Trigger Warning: This conversation was facilitated with the pregnancy and infant loss mother in mind.

Katie (@griefgardenne), Abby (@omahachildbirtheducation), and I briefly share our loss stories spanning first, second, and third trimester losses. But there are no vivid descriptions or scary details shared. The unifying factor is loss itself, and this is a safe place to listen, cry, and feel seen and understood.

However, I think anyone who loves a person who has lost a baby should also listen to this, as should birth workers and pediatric care providers. How we navigate loss with families needs to improve, and what Katie and Abby share from a personal and professional standpoint is so so helpful.

Find Abby’s bereavement doula services HERE

Find Katie’s child life services HERE

Additional Resources

Miscarriage kits for mothers before or after loss

Miscarriage kits for providers to have on hand

Companioning at a Time of Perinatal Loss (a book for caregivers)

Dear Mushka’s miscarriage remembrance collection

Jewelry with breastmilk, ashes, cord stumps, or pregnancy test caps (they gave me the code THERESE for a discount for you)

Stillbirthday provider registry and resources for parents

Breastmilk expectations and guidance after loss

*If you need further lactation advice after loss, please don't hesitate to test me at (402) 740-2646 to schedule a free phone consult*

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This episode was sponsored by SubLuna’s Peace Nectar. Linden, oat straw, chamomile, cardamom, and ginger in an apple cider vinegar base helps with digestion and provides some calming calcium and magnesium. You can find it at shopsubluna.com and the code HAPPYMAMA gets you 10% off your order.

“Can I lose weight without losing my milk supply?”

Megan Brister (@postpartum.weightloss.rd) and I talk about this delicate and nuanced subject in today's episode.

Does everyone need to intentionally lose weight postpartum? No.

Do we need to learn to have grace and patience with our softer bodies as we soften into our new roles? Yes.

Do we sometimes mistakenly conflate being at our old weight with feeling like "ourselves" again? Yes.

But also, sometimes, after the initial postpartum recovery phase, weight loss is desired. And you deserve a real answer to the real questions about how to do it wisely, safely, and realistically.

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Find Megan's programs and cookbooks here:

https://www.postpartumweightlossrd.com

Find my postpartum cookbook here:

https://happymamahealthybaby.freshlearn.com

and use code TWENTYFIVE to get 25% off

Or if you're not ready to cook yet, check out Mama Meals and use code HAPPYMAMA20 for a discount.

Other podcast episodes that we mention in this interview:

Ep. 06: Minerals and Mother's Milk with Amanda Montalvo, RD

⁠Ep. 10: Baby Tummy Time and Retained Reflexes with Steph Novacek, PT⁠

Ep. 12: Normal Infant Sleep with Taylor Kulik

Ep. 26: Postpartum Exercise with Adina Rubin

Infant Reflux on the Are You Menstrual? podcast

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This episode is sponsored by SubLuna! Their Surf and Sand Wave Spritz has made my hair so shiny and bouncy. Visit shopsubluna.com and use code HAPPYMAMA to get 10% off your order!

Jill Stetson (@compassionatetouchcranial) is a massage therapist with additional training in craniosacral and fascial work. In this episode, she and I explain bodywork, talk about why it can help with breastfeeding, how to find a good bodyworker, and red and green flags for care you're already under.

*This episode is sponsored by SubLuna! Their Surf and Sand Wave Spritz has made my hair so shiny and bouncy this spring. Visit shopsubluna.com and use code HAPPYMAMA to get 10% off your order!*

Places to start looking for a bodyworker near you:

Upledger Providers

Tummy Time Method Providers

Nervous-System Focused Chiropractors

At-home resources for movement and connection:

Infant Feeding Specialist Oral Play Guide

Little Movers PT Bellies, Babies, and Bubbles Course

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Course (we discuss tongue ties, bodywork, good latch, and more)

Milk and Motherhood Ep. 10: Tummy Time, Co-Regulation, and Retained Reflexes

Please leave a rating or review if you loved this episode, and follow me on Instagram @happy.mama.healthy.baby