parents like her wouldn't have to go it alone. She's spent more than 20 years learning all she can about early childhood sibling loss, its lifelong impact on the surviving sibling, and how parents can help their bereaved child grow up whole and happy.Michele equips parents with tools to help their family heal after child loss, to foster hope, and to build resilience. Parents who work with Michele tap into their own wisdom and gain the insights, skills, and confidence to live forward toward a future bright with possibilities and joy. Connect with Michele Benyo: Website: https://goodgriefparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodgriefparentingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelebenyo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodgriefparenting/ Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Anna Humphreys, co-director of Calm Birth, and Michelle explain the last practice in this series of 3 meditations for healing during or after an abortion. This meditation, Renew, is based on the practice of Giving and Receiving, a practice from ancient wisdom. It is tong len, compassionate breathing, applied to the ending of a pregnancy. It's a practice of breathing healing for self and others.  Please note, when practicing compassionate breathing, we are breathing in the awareness of challenges or suffering (our own or others) without taking in the suffering and exhaling an intention for peace, healing, or compassion, etc. towards ourselves or others.  “I believe that there is a subtle, but profound, effect when we do direct our attention and our intention toward healing ourselves and others.” -Anna HumphreysFor those of us at Calm Birth meditation that have been working on this Calm Abortion project, it is our hope that these meditations help to invite healing for whoever chooses to listen, no matter how long ago they experienced an abortion for any reason or circumstance.Learn more about the Calm Abortion meditations at Instagram @calmabortion   and  Facebook @calmabortion Learn more about the practice of Tonglen:Pema Chödrön : Tonglen Meditation Resources: ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Statement on Abortion BansWorld Health Organization's statement on abortionEvidence Based Birth: Abortion Research Resource GuideGrief After Abortion: healing from unspoken loss  

Michelle shares the first of 3 meditations intended for healing during or after an abortion. This first meditation, Connect, is based on the Tibetan Buddhist practice of Vase Breathing or Complete  Breathing.  It's an invitation to tune into the body, recognize the tendencies of the mind, and release unwanted or intrusive thoughts. It teaches the listener to return to their breath when their thoughts are not serving them. The benefits of this meditation extend beyond healing after an abortion.  This type of breathing helps with anxiety, depression, managing stress, improving focus, better sleep, and faster recovery from exercise or exertion. Slow breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also called the “rest and digest” system. It activates the vagus nerve which oversees things like mood, digestion, and heart rate. It will also send more oxygen to the brain and other organs.  This practice is meant to be used throughout life.For those of us at Calm Birth meditation that have been working on this Calm Abortion project, it is our hope that these meditations help to invite healing for whoever chooses to listen, no matter how long ago they experienced an abortion for any reason or circumstance."Abortion is the medical term for the ending of a pregnancy, whether that is a spontaneous miscarriage or medically induced. This term encompasses the termination of all pregnancies. I realize and want to acknowledge that even the term abortion can be quite triggering, especially for someone that has experienced pregnancy and infant loss. And, in my experience of working in the perinatal field for over 20 years and holding a space for grief and trauma with my clients, the ending of a pregnancy has never been taken lightly. I carry their stories with me. Stories of relief, ectopic pregnancy, forced abortion, intense grief and pain when their baby in the womb will not live once they are born and/or will be living in extreme pain for their short life, twin to twin transfer, a mixture of sadness and relief when ending a pregnancy they were unprepared or happened at a difficult time in their life, guilt and shame, feelings of not deserving the baby they are now pregnant with, the belief that they had a miscarriage because they terminated a pregnancy, the decision to end a wanted pregnancy because their partner is abusive and she needs to leave the relationship before she and her other child are killed. Abortion is a part of perinatal loss and bereavement.  And as Sunni has shared in our episodes, adoption is not an easy answer or quick fix. There are so many vulnerable and intimate stories that I have been entrusted with and honor fully. "—MichelleLearn more about the Calm Abortion meditations at Instagram @calmabortion  and  Facebook @calmabortionResources:ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Statement on Abortion BansWorld Health Organization's statement on abortionEvidence Based Birth: Abortion Research Resource GuideGrief After Abortion: healing from unspoken loss 

Beyond The Baby Blues is an organization based out of the Chicago area that provides free support groups for women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety) and perinatal loss. Nancy Segall, their clinical director and one of the founders of Beyond The Baby Blues, is a social worker and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. Founded in 2010 due to a lack of a support group in the community, Beyond The Baby Blues has led over 150 support groups for women. Since then, inquiries about their clinical services have grown, especially due to moving online since the onset of COVID-19. Pre-pandemic all services were offered in person in Evanston, Illinois, via their professional staff and therapists. Now that the groups are offered online, the geographic range of women who come to the organization for support has expanded, making it not always possible for all women to participate in person and making zoom an important tool. This challenge has made Beyond The Baby Blues leaders think more globally, deciding to maintain remote support groups to be able to serve the greatest number of women.

Ann Pearson  and author Margaret Scofield  share with Michelle  the story behind the much-needed book  I Love You Still: A Memorial Baby Book which was inspired by the loss of Ann's daughter, Riley, due to miscarriage. I Love You Still is a first-of-its-kind baby memory book made for moms experiencing a miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn loss- no matter how long ago that loss took place. It is a treasured keepsake to create a tangible way to document  and honor the baby's life, no matter how brief. Margaret explains the obstacles that were holding her book—and other books on perinatal bereavement—back from mainstream publication. Shockingly, there is not a literary categorization code (both medical and popular) on the topic of perinatal loss.  These codes are the system through which all print and digital materials are categorized. The BISAC codes list is the preeminent literary categorization tool that is used to organize everything from online search results to bookstore layouts. About Margaret & Ann:Author Margaret Scofield created I Love You Still: A Memorial Baby Book—a first-of-its-kind baby memory book made for moms experiencing pregnancy and infant loss—after her friend Ann Pearson lost her daughter, Riley, due to miscarriage. In 2019, a local news story about the book quickly spread across mainstream outlets such as NBC, CBS, FOX, TODAY, MSN, People Magazine, and HuffPost. Yet, Margaret struggled to find a publisher because her book didn't “fit an existing genre.” After selling out in 3 days at the #2 spot on the Amazon Best Seller List, landing on the shelves of all major US retailers, and shipping to over 30 countries, Margaret decided to find out exactly what was holding her book—and other books on perinatal bereavement—back from mainstream publication. Now, Margaret is on a mission to change the literary landscape for loss moms by 2023—but she needs our help. Margaret is joined today by her friend and inspiration for the book, Ann Pearson. Ann discusses the events and emotions connected to her pregnancy with Riley, and the role Margaret's book has played in her grief journey. The two friends now come together to raise awareness for the missing literary categorization for all books (both medical and popular) on the topic of perinatal loss. The system through which all print and digital materials are categorized is called the BISAC codes list: as the preeminent literary categorization tool, this list is used to organize everything from online search results to bookstore layouts. However, in 2022, there is still no categorization for books about miscarriage or perinatal bereavement. That means there is no central spot wherein these resources are compiled—it also means that those looking to provide them are turned away at a much higher rate. Margaret now asks for our help to change that by reaching out directly to BISG, the organization responsible for voting on changes to the BISAC literary codes list each year. Help Add a BISAC code for Perinatal BereavementThe link to the BISG's full Subject Headings list (with a link to the Contact Form) can be found here: https://bisg.org/page/BISACEditionThe direct link to the Contact Form can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K9CH9MD Connect with Margaret: Instagram: @iloveyoustillbook Website: https://www.iloveyoustillbook.com/Email: margaret@iloveyoustillbook.com Connect with  Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Drawing upon her experience as an OB/GYN and as a mother that has felt the sorrow of pregnancy loss, Dr. I. Cori Baill shares with Michelle the journey of writing her beautiful and much-needed book, Why is Mommy Crying-explaining early pregnancy loss to young children.  Dr. Baill provides suggestions and guidelines when experiencing a miscarriage. She reminds grieving parents of the importance of not blaming themselves and or feeling shame regarding their miscarriage, doing their best to overlook the well-meaning but often hurtful things that people can say, and remembering they are not alone in this experience. So many others have experienced baby loss, as well. As a professor, Dr. Baill is working to instill the skills of humanity, empathy, and compassionate care in the next generation of physicians. "There is just too much silence about miscarriage. Women have grieved way too long in silence and have been told, 'You'll get over it, just move on.' And, I don't think that's the appropriate message. We should have the time, and the permission and the support to grieve the loss of a pregnancy." —Dr.  Cori Baill About the Book:This beautifully illustrated story helps recipients as young as three years of age. Written by an experienced physician, Why is Mommy Crying -explaining early pregnancy loss to young children comforts in the context of family and the larger universe.  The young protagonist, Max, using his imagination, and accompanied by his stuffed animal, Mink, begins to understand what has made his mother sad. His imagery and ideas offer a gentle springboard to discuss broader concepts surrounding grief and recovery, including religion. Why is Mommy Crying -explaining early pregnancy loss to young children helps to end the all too pervasive silence surrounding miscarriage. This inclusive book offers age-appropriate comfort, consolation, and reassurance. Its themes are universal and non-denominational.   Connect with Dr. Baill:Twitter:  @wimcbookInstagram @wimcbookFacebook: @whyismommycrying About Dr. Baill:I. Cori Baill, MD is a board-certified OB/GYN. She completed her OB/GYN residency at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, then practiced for many years. She is now a Professor at the University of Central Florida, College of Medicine. In addition to many years of caring for women and their families, she is an award-winning short story author and the mother of two.  She hopes that Why is Mommy Crying? comforts those who have known the grief of miscarriage, especially the family's youngest members.  About the Illustrator:Heather Bell, SCWBI illustrator, https://heatherbellbooks.com, added immeasurably to this project.  She holds BFA in Painting from the Kansas City Art Institute, is a member of SCBWI, a participant in the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, and a Children's Book Academy graduate. When not illustrating and writing, she searches out story ideas as an undercover school bus driver. Heather Bell is an author/illustrator represented by Kaitlyn Sanchez at Olswanger Literary Agency. Connect with Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Laura LaBelle and Michelle discuss how children are often overlooked as grievers when death and loss occur. They remind us when death and loss occur children are learning how to manage their grief and that they must adjust to a new identity that this loss brings. Laura stresses the importance of conversation and creating an empathetic space where pain can be absorbed. Laura provides tips for communication and helping kids to process their grief such as memory jars, breath and grounding exercises, models of grief, observing how animals grieve, discussions about grief and playing out scenarios, and involving the deceased by creating traditions that remind the bereaved it is ok to still talk about that person. They explain why it is vital for adults to become more comfortable with death and grief. Laura also shares signs to look for regarding if a child is having difficulty coping with the loss.  "It's a heightened, heightened, heightened anxious time.  And so, oftentimes we don't say anything to kids right away. But they know something is up. They feel it. They can feel it. We think we are hiding it and it's like NO. No one's hiding anything other than the fact that we all see that everyone's kinda freaked out right now. Like nobody knows what to do."—Laura LaBelle  Resources:The Invisible StringTenth Good Thing About Barney Why is Mommy Crying? -explaining early pregnancy loss to young childrenBambi IIBereavement Reactions of Children and Young People By Age Group:https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/bereavement-reactions-children-young-people-age-groupSesame Street:https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/grief/Dougy Center:https://www.dougy.org/grief-support-resources/kidsNew Hope for Kids:https://newhopeforkids.org/Children's Grief  Center:https://childrensgrief.org/ National Alliance for Children's Grief:https://childrengrieve.org/ About Laura:Laura LaBelle holds a Doctorate degree from the University of San Francisco in Education, Organizational Leadership, and has worked extensively with relocated people groups in varying parts of the world who have been displaced by their governments, war, and history of colonization. Over the last 20 years, Laura has been a credentialed teacher working in K12 education as an educator, mentor, and consultant including working with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Laura frequently consults with groups to create curriculum, experiences, and gatherings on a variety of topics they need help organizing and implementing. Laura is the owner of Life Shifts Companion working as a full spectrum doula, 1:1 companion, support group leader, speaker, and workshop/retreat facilitator. Much of their time is focused in the realm of working in a trauma-informed manner with the birthing, the dying, and those who find themselves in the midst of life changes. High interests are exploring healthy ways of mourning and grieving, and helping those experiencing perinatal loss. Laura's background with kids and loss began in middle school as a hospital volunteer filling in on the children's floor in the playroom. Eventually, as a teacher in a high needs, short personnel funded area, Laura gained much experience in the moment often during science when children who'd experienced intense loss would boldly ask questions about how those life cycle lessons connected to the loss of their family members. Learning to navigate those conversations and not leave the students fearful or questioning their familial beliefs, proved to be some of the most important lessons Laura learned. While teaching, Laura began to volunteer with the sick and dying and returned in part to the children's floor at the hospital they first experienced grief and children. Laura has since worked throughout Thailand and Lao PDR with relocated people groups, often finding themselves listening to the stories told by the traumatized women and children regarding unbearable pain and loss. These relationships that still exist are part of the foundational belief that what people want, including children, is someone to listen, create and hold space, to just be with—a companion. Today, Laura runs a sibling grief group for kiddos who have lost a sibling, and conducts workshops on similar topics. A long term goal of Laura's is to help communities create public mourning spaces to help normalize our relationships to grief and death. Laura feels deeply that this is one way to help us contextualize and manage our collective grief as a nation, while helping to address our fearful attitudes toward death and grief so that we may truly begin to heal and live. Laura is committed to working with people who have experienced discrimination, trauma and/or loss due to some aspect of identity such as  gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religion. They have created numerous educational products, and have trained professionals for close to two decades.  Connect with Laura:Website:  www.lifeshiftscompanion.comTikTok: @Let'sTokAboutDeath Instagram:  @spaceforgrief,  Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Mother's Day can be quite painful for those who have lost their mom or for those that have struggled to become pregnant, experienced pregnancy and infant loss, or the death of a child. For many, the day may bring feelings of sadness, isolation, loneliness, unworthiness, and pain. They may feel left out and forgotten on Mother's Day. Michelle provides a brief history of Mother's Day and the creation of International Bereaved Mother's Day in 2010 by Carly Marie Dudley after the loss of her stillborn son, Christian. Many in the baby loss community have embraced this day and events have been designed around it such as this year's 3rd Annual Bereaved Mother's Day Conference - A Healing Collective, on May 1, 2022, which is available online.  Yet, just as each person's journey of grief is as unique as their fingerprint, it is understandable that International Bereaved mothers day would bring up differing feelings for parents that have experienced the unfathomable loss of their baby or child. The beautiful thing is that as International Bereaved Mother's Day becomes more recognized, mothers and families can honor one or both days in the way that is best for them, even varying it year by year. Michelle shares tips to support someone that is grieving their child on both Mother's Day and Bereaved Mother's Day. Michelle closes this episode with a short meditation for Bereaved Mother's Day.  References:https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-52589173https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day#:~:text=The%20official%20Mother's%20Day%20holiday,mothers%20made%20for%20their%20children.https://stillstandingmag.com/2016/06/02/international-bereaved-mothers-day/https://www.gpshope.org/know-sunday-may-6-international-bereaved-mothers-day/https://pregnancyafterlosssupport.org/can-we-talk-about-bereaved-mothers-day-and-mothers-day/https://www.joincake.com/blog/bereaved-mothers-day/ Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief.  

My guest today shares her personal story and clinical perspective of her complicated journey into motherhood. Her story includes the support of reproductive technologies, as well as the loss of her twin daughters and the adoption of her son. Join us to hear more. **Today's episode covers sensitive topics of perinatal loss and pregnancy loss. Use your own judgment as to whether it's right for you or not at this time. Jeanae Hopgood, LMFT, M.Ed, PMH-C, is an individual, couple/partner and family therapist, clinical sexologist, author, speaker, doctoral candidate, and occasional adjunct professor. Her Pennsylvania private practice centers people of marginalized identities (specifically Black and LGBTQ+). She helps them heal from family-of-origin challenges, relational difficulties, fertility and family creation processes, perinatal mental health, perinatal loss, healing and healthy sexuality, and realignment of the mind, body, and spirit. Jeanae is also the founder of the Black Angel Mom community, which includes a private Facebook community, a blog, guided journal, and conversation card deck. The card deck can be used by clinicians in therapeutic processing and discussions as a support system for their clients. Jeanae is the mother of twin daughters who have passed and one son earth-side. Show Highlights: How Jeanae had a lifelong dream to be a mom but knew assisted reproductive technologies would be her route How her next steps included multiple failed IUI cycles, fibroid-removal surgery, IVF, and a pregnancy with twin daughters How she experienced fluid loss, both light and heavy, that prefaced the traumatic loss of both girls How Jeanae made something beautiful out of a tragic situation in giving birth to her daughters at 16-17 weeks How Jeanae handled the tough parts of having her daughters photographed, dealing with the funeral home, and leaving them behind when she left the hospital How Jeanae felt anguish, despair, confusion, disconnection, and deep grief after the loss How Jeanae knew she needed help and searched for healing through grief counseling and journaling How Jeanae and her partner tried two more IVF cycles a few months later–with no success How even support groups didn't feel inclusive of queer Black couples Why Jeanae created her blog to include others who didn't see themselves in the support groups that were available to them How Jeanae and her partner were “kicked out” of their shared risk IVF program and were approached about the opportunity to adopt their son Why they chose adoption, knowing this would be the end of their fertility journey; because of the expense, they knew they couldn't do both How the adoption brought conflicting emotions and feelings about becoming a mother in this unexpected way Why Jeanae created the Black Angel Mom community to be the support she needed A deeper look at where marginalization showed up in Jeanae's journey to parenthood as a queer Black couple Resources: Connect with Jeanae:  JHJ Therapy, Instagram, and Facebook Black Angel Mom, Instagram, and Facebook

When we are facing the loss of a baby, it isn't unusual to question one's faith. All the truths that we thought we believed can feel like a lie. We may even feel abandoned or punished by God. When grieving, reminders of God's Word can soothe the emotions and thoughts surging through our hearts and minds and relax our grief-weary bodies. For this last episode of Season 1, Michelle has recorded Bible verses for bereaved parents seeking comfort within scripture.And while this first season has ended, please follow and/or subscribe to the podcast to stay abreast of new episodes. It is Michelle's intention to release an episode approximately once a month.  Connect with Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

In this very personal episode, Michelle and Susan Dascenzi, Licensed Psychotherapist, discuss the implications of the pandemic as it relates to grief and loss. While this episode was originally recorded in September 2020, Susan's wisdom regarding the journey of grief is just as relevant now especially for those grieving the loss of a baby or a loved one. Their conversation explores the multitude of losses the pandemic has brought us globally. Together they dig deep into the places where we may not even realize the amount of grief and loss we are experiencing due to the pandemic, where we may be in grief overload, and tips to walk with grief. Susan explains the differences between emotions and feelings and what can happen if we push our feelings aside as we work to get back some normalcy. They discuss why people often can have a difficult time supporting someone that is grieving.  {This episode originally aired as  episode 57 on The Birth Ease Podcast.}“It's so many little pieces that we give insignificance to, but they all are a part of it.”—Susan DascenziAbout Susan Dascenzi: As a Licensed Psychotherapist and Spiritual and Emotional Resiliency Coach, Susan Dascenzi bridges the gap between the East and West, Heaven and Earth. She is an author, Speaker, and Podcast Host. Susan has invested the last 27 years in guiding her clients in recognizing how their past negative conditioning creates their present and future and stops them from stepping into their infinite possibilities. As a highly regarded human behavior and emotions expert, she has become known as “The Possibilities Curator,” and co-authored an Amazon Ranked #1 International Best-Selling book alongside Neale Donald Walsch and Marci Shimoff.Connect with Susan:Website:  https://www.susandascenzi.com/Facebook: Susan DascenziTwitter: susandascenziInstagram: @sdascenzi1LinkedIn:  Susan DascenziPodcasts:  The Spiritually Expressed Human    Kick Your Buts  

Michelle shares her heartfelt conversation with  Sarah L. Dickey, grief recovery specialist and fellow Calm Birth Teacher. Together they discuss the importance of holding space for the messiness of grief. "What if we created ways in which we trusted our ability to grieve?"— Sarah L. Dickey  About Sarah L. Dickey:Hi friends, it's Sarah. I seek to create sacred, intuitive space for other women to embrace the evolution that life is. My hope is, the breakthroughs you experience are missing stepping stones to guide you gently through life's unique journey.My specialties have been developed over the last 10 years working with those looking to heal and grow. The variety of specialties I have pursued allows me a vast selection of resources I can pull from to provide the guidance women need to heal and grow, no matter what stage of life they are in.My Specialties: Pre & Perinatal Support, Birth Psychology, SSP Practitioner, IVF & Pregnancy Loss, Personal Transformation Sessions, Grief, Birth Imprints, Personal Birth Empowerment Sessions, Calm Birth Meditation for Pregnancy & Childbirth Support, Advanced Heart Centered Hypnosis, SSP Practitioner, Educational Seminars, and Workshops.Feedback from women who have been in a session with me seems to always include that they were offered a chance to experience something new about themselves—a deeper sense of connection to their knowledge, of slowing down enough to feel what needs to be felt, and discernment to inhabit their lives in new and empowered ways. This feedback guides my practice and encourages growth in myself continuously. I love supporting the evolving woman at every stage of her journey. From birthing a new life to birthing a baby, it is a joy to be on this journey! Big Love— Sarah  Contact Sarah:Email: Sarah@sarahldickey.comWebsite:  www.sarahldickey.comInstagram:  @sarahsouldoulaPublished Author:  Ode to Love,  Sweetly Seeking, Seasons: 31 Heart Offerings, Holding: The Conscious Art of Embracing Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Michelle is a certified Calm Birth Teacher. She explains the Calm Birth  meditation practices and shares samples of the audio guides the organization designed for pregnancy and infant loss. "The loss of a pregnancy or infant is an incredibly common heartbreak. Yet, we are given so few opportunities to grieve a loss that is often invisible to those around us. Calm Birth for Pregnancy and Infant Loss presents an opportunity to move through emotions and to send life on its way with love. If someone you know has lost a pregnancy or infant, this can be a beautiful way of supporting them through this journey. If you lost a pregnancy or infant recently, or in the past, please use these audioguides for healing and moving about life changed but still whole."—Calm BirthResources:Calm Birth Meditations for Pregnancy Loss https://www.calmbirth.org/audioguidesProgressive Relaxation for Grief: https://www.futurity.org/grief-progressive-muscle-relaxation-2617232TONGLEN MEDITATION by Pema Chödrön: https://youtu.be/QwqlurCvXuM Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Since this episode airs on New Year's Eve, Michelle has created a healing meditation as we close out 2021 and enter into the New Year 2022. This meditation can be used anytime to release the heaviness of stress, strain, and grief. It is also useful for those times when you may feel triggered, especially by someone's insensitive remarks or a difficult situation. As a gentle reminder, this guided relaxation recording audio is for just that, relaxation purposes only. It does not constitute medical or mental health advice or treatment, nor does it imply a specific outcome during bereavement or beyond. Please avoid listening to this guided relaxation recording while engaged in an activity that requires your full attention. Please stop the podcast and return to it when you can be safely seated or reclining in a supported position. Unless you are a passenger listening to this guided relaxation with headphones on, for everyone's safety never listen to it while driving or riding in a vehicle. In Need of Support? Connect with Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief.

Stephanie Smith, E-RYT, PRYT shares with Michelle how meditation and her yoga practice helped her to work through the grief, guilt, and fear of infertility, difficult pregnancies, and miscarriages. Together they discuss how pregnancy loss can shake one's faith, how unaddressed grief can impact us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spirituality, and the importance of finding support and practicing self-compassion. "The doctor pulls up the ultrasound and there's no heartbeat. And, it's one of those things where you are just kinda sitting and you are so excited. And to hear that silence in that room, there's… there's not a way to describe that silence."—Stephanie SmithResources:Calm Birth Meditations for Pregnancy Loss https://www.calmbirth.org/audioguidesAbout Stephanie Smith, E-RYT, PRYT:Stephanie is an Orlando based Yoga Instructor specializing in Pre and Postnatal Yoga. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Central Florida and is an E-RYT, PRYT Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. Her love of Yoga and travel has taken her to Thailand numerous times where she has had the privilege of studying Yoga extensively at Centered Yoga. As a mother herself, Stephanie has an understanding of how the Yoga practice evolves both during pregnancy and postpartum. She strives to create an environment of support for fellow Mothers to know that they are not alone on the beautiful, yet sometimes rocky, journey that is Motherhood.  Connect with Stephanie Smith:  Instagram: @thetravelingyoginiFacebook: Stephanie Smith https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003339931011 Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Tammy candidly shares her unexpectedly difficult journey to become pregnant. In her sharing, she provides the insights she gleaned as she worked with her obstetricians, reproductive endocrinologists, fertility specialists, registered dietitians, acupuncture physicians, her extensive research regarding her own fertility, and the importance of advocating for yourself. Tammy remembers the sinking feeling she got each time she got a negative pregnancy test each month, the grief and trauma of miscarriage, and the self-blame that infertility and pregnancy loss often brings. Tammy also shares with Michelle how her faith and maintaining hope lead to the miracles of her children.  "It is very intense and you go through a lot of grief. And yet, when you have a loss a lot of times it's kinda like, "Well, you know, a lot of people have miscarriages," is sometimes the attitude. And sometimes you are made to feel like it's not okay to grieve. And it is.  It's important to grieve. And it's important to recognize that life. I mean you are entitled to have those feelings. You deserve to feel those feelings and to get the support that you need during your journey."—Tammy SchaufConnect with Tammy:Email: tamaraschauf@gmail.com Tammy's Resources: Dr. Milton McNichol of Fertility Center of Orlandohttps://www.adventhealth.com/find-doctor/doctor/d-ashley-hill-md-1336164326  Dr. Angela Mazza, endocrinologist Dr. Fiona McCulloch of White Lotus Integrative Medicine in CanadaDr. Yin, Acupuncture PhysicianAngela Grassi of the PCOS Nutrition Center in Wayne, PAhttps://www.shadygrovefertility.com/resources/educational-resources/articles/monitoring-infertility-treatmenthttps://www.fertilityauthority.com/blogger/cathy-carlson-rink/2011/06/02/iron-and-fertilityhttp://margaretwertheimrd.com/vitamin-d-fertility-vitamin/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22459633 Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Following the death of their first child Finlay, Will Daddario, PhD and Joanne Zerdy, PhD left their university teaching positions in the performing arts and began Inviting Abundance. Through their current work, they facilitate a range of offerings, including a Grief Immersion for Death Workers course, Creative Approaches to Grief Workshop, Grief Pen Pal Network, and self-paced online classes. Additionally, Will offers Reiki healing sessions and classes and Joanne teaches Perinatal Loss trainings. Will is also a core convener of the international research group Performance Philosophy and Joanne crafts and sells herbal honeys and teas through her Etsy shop, Finlay's Garden. And they collaborate on parenting Finlay's younger brothers Phalen and Ren.

Dr. Ankita Marjadi openly shares with Michelle how her book  "Knock, Knock, Let's Talk" was born during her second pregnancy as she searched for a way to lessen the fear and stress that threatened to consume her after losing her first child to stillbirth. This sweet book, which can be used at any time to receive a dose of motivation and positivity, is the achievement closest to her heart. We all need a guide to help us stay in a more positive and peaceful space for ourselves and our babies. Dr. Ankita Marjadi's book, "Knock, Knock, Let's Talk" is just that. This beautiful resource is for all expecting mothers. It is designed to reduce the fear and anxiety a mother may be experiencing during her pregnancy and to enhance bonding with the baby in her womb. It acts as an uplifting guide for mom during each week of her pregnancy and provides a passage to be read to the baby that teaches a virtue such as kindness, happiness, and honesty.  It also includes a space for journaling and sharing a mother's own thoughts and dreams with her baby.  {This episode originally aired as episode 21 on The Birth Ease Podcast.}“I conceived again with my rainbow baby and anxiety took toll right from the first day of seeing those 2 pink lines. As each day went on I was super anxious. Then I consciously realized that this anxiety is going harm my health and my baby's health. This anxiety is not right for me. This anxiety is going to create problems.”— Ankita Marjadi About Dr.Ankita Sapan Marjadi:Dr. Marjadi, Co-founder of Arogyada Online Homeopathy Clinic, is a homeopath,  psychotherapist, author, entrepreneur, blogger, social activist, and a doting mother of two beautiful girls. She blogs on topics such as health, relationships, life, and its mysteries, happiness, parenting. As a motivational speaker, guides women about life after 40, how to take your health in your hands, how to keep your mental health good and As a certified child health practitioner,  I also try to educate children regarding good touch bad touch, menstrual hygiene, how to develop good eating habits in children. Dr. Marjadi is the pioneer of the Need to talk Initiative, Starting a Smile Mile will You Join Me, I Choose to Happy and Healthy through Homoeopathy. She is the author of the book, “ Knock Knock Let's Talk”  which is on positive thinking during pregnancy which has been the achievement which is very close to my heart. Connect with Dr. Ankita Marjadi: Websites www.ankitasmetanoia.inwww.arogyadaclinic.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ankitasmetanoia/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ankita_sapan/The Amazon USA link for the book:https://www.amazon.com/Knock-Lets-Ankita-Sapan-Marjadi/dp/9353473454/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1579241186&sr=8-1 Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Isa Gucciardi provides insights from her over twenty-five years of experience in supporting the bereaved. She shares the initiations that women experience throughout their lifetime which include our own birth, puberty, menses, the first sexual experience with another person, giving birth, menopause, and death. Isa explains the Great Mother as a source of wisdom, creative intelligence, and nurturing that can bring comfort and healing into the journey and complexity of grief. Isa and Michelle also discuss holistic ways to support the grief process such as plants, herbal sprays, homeopathic remedies, and meditation. "Why should there be shame [when we lose a child]? But you know the thing is that shame, again what we are dealing with is a set of cultural constructs. All these expectations about women, about what women should be able to do, how they should feel, who they are as a mother and what mothers are and what you are supposed to fulfill as a mother.  All of these cultural constructs are what women are up against. And when they can't fulfill them, they turn on themselves and they align with that negative view."—Isa Gucciardi About Isa Gucciardi, PhD:Isa Gucciardi is the Founding Director and lead teacher of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream. The workshops and training programs of the Foundation are part of her larger vision for helping people who are interested in stepping into greater consciousness and leading happier lives. Her primary focus is on teaching, writing, and curriculum development. Isa is also the creator of the groundbreaking therapeutic model Depth Hypnosis, and the author of "Coming to Peace" and "The New Return to the Great Mother: Birth, Initiation and the Sacred Feminine". Connect with Isa Gucciardi:Discount Code for The Great Mother Meditation: BIRTHEASE2Website: https://www.sacredstream.org/Email: info@sacredstream.orgFacebook:  @sacredstreamInstagram: @sacredstream-Grief and Loss Podcast-Space Clearing Spray 1, Space Clearing Spray 2, and Space Clearing Spray 3-Merging Meditation-Grief and Loss ClassPurchase the books:The New Return to the Great Mother: Birth, Initiation and the Sacred FeminineComing to Peace  Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Following the death of their first child Finlay, Will Daddario, PhD and Joanne Zerdy, PhD left their university teaching positions in the performing arts and began Inviting Abundance. Through their current work, they facilitate a range of offerings, including a Grief Immersion for Death Workers course, Creative Approaches to Grief Workshop, Grief Pen Pal Network, and self-paced online classes. Additionally, Will offers Reiki healing sessions and classes and Joanne teaches Perinatal Loss trainings. Will is also a core convener of the international research group Performance Philosophy and Joanne crafts and sells herbal honeys and teas through her Etsy shop, Finlay's Garden. And they collaborate on parenting Finlay's younger brothers Phalen and Ren.

Nazli openly shares her story of motherhood, the trauma she endured from her cesareans with the births of boys, and grief of her miscarriages. As a linguist, Nazli and Michelle reflect upon how the language and culture around women's bodies strip women of their power creating the guilt, shame, self-blame, silencing and the accompanying loneliness that so many women experience. Together they discuss transformative power and the personal nature of birth, loss, motherhood, and the exploration of our emotions as women. "How am I going to focus in the moment and be positive and meditative about, "Oh, life is so good. The sky is blue...?" When a mother goes through intense episodes of feeling grief, the feelings of grief, even the sky can make her weep. Even the trees can make her weep."—Nazli Connect with Rev. Michelle:Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-supportFacebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:   @birtheaselossssupportLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithThank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief. 

Dr. Scott Guthrie, TIPQC Infant Medical director is joined by LeighAnn Sutton. LeighAnn works at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN. She leads their Perinatal Bereavement program. LeighAnn is Certified in Perinatal Loss and Bereavement and is soon to be a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Coordinator. We discuss this unique role and the how we can learn from her work to best take care of our mothers during a NICU stay … especially when there's a loss involved. LeighAnn has pioneered a program called Butterfly's Embrace in Jackson, that walks families through trauma with the hope of ultimately turning these experiences into something beautiful. No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC's Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient.  Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.  

Nazli Tezcur openly shares her story of motherhood, the trauma she endured from her cesareans with the medicalized births of her boys, and the grief of her miscarriages. As a linguist, Nazli reflects with Michelle upon how the language and culture around women's bodies strip women of their power creating guilt, shame, self-blame, silencing, and the accompanying loneliness that so many women experience. Together they discuss transformative power and the personal nature of birth, loss, motherhood, and the exploration of our emotions as women. "It is very existential, and it lives and breathes through our own daily experiences because we are reproducing what is exerted over us. If we take all this power exerted over us as women, we keep on re-experiencing everything. We are reproducing what has been exerted over us. So if we want to break that cycle, I think we can switch the game. Maybe take ourselves out of that frame or take our own being out of that circle that we have been put into. … Experiencing something else, something that can make us feel liberated and free. And, which will allow us to talk a different language in a sense, instead of the language that was exerted over us. That was imposed on us and we keep on saying the same thing, "I failed. I am a failure.' "— Nazli TezcurAbout Nazli: Nazli Tezcur is a TESOL professional and language tutor with a special interest in identity, race, and translanguaging. As a polyglot, she likes to utilize languaging as a remedial way to express and interpret her experiences beyond categories and across borders. Connect with Michelle:Classes or Sessions with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook:   Birth Ease,   The Birth Ease Podcast,  Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:    @birtheasemichellesmith,  @birtheaselossssupportYouTube:    Birth EaseLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite:  BirthEaseServices.com  birtheasehypnobirth.com Thank you for listening! 

Setting Visitor Guidelines after the NICU can be a difficult conversation for parents to have with grandparents, family members, and friends. Many times, others don't fully understand the importance of keeping all babies, but especially babies who have graduated from the NICU safe from respiratory illness and germs. Dr. Stefanie Lopacinski, Perinatal Behavioral Health Consultant at Abington-Jefferson Health is here to talk about this important topic for families. Dr. Lopacinski earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University. After completing a Master's degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania, she graduated from The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality with two doctorate degrees in Human Sexuality and Education. She has over 15 years of clinical experience providing individual, couples, and group therapy in several settings, including outpatient and inpatient centers. Her last 5 years at Abington has been providing individual therapy to Moms with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum as well as Perinatal Loss. On this episode you will hear: How you can say “no” and feel confident in setting your visitation guidelines that work for your family. How often Dr. Lopacinski speaks with parents about this struggle (especially now during COVID 19). Advice for families trying to set guidelines. How to approach the subject, with your doctors and nurses, before leaving the NICU. How to deal with grandparents/aunts/uncles that tell you they are vaccinated, if you are still uncomfortable with no masks (and that IS OK). Whether you should draft a written plan to share with family members. What about getting feedback and language to use from the neonatologists and nurses. The current recommendations from the medical world. Why this does not just relate to NICU babies. When you can consider taking the baby to Target or out shopping for the first time (and how to deal with the anxiety). We also discuss the struggles that moms have telling visitors “no” or less than what the visitors want. You will hear about how to deal with struggles in your relationships. How to deal with the demands on families that are visiting, and the guilt tied to the stressful situation. We will discuss how you can empower yourself and your family to make the decisions you want to. Why you should throw your doctor, throw your pediatrician under the bus. Why you should print something to have on your refrigerators - "rules for this house." Please subscribe to the TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel. Please also consider making a donation to Today is a Good Day, at www.todayisagoodday.org, to help support families with a NICU baby. This episode was produced and directed by Tony Lopes, of SoftStix Productions LLC (www.softstixproductions.com), in collaboration with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary, of One Fifteen Films LLC (www.onefifteenfilms.com) and editor David DeLizza. Copyright 2020 to 2021, SoftStix Productions LLC.

In this series on the different childbirth methods she teaches, Michelle airs her guest appearance on “Off My Duff- The Entrepreneur Podcast” with host Duff Gardner.In their conversation, Michelle shares her story from witnessing her first birth to becoming a certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner and an Hypnobabies Instructor. Craving the freedom to grow and evolve, she is no longer affiliated with either institution. She has used her own voice to bring light to guided relaxation in childbirth. Duff shares his insights and personal story. Don't miss these Highlights:• Evolving The Birth Ease Method to allow the freedom to follow different techniques• We all know do reduce stress but listen as Michelle discusses the implications of stress from pregnancy on onwards• Grief spearheaded a shift into including bereavement doula • Duff shares his insights and personal story.  • The true importance of families discovering their own inner wisdom• Michelle's biggest insight in her business and life About Duff Gardner : Duff is an award-winning 7-figure marketer, startup founder, and digital producer.  Today, he leverages his 30+ years in a diverse range of businesses and his journey overcoming a series of out-of-the-blue panic attacks to help impact-driven entrepreneurs leverage the power of what he calls “startup thinking” to start, scale and serve in a big way.  He is the host of the podcast Off My Duff - The Entrepreneur Podcast and Founder of the training company Offers that Sell.  Duff holds an MSc. in Learning Sciences and Information Technology from Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley, is a fierce advocate of LGBT+ rights and animal rescue, and lives in beautiful Victoria BC.  His mantra is: “teach what you love, live from your truth”.Connect with Duff Gardner:Websites:  https://duffgardner.com/, www.offmyduff.com Linked in:   @Duff Gardner  Facebook:  @offmyduffInstagram:  @duffgardnerTwitter:  @offmyduffYoutube: DUFFGARDNER Connect with Michelle:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education,  birtheasehypnobirth.comFacebook:   Birth Ease,   The Birth Ease Podcast,  Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:    @birtheasemichellesmith,  @birtheaselossssupportYouTube:    Birth EaseLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite:  BirthEaseServices.comThanks for listening!