Resource 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 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 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 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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