78: Navigating Pregnancy After Loss with Humor and Healing

Navigating Baby Loss

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In this episode, we speak with Aspen, a clinical social worker who shares her personal and professional insights on pregnancy after infant loss. Aspen discusses her journey from losing her first child, Otis, to pregnancy with her rainbow baby, Lenara, offering both emotional support and practical advice for those on a similar path.

Key Points

- Aspen's background in clinical social work and linguistics

- The loss of her first child, Otis, shortly after birth

- The decision to try for another pregnancy

- Coping strategies during subsequent pregnancy

- The role of dark humor in grief

- Balancing fear and hope during pregnancy after loss

- Professional insights on therapy and self-care

- Starting a specialized private practice for pregnancy and infant loss

Notable Quotes

[00:15:30] "I don't think I'm done. I don't think that I can walk away from this and not try again."

[00:27:45] "It's okay to do that. Human life... we all have our own stories and part of it is learning how to deal with other people's stories."

[00:38:20] "What you're doing in those moments is taking the power back rather than letting the thoughts and emotions control you."

[00:52:10] "There's no right or wrong way to grieve or navigate pregnancy after loss. Your journey is unique, and it's okay to approach it in whatever way feels right for you."

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Introduction and Aspen's background

00:05:30 - The story of Otis's birth and loss

00:15:30 - Decision to try for another pregnancy

00:22:45 - Navigating pregnancy after loss

00:30:15 - Coping strategies and the role of dark humor

00:38:20 - Managing anxiety and intrusive thoughts

00:45:30 - Bonding with rainbow baby Lenara

00:52:10 - Professional insights and starting a specialized practice

01:00:00 - Closing thoughts and resources

Resources Mentioned

- Instagram: @thetherapistinmyhead

- Instagram: @keepgoingmentalhealth

- Yoga for grief and healing

https://www.jennifersenn.com/holiday
A Season of Memories is a guide created especially for stillbirth moms who find the holidays challenging. This free resource offers 20 unique ideas to help you create new traditions that celebrate your baby's memory. These practices help keep your baby's light shining year after year.

WHERE TO FIND AND FOLLOW ME!
Join my Private Facebook Group Navigating Baby Loss- Support for Stillbirth Moms

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