Rachell Dumas, a nurse, entrepreneur, and founder of Light After 9, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy loss and advocating for maternal health, shares her journey through multiple pregnancy losses, including the emotional toll, medical challenges, and the resilience needed to keep going. From struggling with infertility to navigating grief and ultimately giving birth to a healthy child, Rachell’s story is one of courage, advocacy, and healing. She also discusses her work helping others find support, education, and medical resources during difficult times.
Key Takeaways:
Resilience in the Face of Loss: Rachell’s journey shows the power of resilience in the face of multiple pregnancy losses and the determination it takes to keep going despite heartbreak.
Advocacy for Maternal Health: Rachell emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, especially in situations where women feel unheard or misunderstood by medical professionals.
The Importance of Therapy in Healing: Therapy was crucial in Rachell’s emotional healing and process of reconnecting with her baby after multiple losses.
Creating a Community of Support: Rachell founded Light After 9 to provide the support, resources, and advocacy she wished she had during her journey, helping women navigate the complex and often isolating experience of pregnancy loss.
Cautious Hope and the Journey to Motherhood: Rachell reflects on how difficult it was to fully bond with her child during pregnancy, due to the fear of loss, and how it took time to build a connection after birth.
“I never knew if I would make it to the other side, and I did. So I started Light After 9, and it’s been the most amazing process, very healing.” – Rachell Dumas
“Advocacy can really save our lives and our babies' lives. If I had the education to advocate for myself even more, I wouldn’t have had nine losses.” – Rachell Dumas
“There’s a lot of grief in the process, but I really commend everyone on this journey—even if it’s just one loss or one disappointing diagnosis, you’re so strong for pushing forward.” – Rachell Dumas
“I can see my light, but it's hard when you're going through that darkness, that trauma, and that grief to even imagine being on the other side.” – Rachell Dumas
“You need to have somebody—especially a maternal health professional—to advocate for you, to hold your hand, to answer your questions, and to advocate for you.” – Rachell Dumas
Website: A Light After Nine – A nonprofit founded by Rachell to support women through pregnancy loss and advocate for maternal health.
Social Media: Follow A Light After Nine on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms for resources, support, and advocacy on pregnancy loss and maternal health.
Therapy and Mental Health Resources: Rachell discusses how therapy, including hypnotherapy, was an essential tool in her healing process during her pregnancy journey. Postpartum Supprt International is an organization that helps to train and certify maternal health professionals including MDs and therapists. They have a large number of resources to support women in the perinatal period including a directory of professionals trained in Perinatal Mental Health.
About Your Host:
Amy Grace is the heart behind Everyday Supermoms, a podcast that inspires and empowers mothers by sharing diverse stories of resilience and connection. As a licensed therapist in Colorado, she supports moms through all stages of motherhood with transformative therapy intensives and signature courses like The Motherhood Mindset Reset and Create Your Own Motherhood. A mom of six, Amy draws from her own journey—from single parenting to blended families—to create a community where mothers can embrace their unique paths with confidence and grace.
For More Info and your FREE Embracing Your Inner Supermom Workbook visit www.everydaysupermoms.com
