The Joyful Mourning - A Podcast for Women Who Have Experienced Pregnancy or Infant Loss

Latest Episodes:

097 How to Love a Grieving Friend with Whitney & Nicole (Part 02) Sep 25, 2020

Show notes

We have been working our way through a series of episodes that honestly discuss the realities of friendship amidst loss and grief. This episode is part 2 of a special 2 part episode where I interview best friends Whitney & Nicole. If you missed part 1 skip back one episode because in this episode we will be picking up right where we left off.

Whitney & Nicole's story of friendship is unique and powerful. And in this second part of the interview we talk about the biggest challenges that friendships after loss might experience, they share past hurts from friends and family and how they are processing that now a few years later. We talk about the ways they each felt the most loved after their individual losses and how friendships change, ultimately because we as a grieving mom have changed and how that's ok.

What they share in this episode is honest and tender and I think you will find their thoughts about friendship after loss incredibly relatable and helpful.

And like I said, this is part 2 of a 2 part series -- I wanted to give space for each of these women's stories to be shared so this interview has been broken into two parts. We will be jumping right into the conversation where we left off last week so if you missed Part 1, episode 96 make sure to go listen to that episode!

I am forever grateful for these two women and the friendship they represent. I pray it encourages you to step into the messiness of friendship after loss as it reminds you that it is absolutely worth it.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

If you love a grieving mom, don't forget to check out episode #94 about how to love a grieving friend, it's a simple list of 10 don't do this instead do this. To download a free checklist of the ideas shared in that episode head to www.themorning.com/friendsandfamily. On that page you will also be able to access all of the existing resources we have about how to love a grieving mom -- if you love a grieving mom I think these resources will be very helpful to you.

COMMUNITY

And as always, if you are a grieving mom, I want to invite you to join our free online community, The Joyful Mourning Community -- it's a place where you can find women who have experienced the loss of a baby and are navigating this grief journey. It's a safe place where you can ask hard questions, lament, ask for prayer, a place where you can find women who understand what you are going through and can remind you you aren't alone. To join our community head to themorning.com/community. I can't wait to see you there.

SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/blog/episode097

096 How to Love a Grieving Friend with Whitney & Nicole (Part 01) Sep 18, 2020

Show notes

We are currently working our way through a series of episodes that honestly discuss the realities of friendship amidst loss and grief. This episode is Part 1 of a special 2 part episode where I interview best friends Whitney & Nicole.

These two women became friends when Nicole reached out with a text that said something along the lines of "I know you don't really know me but I just found out my baby has died." Whitney had walked through the loss of her daughter Olivia a year prior and was able to help Nicole in the days following the tragic words that there was no heartbeat for her son William.

They became close friends, bound by a common thread of having lost a baby. Little did either of these women know that just a short time later Whitney's son Rory would be born with the same genetic condition as her daughter Olivia and a similar text message would be sent only this time it would be from Whitney to Nicole. These two friends would walk this familiar journey through loss and grief once again.

Their story of friendship is unique and powerful. While their story is unique what they share here is honest and tender and their thoughts about friendship after loss are incredibly relatable and helpful.

I wanted to give space for each of these women's stories to be shared so this episode is broken into two parts. Stay tuned for part 2 next week when we will continue this conversation.

If you love a grieving mom, don't forget to check out episode #94 about how to love a grieving friend, it's a simple list of 10 don't do this instead do this. To download a free checklist of the ideas shared in that episode head to www.themorning.com/friendsandfamily On that page you will also be able to access all of the existing resources we have about how to love a grieving mom -- if you love a grieving mom I think these resources will be very helpful to you.

SHOW NOTESwww.themorning.com/blog/episode096

COMMUNITYwww.themorning.com/community

095 How to Love a Grieving Friend Amidst a Prenatal Life-Limiting Diagnosis with Kelly Griffin & Caroline Telaneus Sep 11, 2020

Show notes

"We don't want to be a burden but the reality is, we are carrying a big burden. And we need people. We have to be vulnerable and to say what we need." Kelly Griffin

In this episode we are talking all about friendship amidst loss and grief. In this episode I have the privilege of interviewing best friends Kelly & Caroline. Kelly received a prenatal life-limiting diagnosis of Trisomy 18 for her son Reeves and during our time together she and Caroline share honestly and tenderly about their friendship and what role it played in Kelly's loss and healing journey. Caroline gives incredibly helpful and tangible wisdom about how to love a friend who is walking through a life-limiting diagnosis.

If you know and love someone who has received a life-limiting diagnosis or has experienced the loss of a baby Caroline's wisdom will be so helpful to you. Kelly gives wisdom to the mom who may be feeling lonely, who might not be surrounded by friends who step in to help.

This episode is so encouraging as it reminds us that it is the simplest things that matter so much. That loving someone who is hurting does not have to look like grand gestures but rather an imperfect showing up that is consistent and prayerful and thoughtful has the potential to really help and bring healing. This episode is tender and raw and I am forever grateful for these two women and the friendship they represent. I pray it encourages you to step into the messiness of friendship after loss as it reminds you that it is absolutely worth it.

FREE GUIDE

If you love a grieving mom, don't forget to check out last week's episode, Episode #94 about how to love a grieving friend, my simple list of 10 don't do this instead do this. To download a free checklist of the ideas shared in that episode head to www.themorning.com/friendsandfamily. On that page you will also be able to access all of the existing resources we have about how to love a grieving mom -- if you love a grieving mom I think these resources will be very helpful to you.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode095

094. 10 Do's & Don'ts - How to Love a Grieving Friend Sep 04, 2020

Show notes

Over the next few weeks we will be sharing resources specifically about how to love a grieving friend. I even had the opportunity to interview moms who had experienced loss with their friend to ask honest questions about what it was like to navigate friendship after loss and amidst grief. If you have ever asked the question: how do I love my grieving friend, this series of episodes and resources we will be sharing is going to be extremely helpful. And if you are a grieving mom this is going to be an incredible bank of resources that you can easily send to those you love about how they can help you in this season. To follow along with all the resources we will be adding over the next few weeks head to www.themorning.com/friendsandfamily

This episode is broken into two parts, the do's and the don'ts of loving a mom who has experienced the loss of a baby. Two caveats before we jump in -- first, this list is not exhaustive and better viewed as a great starting point and second, every mom is unique; what might be helpful to one might not be helpful to another. So listen and learn from this episode but filter the things I share here through the knowledge that you know her better than me.

If you love a grieving mom, head to www.themorning.com/friendsandfamily to download a free checklist of these ideas. That's themorning.com/friendsandfamily. On that page you will also be able to access all of the existing resources we have that will help you navigate this season-- if you love a grieving mom I think these resources will be very helpful to you. And if you are a grieving mom, I want to invite you to join our free online community, The Joyful Mourning Community -- it's a place where you can find women who have experienced the loss of a baby and are navigating this grief journey. It's a safe place where you can ask hard questions, lament, ask for prayer, a place where you can find women who understand what you are going through and can remind you you aren't alone. To join our community head to themorning.com/community, that's themorning.com/community. I can't wait to see you there.

093 Unexpected Infant Death, Loss During Covid, & Finding Hope with Jasmine Wilson Aug 28, 2020

Show notes

Listen in to this honest conversation with my new friend Jasmine Wilson as she shares the story of her son Mekhi. Jasmine shares what it was like to deliver a baby and then lose a baby during this season of Covid. She gives candid answers about what this grief journey has been like in her daily life and how she chooses to remember, honor and celebrate her son. Jasmine talks about how baby loss and grief have affected her relationships, and what her faith has looked like throughout this devastating loss. She gives invaluable wisdom to a newly grieving mom when she shares what this journey has been like and I am sure you will be able to relate to the way she answered the question "what has surprised you about grief"? And one of my favorite moments of our time together was at the very end of the episode when Jasmine said: "Your baby's life is just as important now as it was when you were expecting. It's ok to include them in every part of your life." Such a helpful reminder for us moms with babies in heaven.

I really enjoyed my time with Jasmine and am sure her tenderness and honesty will be a blessing to you as well.

One of the things Jasmine and I chatted about at length is reading through the Psalms or praying the Psalms when we don't know how to pray anymore or even what to pray -- when our hearts are just hurting so badly. I put together a Psalm Prayer Guide for you, just a few of my favorite Psalms you can pray through when your heart is aching and you're angry or frustrated or disappointed in God and not quite sure what to say to Him. Praying His Words back to Him can be incredibly healing. Download that guide at themorning.com/psalmprayerguide.

Thank you for tuning in. I pray this episode blesses you and reminds you that you aren't alone. Now let's jump in.

092 5 Things To Know About Pregnancy After Pregnancy or Infant Loss with Ashlee Proffitt Aug 21, 2020

Show notes

I have said it before and I will say it again. Apart from losing my son Aaden, being pregnant again after losing him was one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. And I know I am not alone in feeling that way. In fact the topic I receive the most requests for is pregnancy after loss. Just this week over in The Joyful Mourning Community a community member posted this, she said: "how do you deal with the crippling anxiety of being pregnant after loss?"

Over the past month or so I have added several resources specific to pregnancy after loss to our resource library including podcast episodes and blog posts -- you can see all of those newly added resources by heading to themorning.com/pregnancyafterloss.

In today's episode I wanted to share 5 simple things to know about pregnancy after baby loss. These 5 things are meant to remind you that you aren't alone in all the feelings you are feeling and the thoughts you are having. And even though you may feel crazy, you aren't crazy. If you are currently pregnant or hope to be pregnant again soon I pray this episode brings a ton of freedom. As you probably know, it is incredibly difficult for someone who has never experienced pregnancy or infant loss to know the depths of pain and fear that can be present in a pregnancy after loss. So consider this episode a reminder of things you already know but might just need to hear again, from a friend who has been there and really does understand. A friend giving you the freedom to feel all the feelings with no shame or guilt.

SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode092

JOIN THE COMMUNITY: www.themorning.com/community

091 Multiple Losses, A Hysterectomy & Hope When There is No Rainbow with Kelsey Hayes Aug 14, 2020

Show notes

Listen in to this honest conversation with Kelsey Hayes. A mom who experienced multiple losses that ended with a full hysterectomy and a chance at having future biological children.

We talk about what hope looks like when there is no foreseeable rainbow, we talk about how grief was different for each of her losses, we talk about how joy and peace can exist in the middle of absolute heartache. And her perspective on how to view and act towards people who say the most hurtful things after loss is both challenging and encouraging as she shares very candidly about a really painful experience with a family member.

We talk about the challenges of parenting after loss and I could really relate when she said "it's tough being a parent after having a loss, you're on guard for anything that can happen and your brain goes to the worst possible scenario."

We talk about all of that and more in this episode. Kelsey's raw vulnerability and honesty is incredibly relatable and I am sure that it will be helpful as it reminds you that you are not alone in this grief journey.

THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY If you have experienced the loss of a baby I want to extend an invitation to The Joyful Mourning Community. A place where you can find women who have walked and are walking this road of baby loss and navigating life after loss. It's a place to remind you that you aren't alone. Come join us by heading to themorning.com/community. I can't wait to meet you.

SHOW NOTESwww.themorning.com/blog/episode091

090 What is the Joyful Mourning + Your Favorite Episodes from Season 02 Aug 07, 2020

Show notes

This is a very special episode as it marks the 2 year birthday of this podcast. 2 years ago I launched this podcast out into the world. I am so grateful for the opportunity to weekly bring you tangible reminders that you are not alone in your grief and that you are loved deeply by a God who has not forgotten you or left you.

In this annual anniversary episode I want to spend a few minutes sharing why I started this podcast, the same why that kept me going when producing and publishing yet another episode felt nearly impossible, and a few clips from your favorite episodes over the past year.

I pray this episode does what each episode before it did, reminds you that you are not alone in your grief and you are more loved than you could ever imagine.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY: www.themorning.com/community

UNDERSTANDING GRIEF (FREE GUIDE): www.themorning.com/griefguide

089 Pregnancy After Baby Loss with Katelyn James Alsop Jul 31, 2020

Show notes

Listen in to an honest conversation about pregnancy after loss with my dear friend Katelyn James Alsop. We talk very candidly about what it's like to be pregnant again after losing a baby. There are moments of tears and of laughter in this episode, but isn't that the reality of this grief journey; a dance of joy and sorrow.

We talk about how Katelyn made the decision to try again for another baby after her son James died from complications from Down Syndrome. We talk about when or if there ever is the right time to announce another pregnancy, what it's like to keep our baby's memories alive when a new baby is born and I love when Katelyn talks to me about battling the fear that plagues so many of us in our pregnancies after loss.

We even talk about parenting after loss and parenting while pregnant after loss; what it looks like to invite our living children into our grief and our fear. And in doing so, hopefully teach them about what it looks like to trust God even when it's scary and even when the worst happens and also show them what finding healing can look like.

I am so grateful for Katelyn and her story and her honesty in this episode. I pray that it reminds you that you are not alone. And that there is joy to be had, even in the scary, fearful places like pregnancy after loss.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

If you have experienced the loss of a baby I want to extend an invitation to The Joyful Mourning Community. A place where you can find women who have walked and are walking this road of baby loss and navigating life after loss and even specifically pregnancy after loss. It's a place to remind you that you aren't alone. Come join us by heading to themorning.com/community. I can't wait to meet you.

SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/blog/episode089

088 Pregnancy After Loss & Dealing With Unresolved Grief with Counselor Libby Marler, The Counseling Collective Jul 23, 2020

Show notes

In our previous episode, episode 87, I talked with counselor and maternal health expert Libby Marler, from The Counseling Collective, about what someone who has experienced the loss of a baby can expect in regards to grief. In that episode, Libby shares invaluable expertise regarding baby loss and grief, including helpful steps to take to process through your grief.

Libby is back in this week's episode to talk with me specifically about pregnancy after loss and how unresolved grief can affect a pregnancy after loss. We talk about why pregnancy after loss can be so incredibly difficult, the common emotions associated with pregnancy after loss, how grief and stress can affect a pregnancy and what steps we can take to deal with the grief and stress in a healthy way. If you have experienced the loss of a baby and are pregnant again, or would like to be pregnant again, this episode is a must listen. If you have ever asked the question, when is it the right time to try to get pregnant again, this episode is for you. And if you love someone who is pregnant after the loss of a baby this episode is an absolute must — it will help you understand what she is going through in a really significant way.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PDF GUIDE: UNDERSTANDING GRIEF: www.themorning.com/griefguide

SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/blog/episode088

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