Special Events for Bereaved Parents in Salt Lake City
If you are a Salt Lake City resident, are grieving and need support, here are two FREE events for you. Creativity to Heal and Empower With artist/author Alexis Marie Chute RSVP on Eventbrite by clicking here. Join us for a community art-based support workshop for people looking to begin their journey through grief. Join us for a ground-breaking community art-based support workshop for people looking to begin their journey through grief. This day-long workshop includes creative writing, collage, painting, and sculpture to work aid the healing process. All adults looking to uncover a unique healing vocabulary through art are welcome. Participants are welcomed into a judgement-free space to express and discuss their experiences of loss. The group will use...
Read MorePregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
It’s October 15 and International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It’s an important time to acknowledge our grief, honor our baby that died, and choose hope amidst our storm. My son Zachary passed away nine years ago. My husband and I reflected that it still feels like yesterday. I remember the details of our loss so vividly. I probably always will. What surprised me when we celebrated Zachary’s birthday, which was yesterday (October 14), was that the anger of our early years after our loss was not there as strongly. The love remains. And the longing. But the anger… not so much. I have learned that the love never dies. No matter what. Time changes the grief, and helps it, but the love is what heals and brings hope. I will...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 12: Wanted Chosen Planned
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Today’s round-up is a little different! Today I want to share with you a little more about Wanted, Chosen, Planned: Life After the Loss of A Child. This is my blog and resource hot-spot for bereaved families to find support. If you know someone who has lost a child and needs support, please share Wanted, Chosen, Planned with them. Wanted, Chosen, Planned is the online journal of bereaved mom and author-artist, Alexis Marie Chute. Since the death of her son Zachary, Alexis has shared...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 11: Expecting Sunshine
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Today, I am honored to share resources that are very close to my heart! My memoir and documentary film, Expecting Sunshine. www.ExpectingSunshine.com BOOK “I just finished your beautiful book “Expecting Sunshine” and felt compelled to reach out and say thank you. A few days after I found out I miscarried, a few days before my D&C, I went to Barnes & Noble in hopes of finding a guidebook or self-help book of how to heal and cope with miscarriage or loss of a child. I searched...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 10: The Comfort Cub
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. The Comfort Cub was established in 1999 by a mother who experienced the grief and trauma of losing her infant son. Her heart physically ached and she later came to understand that this was a symptom of Takotsubo Syndrome. In the hope that others wouldn’t suffer as she did, the founder created a weighted therapeutic teddy bear to assist those experiencing the pain and ache in their hearts and arms. Due to deep touch pressure, holding the cub triggers the brain to release the...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 9: The Baby Resource Center
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. The Baby Resource Center, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that provides support through prenatal care, infant care and assistance during a pregnancy or infant loss. Since 2014, The Baby Resource Center has offered bereavement resources, mental health assistance, facilitated peer support groups and raised awareness to over a half million people through our international #goPINKandBLUE campaign. www.TheBabyResourceCenter.org Info@TheBabyResourceCenter.org (866) 606-BABY (606-2229) FB,...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 8: SIDS Calgary
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. SIDS Calgary Society (SCS)is a non-profit volunteer organization that offers support to families whose infant or young child has died suddenly and unexpectedly. We advocate for the interests of these families, provide education to health care professionals and the public, and support research to better understand sudden infant and childhood death. SCS offers a variety of activities and supports to families affected by SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in...
Read MoreInternational Bereaved Mother’s Day
Today is International Bereaved Mother’s Day. It is a hard day for me. I am joyful, because I have this amazing opportunity to celebrate my son Zachary, who died eight years ago, BUT I am also bulldozed by sadness. I miss him. The day he was born feels like yesterday – and also a lifetime ago. I wish he was here. I doubt I will ever stop wishing this. Over spring break a few months ago, my family visited Disneyland for a couple days. As we drove to LA, we chatted as a family about our excitement. Then I said, “I wish Zachary was with us to have this fun experience.” Then the waterworks erupted. My husband, Aaron, put a loving hand on my knee as he drove. I cried big fat tears. International Bereaved Mother’s Day is another...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 7: Return To Zero: HOPE
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Return to Zero: HOPE is a nonprofit organization that developed as a result of the positive impact of the film, RETURN TO ZERO. In 2014, Sean and Kiley, founders of the nonprofit, shared their personal tragedy and made this film in the belief that it would help to shatter the stigma and silence associated with stillbirth. RTZ HOPE has carried the film’s mission forward, engaging a global community of bereaved parents and their health providers to improve mental health outcomes, while also...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 6: Pregnancy Loss Healing
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Aditi Loveridge (she/her) is a certified coach, mindfulness meditation teacher, writer, pregnancy loss advocate, and owner of Pregnancy Loss Healing. Aditi’s coaching work includes supporting people who have recently experienced loss, are trying to conceive after loss of any kind (pregnancy/infant loss, failed IVF, through surrogacy, missed adoption), are pregnant again after loss and those still struggling after the birth of their baby. Aditi helps those who have experienced loss to...
Read MoreHappy Easter & Book Birthday
Happy Easter! I hope that you are having a restful long weekend. This time of year is special to me for another reason as well… Expecting Sunshine turns 2! I’m a proud book mama to my book baby! Two years ago I published Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing, and Pregnancy After Loss. It was a big heart-job to write, and an adventure to publish, but the book has made a big difference ever since. I am grateful! On May 21st the second edition of Expecting Sunshine will be released! Here’s what readers have in store: What’s new in the Second Edition of Expecting Sunshine: Bonus chapter co-written by the author, Alexis Marie Chute, and her husband, Aaron Chute, through his perspective. A truly valuable reflection on the...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 5: Pregnancy After Loss Support
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Pregnancy After Loss Support (PALS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and community support resource for women experiencing the confusing and conflicting emotions of grief mixed with joy during the journey through pregnancy after loss. PALS seeks to help expectant mothers celebrate their current pregnancy by choosing hope over fear while still nurturing and honoring the grief over the loss of their deceased child. PALS services include an online magazine, online peer-moderated support...
Read MoreExpecting Sunshine 2nd Edition + Fun Giveaway!
My memoir, Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing, and Pregnancy After Loss, will be released in its Second Edition on May 21. This book has made a wonderful difference in the lives of many families and their communities. Here is a letter from one reader: I just finished your beautiful book “Expecting Sunshine” and felt compelled to reach out and say thank you. A few days after I found out I miscarried, a few days before my D&C, I went to Barnes & Noble in hopes of finding a guidebook or self-help book of how to heal and cope with miscarriage or loss of a child. I searched every feasible location: self-help, psychology, family planning, childcare. With tears in my eyes I was too embarrassed to ask anyone at the counter for help. There I was...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 4: Loving Your Baby Book
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Loving Your Baby: A Gentle and Practical Guide to Parenting Through Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death, 2nd Edition (Sajola Press), by Shari Morash The heartache of miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death touches thousands of families each year. Designed to help parents and professionals navigate the first moments surrounding a baby’s death, Loving Your Baby… authenticates the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of parents and their baby when death tragically comes at the...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 3: Loved Baby Book
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Loved Baby: 31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child After Pregnancy Loss is the bestselling, award-winning devotional full of compassion and help for hurting souls. Real talk about ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and stillbirth Christ-filled comfort Tips to reconnect with yourself and your partner Knowledge that your child is in heaven Strategies to walk through grief Ways to memorialize your loss Whether your loss is recent or not, Loved Baby can be your companion as you...
Read MoreMarch: Pregnancy After Loss Awareness Month
Truly, we don’t need another awareness month. For anyone pregnant again after loss, it is a daily journey – and one that lasts for nine long months. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the heightened recognition for the joys and fears of loss moms and dads who continue to grow their family. I have been there. It is not easy. For me, those pregnancies were some of the most challenging times of my life. March Pregnancy After Loss Awareness Month I am grateful to have been interviewed for the Monica & Andy blog. Here is the article by Kristen Dold: Grieving One Child While Expecting Another: A Rainbow Baby Story After losing her newborn son Zachary in the hospital, Alexis Marie Chute entered what she calls her ‘year of distraction’—an attempt...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 2: Hazel’s Heroes
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Hazel’s Heroes are proud to offer weekend retreats for mothers who have lost a young child. Nestled in the quiet peace of the Rocky Mountains, grieving mothers can come together and focus on parenting the children who are no longer in their arms, but who will remain forever in their hearts. Hazel’s Heroes’ mission is to provide hope and understanding to all who attend. Our retreats provide a safe and supportive environment for mothers to heal a piece of their broken hearts, to honor their...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 1: Carry You With Me
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as the become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. BOOK: Carry You With Me, picture book by Alanna Knobben Carry You With Me is a heartfelt story of a mother’s love, loss, healing and hope. Whimsical illustrations are brought to life with deeply rooted words and symbols. Together we remember the great loves we have lost and cherish all the ways we carry them with us forever. After the loss of her son, Marshall James, mother Alanna turned to paper and pen in her grieving and healing process. Letters to her son soon evolved into the writing of...
Read MoreInternational Bereaved Mother’s Day: Honoring our Birth Stories
Today we celebrate International Bereaved Mother’s Day. We honor precious children that have died and their Mothers whose love and bravery are to be respected and commended. The loss of a child is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. At the same time, speaking for myself, I would never erase my pain. It is evidence of love. It speaks to the short but meaningful life of my first son, Zachary. Yes, my memories are tinged with sadness, but more so they are shrouded with love. Do you notice my theme here? LOVE Love is what binds us. Love sustains us. Love is the answer to the heart’s longings. Love is what keeps our loved ones alive. My Mom is a wise lady. I respect and admire her, as much as we butt heads many days. Mom always tells...
Read MoreFive Lessons: Expecting Sunshine 1st Birthday
One thing I have noticed since losing my son, Zachary, is how I appreciate milestones more deeply. I love celebrating the birthdays, and other special days, of my two rainbow babies and my daughter, who was one-year-old when Zach passed away. So too am I grateful to wish my “book baby” a very happy birthday. One year ago today, I published my memoir, called Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss (She Writes Press, April 18, 2017). When I look back on this past year, I realize there are many important lessons that I have learned. These revelations grew out of my challenging season of grief, the newness of slow-earned healing, and the process of writing, editing, and publishing my story. Five Lessons on the Birthday of...
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