Resource 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 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 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 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 MoreI Miss Her So Much
I welcome Fawn Briggs and her brave guest post below on Wanted Chosen Planned. Fawn’s story of losing Phoenix is heart wrenching and her loss was only four months ago. This post is dedicated in memory of Phoenix. I was 39 weeks 3 days with my rainbow baby following a loss at 10 weeks June 1st, 2016. It was August 17th, 2017 and I was scheduled to be induced on the 20th. I had been up late unable to sleep and my sweet baby girl Phoenix Quinn had been so active. I was having contractions so when my husband got up for work I asked him to stay home with me because I thought we would be meeting our baby early. After our 4 year old woke up I was feeling exhausted so I decided to take a nap so I would be rested if my contractions got close enough to head to the...
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