In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Pamela Presler, LCSW, about the complex journey of pregnancy after loss.

Pam shares her insight from years of walking alongside grieving parents and dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with hoping for new life after heartbreak. From navigating fear and anxiety to holding space for both grief and joy, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced or is currently experiencing a pregnancy after loss.

More about Emma's Footprints:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Facebook: @EmmasFootprints
• Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: Infant loss after life-limiting diagnosis (HLHS, heterotaxy syndrome)

More about Jenelle’s story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Jenelle Romo about the life and loss of her son, Mateo. Diagnosed in utero with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and heterotaxy syndrome with polysplenia, Mateo was born on July 20, 2023, and spent his entire life in the Cardiovascular ICU.

Jenelle shares the complexities of Mateo’s medical journey, including multiple surgeries, serious infections, and the moment they were told there was nothing more doctors could do. Mateo passed away at 44 days old, surrounded by love. Jenelle reflects on the heartbreak of watching her son fight so hard and the deep love that carried them through each day. She also shares how her grief led her to start Mateo’s Mark, a nonprofit supporting other perinatal loss families through care packages and financial assistance.

More about Emma's Footprints:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Facebook: @EmmasFootprints
• Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

More about this episode: In this episode, Julie is joined by special co-host Khristina for a conversation with Kathy, a first-time participant in the Emma’s Footprints Memorial Walk. Kathy shares her emotional journey walking in memory of her son, Jonathan, and reflects on what the experience meant to her as a grieving mom. From putting together her team to honoring her son’s memory in a public space, Kathy offers practical tips, honest reflections, and gentle encouragement for others preparing to walk for the first time—whether you’re building your own team or joining another.

More about Emma's Footprints:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Facebook: @EmmasFootprints
• Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

In this special episode, Tracy and Julie talk with Carol Cacchione, the nurse who walked into Tracy's hospital room the night Emma was born. Their conversation is a moving reflection on the sacred moments of that night, the lifelong impact Carol had on Tracy in the darkest hours of her life, and the unexpected bond that was formed in the midst of devastating loss.

This episode is a heartfelt tribute not only to Emma, but to the caregivers who step into these fragile moments and change lives with their compassion.

Type of loss: Life-limiting diagnosis, stillborn

More about Brittany's story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Brittany Crawford about the loss of her daughter, Norah. At 12 weeks gestation, Brittany learned that Norah had a rare genetic condition called Arthrogryposis.

After weeks of seeing specialists, she was told at 18 weeks that Norah would not survive. Norah passed away at 18 weeks and 5 days, and Brittany delivered her a few days later at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Brittany shares what it was like to receive that diagnosis, prepare for loss, and deliver her daughter.

More about Emma's Footprints:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Facebook: @EmmasFootprints
• Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: PPROM, Infant loss

More about Sam's story: Sam Yanes shares the incredible story of her son, Antonio "Tony". From the early weeks of pregnancy filled with bleeding and uncertainty to a courageous NICU journey that spanned eight months, Sam walks us through every heartbreaking and hope-filled moment.

Tony was born at just 25 weeks, weighing 1lb 15oz, and immediately faced a mountain of medical challenges. Despite infections, breathing issues, surgeries, and long days in the ICU, Sam clung to her faith and fought fiercely for her son. She opens up about the trauma of his birth, the miracle of holding him without wires for the first and last time, and how her faith has been her anchor through unimaginable grief.

More about Emma's Footprints:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Facebook: @EmmasFootprints
• Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

In this Mother’s Day episode, Tracy and Julie read heartfelt letters written by loss moms to their babies. These personal reflections offer a glimpse into the enduring love, grief, and hope carried by mothers every day—especially on Mother's Day. From tender memories and imagined milestones to promises of reunion, each letter honors a life gone too soon and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

Type of loss: early term loss, twin loss

More about Valerie's story: Valerie as she reflects on the raw moments of saying hello and goodbye to her boys. Newly married and full of joy, Valerie and her husband were thrilled to learn they were expecting twins—a dream come true. For four months, they envisioned life as twin parents, filled with excitement and hope. But their joy turned to grief when unexpected pain led to a devastating hospital visit. Valerie was already 8 centimeters dilated. She knew what that meant.

Valerie also opens up about the beautiful, full-circle connection to her own parents, who lost twin boys 40 years earlier. Through faith, shared grief, and the support of Emma’s Footprints, their family has found deep healing across generations.

More about Emma's Footprints:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Facebook: @EmmasFootprints
• Instagram: @EmmasFootprints