Category: Grief
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Living in Two Realities
It’s a rainy, gloomy afternoon, and my heart feels heavy. Grief tends to settle in on days like this, like a storm that never fully passes. Today, a memory popped up on my phone—a video from two years ago. I was pregnant with my daughter then, blissfully unaware of the terror that lay ahead. I… Read more
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Everyday Moments After Loss
This morning, I’m working at a coffee shop since the wifi is out at my house. A mom and her baby sat next to me, and the little boy kept coming up to me. I asked how old he is, and the mom said he would be 2 in November, the same age as my… Read more
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Rejecting False Positivity
Telling a woman to “look on the bright side” or “be positive” after she has lost a baby is, in my experience and opinion, a form of psychological abuse. Society often expects bereaved mothers to move on quickly and to suppress their grief to avoid making others uncomfortable. When we are told to “be positive”… Read more
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Navigating Body Image Struggles
I am slightly ashamed to admit that during my pregnancy and now post partum, I had major body dysmorphia. I was very uncomfortable with how much weight I was gaining during my pregnancy, as I am used to being a petite, in shape Woman. Even though I was eating healthy, I swelled up like a… Read more
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The Importance of Acknowledgement
Yesterday, I was talking to a woman I’d just met. She asked me how many kids I have, and I said I have a son who is 9 and a daughter in heaven. I explained I’d lost her to stillbirth at 8 months pregnant. The young woman’s response was filled with care. She asked, “What’s… Read more
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Poem
I think of you, every time I see a pregnant woman, for the last time I held you alive, you were in my womb. I feel a tremendous amount of guilt for complaining about the physical discomfort of carrying you in my body, I’d give anything to have you back in my belly, healthy and… Read more
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Postpartum Care for Stillbirth Mothers
Being a mother is a journey filled with profound joy, love, and challenges. While the world often celebrates the arrival of a new baby, the journey of motherhood can take many forms, including the heart-wrenching experience of stillbirth. As a mother who has navigated this painful path, I understand the unique needs and challenges that… Read more
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Herbs for Grief; Part 2
Grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming emotion that can manifest physically, emotionally, and mentally. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing from grief, exploring natural remedies can be an empowering part of the journey. One such remedy that has gained attention for its potential in easing the symptoms of grief is passionflower.… Read more
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Herbs for Grief; Part 1
Motherwort, Leonarus cardiaca – aptly named for its association with courage and resilience, means Lion Heart. This herb serves as a steadfast companion through the tumultuous journey of grief. Personally, I leaned on it daily in the initial throes of mourning my daughter. When I returned home from the hospital, my arms and womb empty,… Read more
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Book Recommendations
In the wake of my daughter’s passing, I found myself navigating a tumultuous sea of grief, searching for something to anchor me amidst the storm. It was during those early months of mourning that I was introduced to a book that would profoundly impact my healing journey: “Empty Cradle, Broken Heart.” Written by Deborah L.… Read more