Shows
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories386 - Noncustodial Parenting & Black Motherhood with Erica M. Freeman and Dem Black Mamas PodcastDear Mama, What if I told you Black mamas aren’t superheroes, that the cape is choking us, and our backs are brittle? What if I told you motherhood ain’t killing us, though, but the narratives we buy into hook, line, and sinker are? What if you had the option not to be the primary custodial parent? Would you decline out of obligation to the belief that a good Black mama would never choose to leave their children in the care of others, even the other parent? How does a Black mother respond when what’s best for h...2025-05-081h 11
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories385 - Join our Weekly Grief Support group for Pregnancy LossToday's episode is a solo episode where our founder Erica M. Freeman shares our newest Grief Support Group - Black Moms Loss Returning. This is expanding our currently offering in our partnership with Postpartum Support International. Black Moms in Loss will be held weekly on Thursday's at 8pm EST Black Moms in Loss Returning will be held bi-weekly on Tuesday's at 8:30pm EST. Join our Weekly Grief Support Groups at sistersinloss.com/psi Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services ...2025-04-1023 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories382 - Fruitful - 2025 Stay Informed but Not Consumed with Erica MichelleWe are easing into 2025 with our first Solo episode of the year with Erica Michelle. We are discussing staying informed through this new climate but not consumed. I share my favorite podcasts, books, and other media that I'm using to keep the peace and rest in this season. We are being frutiful in 2025 and not easily swayed by misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation from this administration. This episode is for you to listen to if you need some encouragement no matter where you are in your journey. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here...2025-02-0531 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories381 - Easing into the New Year - REWIND2024 is here and we are kicking off the year with a solo episode. Our founder, Erica Michelle, shares about easing into 2024, goals for Sisters in Loss in 2024, and surviving and thriving in 2024. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss...2025-01-2929 minSisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories373 - What does Healing look like? November Election Results with Erica MichelleWere you apart of the 92%? I know I was. We have taken the time to grieve, mourn and rest. I decided to get behind the mic today in a solo episode to share my thoughts on Novembers election results and how it plays a role in our collective grieving, collective healing, and my book writing process. What does healing look like? Healing looks like recognizing you are your best thing. Healing also looks like doing so in community. I see you sis! I hear you sis! I grieve with you sis! Healing doesn't ne...2024-12-0415 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories368 - Miscarriage is on the ballot! Never Healing Alone book updates with Erica MichelleMiscarriage is on the ballot. We are less than one week away from election day on November 5. Have you voted early yet? Today's episode is a solo episode where I deep dive into the book writing process and detail where I am now in writing Never Healing Alone. I also discuss how miscarriage is on the ballot. After Roe v. Wade was overturned, the right to abortion access was left up to each state, which allowed states to ban abortion, or allowed existing abortion bans to become law, in places where Roe previously protected our rights. So, wh...2024-10-3024 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories336 - Trying to Conceive: Making the Decision to Try Again with Erica MichelleAre you ready to try to conceive? Today's episode is a solo episode by Founder Erica Michelle on Trying Again and Making the Decision to try to conceive. Making the decision to try again is not an easy one. This decision may trigger many different emotions and bring on anxiety, fear, guilt, inadequacy, hopelessness, and a sense of failure. In this series I plan to equip you with the questions to ask yourself and your partner to prepare your mind, body, and inner self for another pregnancy. Below are 3 questions you should ask yours...2024-02-0715 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories335 - Easing into 2024 with Erica Michelle2024 is here and we are kicking off the year with a solo episode. Our founder, Erica Michelle, shares about easing into 2024, goals for Sisters in Loss in 2024, and surviving and thriving in 2024. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Healing Collective Online Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Si...2024-02-0127 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories325 - Join the Sisters in Loss Grief Support Group with Erica M. FreemanToday's episode is a solo episode where I discuss what has been going on with Sisters in Loss behind the scenes and all about our grief support groups. In 2022, Sisters in Loss partnered with Postpartum Support International to host a bi-weekly grief support group for Black mothers who have experienced pregnancy loss, infant loss, stillbirth, miscarriage, child loss, and infertiilty. Our group named Black Moms in Loss falls under the support groups that PSI offers at postpartum.net. This group is peer led by Sisters in Loss doulas and other grief support workers. In 2023, we moved to weekly grief sup...2023-11-0813 minSisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories312 - 6 Lessons Learned from 6 Years of Podcasting with Erica MichelleDo you know what today is? It is our Anniversary! Yes, our podcast began today on August 2, 2017 and we are celebrating 6 years of Sisters in Loss. Today's episode is a solo episode where Erica Michelle discusses 6 Lessons she has learned in 6 years of podcasting. This episode is for you to listen to if you are interested in podcasting and want to know how to invest your time, money, resources, and creativity into this amazing life changing medium. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Se...2023-08-0223 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories302 - Maternal Mental Health App Candle Lit Therapy with Lauren ElliottMay is Mental Health Awareness Month! Today's episode we discuss mental health and pregnancy with the new app Candle Lit Therapy. Lauren Elliott created Candle Lit to help new mothers, moms of very young children and future moms of color prioritize their mental health. In this episode we discuss Lauren's inspiration for starting Candle Lit based on her journey to motherhood, and how she desired to feel supported when she welcomed her first child. This episode is for you to listen to if you are seeking another form of therapy or coaching on your journey through loss an...2023-05-2431 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories285 - New Year to Blossom in 2023 with Erica MichelleHappy New Year 2023! I am excited to get behind the mic and kick off the new year with a solo episode discussing all about 2022 accomplishments and failures. In this episode, I deep dive into my personal development and growth in 2022, and share my 2023 word of the year. We discuss what's next with Sisters in Loss and what to look forward to in 2023 and how to stay connected to the community. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You c...2023-01-0434 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories276 - Are you listening to Black Women in Maternal Health? According to the most recent data, Black infants are 2.3 times more likely to die before their first birthday compared to their White counterparts. Black American parents also experience higher rates of fetal and perinatal deaths, making Black families disproportionately more susceptible to pregnancy loss und bereavement. Bereaved Black parents’ ability and ways of coping with their loss is influenced by a multitude of factors such as the transgenerational trauma associated with 400 years of collective enslavement, poverty, and consistent discrimination in the educational, judicial, and health care system. Black American parents encounter specific barriers to receiving quality health care such as...2022-10-1928 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories275 - Sharing my Story at the White House with Vice President Kamala HarrisIn April 2021, Sisters in Loss founder, Erica Michelle, had the pleasure of attending the first Black Maternal Health Roundtable held at The White House by Vice President Kamala Harris and Ambassador Susan Rice. In today's podcast episode she is sharing this experience with you and what Vice President Kamala Harris asked her about being a doula and why doulas are needed. Sisters in Loss Training Institute are opening the doors to our last live full spectrum doula training for 2022. This training is weekly on Tuesdays in November starting on November 1, 2022 at 7pm EST. Please register here:bit.l...2022-10-1211 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories265 - 5 Year Podcast Anniversary! What's next with Sisters in Loss?On August 2, 2017 we released our first episode of the Sisters in Loss Podcast. Today, we celebrate 5 Years of this podcast and community. In today's solo episode, Erica McAfee, Sisters in Loss Founder shares: The History of Sisters in Loss Black Maternal Health Crisis and Roe vs. Wade Community Building in the last 5 Years What's Next for Sisters in Loss? Her personal journey and how this podcast saved her This podcast is for you to listen to find out where Sisters in Loss is going in 2023 and beyond. Listen to this episode here: sistersinloss.c...2022-08-0351 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp166 - Placenta Abruption and Loss not being in Vain with Vanessa RobinsonDo you know what a placenta abruption is? Placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the inner wall of the womb before delivery. The condition can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, belly pain, and back pain in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Depending on the degree of placental separation and how close the baby is to full-term, treatment may include bed rest or a cesarean section. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), if severe abruption occurs, 15% ends in fetal death. Infants who survive have a 40-50% chance of...2020-09-0936 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp165 - Why Doulas are Essential to Pregnancy Loss with Sonia KillebrewHave you heard of the term blighted ovum or chemical pregnancy? A blighted ovum occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but doesn't develop into an embryo. It is also referred to as an an embryonic (no embryo) pregnancy and is a leading cause of early pregnancy failure or miscarriage. Often it occurs so early that you don't even know you are pregnant. Today’s guest experienced a chemical pregnancy and an early miscarriage around 11 weeks. Sonia Killebrew @soniajkillebrew leaned on her skills as a doula and holistic health coach to walk her through her lo...2020-09-0232 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp164 - HELLP Syndrome and Preeclampsia with Trashaun PowellHave you heard of HELLP Syndrome? HELLP Syndrome is a life-threatening pregnancy complication usually considered to be a variant of preeclampsia. Both conditions usually occur during the later stages of pregnancy, or sometimes after childbirth. Today’s guest was diagnosed HELLP syndrome at just 23 weeks pregnant. Trashaun Powell was immediately taken to the intensive care unit and was shocked to find out that their baby girl, Mia Jane, would have to be delivered to save her life. Mia was 1 lb and 1 oz at delivery and passed away the next day. Trashaun spent another 2 weeks in the ho...2020-08-2625 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp163 - Male factor Infertility with TJ PeytenHave you heard of male factor infertility? Male factor infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility. Of all infertility cases, approximately 40–50% is due to “male factor” infertility and as many as 2% of all men will exhibit suboptimal sperm parameters. Today’s guest shares her journey as a wife through male infertility. TJ Peyten discovered 5 years into marriage and trying to conceive that her husband had male factor infertility. Male inf...2020-08-1937 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp162 - Birth and Loss on the Same Day with Shana AndersonImagine birthing your rainbow baby and losing your first born on the same day!? Today’s episode is one that hits close to home as her story is very similar to my own. I would be lying to you if I didn't say I cried throughout this entire interview and hours afterward. This episode is a trigger, so please grab some tissue, and brace yourself as you embark on this woman's journey to motherhood. Shana Anderson experienced a placenta abruption with her first born son Bryce, and he was later diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and ch...2020-08-121h 19
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp160 - A PCOS diagnosis, Stillbirth and Rainbow Baby after the Storm with Whitney VaughnToday’s guest was diagnosed in her early 20s with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome where her doctor told her she had zero eggs and almost no lining in her uterus making it not viable to carry a baby to term. Whitney Vaughn then made the proper diet changes and in September 2018 found out she was pregnant. At 28 weeks along she did not detect a heartbeat on her home doppler and went to the hospital to be faced with the same news her baby passed away in utero. In this episode Whitney takes us back to those moments of delivering her st...2020-07-2924 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp159 - IVF cycle Cancelled due to COVID-19 with Crystal SimpsonImagine having your next round of IVF cancelled due to COVID-19. Today’s guest was diagnosed with unexplained infertility after many years trying. She experienced 3 unsuccessful IUIs and 1 cancelled IUI, and 1 IVF cycle that resulted in a miscarriage. Crystal Simpson, a military wife went off birth control about 6 months after getting married. She knew something was wrong and went to her OB/GYN for testing, but the testing showed no issues and she was recommended to a Reproductive Endocrinologist for an Intrauterine Insemination or IUI. After 3 IUIs and 1 cancelled IUI none of them resulted in a positive pregn...2020-07-2223 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp158 - Endometriosis, Recurrent Miscarriage, and Faith to Overcome Secondary Infertility with Maria PyanovAfter not having difficulty conceiving her first two children, today’s guest began experiencing heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain and physical therapy and was diagnosed with endometriosis. When Maria Pyanov was ready to try again she miscarried. She miscarried another 5 times and experienced the loss of a foster son. In today’s episode Maria takes us back on her journey through being diagnosed with endometriosis, her recurrent miscarriage and IVF journey, her loss of boy she fostered, and her faith and determination to overcome secondary infertility. This episode is for you to listen to if you suffer from endometriosis, have...2020-07-1533 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp157 - A Delay is not a Denial Ectopic Pregnancy to Rainbow Baby with Abi AdeA Delay is not a Denial! Today’s guest believes that her faith is what helped her through her ectopic pregnancies, fallopian tube loss, miscarriage, and rainbow baby pregnancy. Abi Ade is our @SistersinLoss from across the pond residing in London. In this episode she shares her journey to motherhood which began in 2015 after her wedding she found out she was pregnant. That pregnancy resulted in a ruptured fallopian tube due to an ectopic pregnancy and she had to have it removed to save her life. Abi went on to experience another ectopic pregnancy in which...2020-07-0838 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp156 - Never Giving up Hope after Miscarriages with Joanna Pendergrass Imagine healing from miscarriages only to be faced with your IVF treatment being postponed due to COVID-19. Today's guest shares her painful journey of experiencing two miscarriages and deciding to undergo fertility treatment. Joanna Pendergrass shares in this episode how she grieved her unborn children. Her failed IVF treatment, her second round of treatment and not being able to undergo embryo transfer due to COVID-19, and how she is not giving up hope on this journey to parenthood. This episode is for you to listen to if you have experienced miscarriages...2020-07-0131 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp155 - Twin Loss to Triumph and Don't Struggle in Silence with Ashley Pittman Imagine experiencing loss of twins at 7 months and then 5 other miscarriages to have your rainbow baby? Today's guest is the connector of a new book collaboration with Angel Moms called "Don't Struggle in Silence - I am a Victor" out now. In this episode Ashley Pittman shares her story and journey of twin loss and miscarriage and how it empowered her to be an advocate for angel moms, families, and relationships. She connected 5 other ladies as collaborators for her new book where they each share their story of not struggling in silence. Ashley shares her...2020-06-2429 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp154 - From Miscarriage to Maternal Health Advocate with Kia Livingston From miscarriage to maternal health advocate and becoming a doula. Today's guest shares how she suffered from depression and anxiety after having a miscarriage at 14 weeks. Kia Livingston had to lean on God and her support system to get out of a very dark place after suffering a miscarriage at 14 weeks. She turned her pain into purpose and became a doula and maternal health advocate. In this episode she takes us back on her journey to motherhood, how she overcame depression after her loss, and how her work as a doula is helping...2020-06-1722 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp153 - Life After Infant Loss and Trading Beauty for Ashes with Dadriaunna Hayes What does life after infant loss and birth trauma look like? Today's guest shares in this episode what life after miscarriage and trading beauty for ashes means and more. Dadriaunna Hayes lost her son at 24 weeks gestation due to cervical incompetence and experienced birth trauma. She went into pre-term labor and the hospital she was at did not have a NICU or Labor and Delivery center so she had to be transferred. Once transferred she endured a cerclage, 2 epidurals in 48 hours, allergic reaction to the labor medications, and ultimately birthed her baby boy...2020-06-1029 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp152 - Beyond Celiac and Living Gluten Free with Royale WaltersSix Miscarriages later today's guest was determined to find out what was the cause. Royale Walters tenacity and resilience led her to discover that she had celiac's auto immune disease a condition which gives you a gluten intolerance and it led to her miscarriages. In today's episode, she shares how the gluten was attacking her body while she was pregnant, how she changed her diet and saw immediate results, and how food has changed her way she approaches fertility. This episode is for you to listen to if you have had recurrent miscarriages and are interested in...2020-06-0327 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp151 - How to become a certified doula? So you want to be a doula? So you want to be a doula? What does a doula do? How can I become one? How much does it cost? If you want answers to these questions and more this episode is for you. I’m excited to launch our 2nd Cohort of the Sisters in Loss Birth and Bereavement Doula training and certification program. This doula certification program will run for 6 weeks beginning on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at 8pm EST. For more information on how to register go to sistersinloss.com/doulatraining. In today’s episode I share what a doula is, the differ...2020-05-2748 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp150 - May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month with Eleni Tsigas Did you know that Preeclampsia is a leading cause of Maternal Mortality and prematurity? Did you know that black birthing persons are 3x more likely to die from Preeclampsia? Today’s episode is a special one because its our 150th episode! Can you believe it? We made it to 150! In honor of our 150th episode I had the pleasure of interviewing the CEO of the Preeclampsia Foundation Eleni Tsigas. A little background on Eleni, is the CEO of the Preeclampsia Foundation and member of the Board of Directors for Preeclampsia Foundation Canada...2020-05-2054 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp148 - Mother's Day Wish for my Sisters in Loss!This past Sunday we celebrated International Bereaved Mother's Day and shown our love for our babies gone to heaven far too soon. This upcoming Sunday in the US we celebrate Mother's Day. Mother's Day can be very challenging, difficult emotionally, and with social distancing and quarantine can and will be very lonely for many Sisters in Loss. Today's podcast episode is my love letter to you letting you know that You are a Mother! All of the needle pokes, disappointing news, positive and negative pregnancy tests, exciting feelings of baby movement, to holding your baby in your arms after...2020-05-0609 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp147 - Ish Happens and How to Bounce Back from Ectopic Pregnancy with Brytani Bradley Imagine being 23 and infertile. That is what today's guest was faced with when she realized she was having a ectopic pregnancy. Brytani Bradley woke up on her 8th week of pregnancy excited to see her baby only to find out the baby was not in her uterus and she had to be rushed into surgery due to her internal bleeding. She woke up shocked and confused because her baby was gone and so was her fallopian tube. In this episode Brytani takes us back on her journey to getting pregnant and the day she heard...2020-04-2940 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp145 - Hypothyroidism, Infertility Diagnosis, and 24 week Preemie with Monique FarookImagine being told you are unable to have children. Imagine finding out your tubes were blocked. Today's guest, Monique Farook, podcast host of Infertility and Me @infertilityandme, shares her infertility journey through IUI, IVF, being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and uterine polyps. Monique shares in this episode how she endured failed IUI and IVF cycles, and her journey to her premature delivery of her baby boy a 24 weeks. She shares her NICU experience and her inspiration for starting the Infertility and Me Podcast. This podcast episode is for you to listen to if you have gone through IVF, IUI, or...2020-04-1532 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp144 - Finding Joy and Strength through Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Therapy with Dr. Loree Johnson Have you heard of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss? Recurrent pregnancy loss is historically defined as 3 or more consecutive pregnancy losses prior to 20 weeks. Today's guest has experienced 4 pregnancy losses including losing a son at 15 weeks due to chromosomal abnormalities. Dr. Loree Johnson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares her loss story and journey to motherhood. In this episode you will hear Dr. Loree's story of strength and perseverance and how she found joy and peace in the uncertainty of this journey. We all could use more joy and peace as we navigate th...2020-04-0835 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp143 - Ovarian Cysts and Coping After Stillbirth with Lakisha WatsonThere is always a rainbow after the storm of losses. Today's guest knows what it feels to be granted her rainbow baby girl on the day of love Valentine's Day 2019. Before that Lakisha Watson was told she would never conceive due to ovarian cysts and her fallopian tubes being partially closed. One month after getting married, she was able to defeat the odds and become pregnant with a baby boy. Lakisha's son's heart stopped beating at 31 weeks and he was born still. In today's episode Lakisha takes us back to those moments of how she coped with the loss...2020-04-0120 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp142 - Overcoming Endometriosis and PCOS by Keeping the Faith with Chanelle McElroy With COVID-19 Cornavirus taking up our news feed, we are all searching for a hope, faith, and joy. Today's episode gives us just that faith beyond the cycle. Chanelle McElroy's faith is shown after being diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOs in early 2017. She experienced 3 miscarriages, and was told that it would be difficult to conceive. Chanelle remained faithful and begin sharing her experiences through writing a journal. She became pregnant in October 2018 and gave birth to a preemie at 23 weeks and 5 days. This episode is for you to listen to if you have...2020-03-2530 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp141 - Recurrent Miscarriages and Never Giving Up with Tanya TaylorAfter hitting obstacle after obstacle today's guest faced many challenges getting and staying pregnant. From switching fertility medications to pushing through the grief from recurrent miscarriages today's guest is an example of never giving up hope. Tanya Taylor has experienced 4 miscarriages since 2018 most shortly after finding out she was pregnant. In this episode she takes us back on her grief journey and why she is holding onto her faith and never giving up hope to become a mother. Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Li...2020-03-1822 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp140 - Battling Infertility with PCOS and IVF Struggles with Dr. Shantell ChamblissSometimes this journey to motherhood is two steps forward and three steps back. One thing I love about this Sisters in Loss Community is how RESILIENT you are on your journey. Today's guest is no different as she embodies resilience. Dr. Shantell Chambliss battled with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and was unable to get pregnant. In 2016, she conceived via Invitro Fertilization (IVF), and was devastated when she lost her baby boy due to cervical incompetence at 19 weeks. Shantell takes us back to that day in this episode and shares her additional 8 IVF treatments and how she stays...2020-03-1154 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp138 - Congenital Heart Defect and Postpartum Depression after Loss with Chavalia Dunlap-MwambaImagine giving birth to twin boys, overcoming postpartum depression, and finding out you are pregnant again. Today's guest experienced that plus more. Chavalia Dunlap-Mwaba found out when her twin boys were 3 years old that she was expecting. Her 3rd son had a congenital heart defect that would require surgery immediately upon birth. After meeting with specialists and doctors out of town assuring her baby would be in great hands at birth, she was unable to deliver there and had to go to local hospital and deliver via cesarean. Her baby boy was born and was unable to be resuscitated...2020-02-2647 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp137 - PPROM and Incompetent Cervix with Stacy Patterson Have you heard of PPROM? Preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) is a pregnancy complication. In this condition, the sac (amniotic membrane) surrounding your baby breaks (ruptures) before week 37 of pregnancy. Once the sac breaks, you have an increased risk for infection. You also have a higher chance of having your baby born early. Today's guest experienced preterm premature rupture of the membranes and was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix and loss her son. Stacy Patterson has two beautiful daughters after experiencing a preterm birth followed by a NICU stay and a...2020-02-1941 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp136 - I went to the State of the Union representing Black Infant and Maternal Health! I was honored with the opportunity to attend the State of the Union as a guest of my Congressman Donald McEachin. Yes, you read right last Tuesday, February 4, 2020 I traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the most controversial SOTU we have seen. Imagine being in the room where you can cut the tension with a knife of a sitting president who has been impeached and is attempting to convince the American people to reelect him for another 4 years. I loved every minute of the politics and pomp and circumstance. This episode I take you on that...2020-02-1232 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp135 - Marriage, Motherhood, and Overcoming Loss with Quenesha WestCan you imagine getting engaged, finding out you are pregnant, and losing your baby all within a years time? Today's guest knows exactly how that feels so much she has decided to share her journey to motherhood. Quenesha West was managing graduate school getting her Masters in Social Work when she was surprised with an engagement and six days later she found out she was pregnant. With marriage and motherhood on the horizon while managing graduate school work and a full time job, Quenesha shares her loss story in today's episode. This episode is for you to...2020-02-0642 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp134 -Incompetent Cervix and Transabdominal Cerclage (TAC) with Vu-An Foster Have you heard of the term Incompetent Cervix? or Trans Abdominal Cerclage? An incompetent cervix, also called a cervical insufficiency, occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. In a transabdominal cerclage procedure, a gynecologic surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen near the bikini line. Through this transabdominal incision, the surgeon places a small, woven synthetic band high on the cervix. The band supports the cervix, preventing it from opening and losing the pregnancy. Today's guest has...2020-01-2928 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp133 - Overcoming Post-Abortive Reproductive Trauma with Massage with Amber DavisWhat does life look like post abortion? Today's guest knows exactly what post abortive life and redemption looks like. Amber Davis is a Massage Therapist who emphasis on post-abortive care awareness and maternal wellness. In this episode she takes us back to her story of overcoming reproductive trauma and how it has led her to her work. This episode is for you to listen to if you want to know what healing post-abortion looks like and how to overcome reproductive trauma. Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Here Living Water Doula Services2020-01-2227 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp132 - Stillbirth is Still a Birth with LaQuinda Johnson A stillbirth is still a birth! "And once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won't be the same person who walked in." Today's guest LaQuinda Johnson felt exactly that way as she shares her journey to motherhood including losing her stillbirth son at 6 months pregnant. She takes us back on the journey to having her daughter...2020-01-1548 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp130 - New Year! Resilience to Endure! Happy New Year 2020! We have entered into a new year, and a new decade. Another opportunity to live out our purpose for our lives, for our angel babies, and future babies. It is a time to continue on the journey to healing, restoration, with hope and peace. In today’s episode I share my word of the year and a recap of all that was accomplished with Sisters in Loss in 2019 and my goals for 2020 for the podcast and business. My main goal of 2020 is to continue to be Resilient! 2020-01-0141 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp128 - Blighted Ovum and Secondary Infertility with Angelica Gunn Have you heard of the term blighted ovum? A blighted ovum happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, but the embryo does not develop. Cells develop to form the pregnancy sac, but not the embryo itself. A blighted ovum occurs within the first trimester, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Today's guest experienced a blighted ovum on her secondary infertility journey. Angelica Gunn had her miracle daughter after experiencing preeclampsia and a NICU stay, she was ready to grow her family. After months of trying with no di...2019-12-1828 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp127 - Losing a Baby during the Holidays with Janelle Jones From middle school to high school to adult hood who knew losing babies would bring friends together. Today's guest is my friend from middle school and high school and her strength sharing her story on Facebook inspired me to share mine. Janelle Jones is a women's ministry leader at her church, singer, and has a testimony to share of overcoming loss, depression, and grief. She gave birth to her son in 2008 and a daughter in 2009 that she thought she was going to have to give up for adoption. Janelle heard from God to...2019-12-1145 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEp126 - Twin Loss and Life After Loss Non Profit with Tiara Nicole Grief during the Holidays is difficult. Imagine losing one twin in utero followed by the loss of the other is what today's guest was faced to overcome. Tiara Nicole found out one of her boy twins Christian passed away on her 25th birthday (after passing 6 weeks prior). She then was faced with the news 3 weeks later that her other twin Christopher had suffered from brain damage. Tiara delivered both twins in October 2016 and has made it her mission everyday to live a life they would be proud of. In this episode Tiara takes...2019-12-0428 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP125 - Battling Infertility and Blocked Fallopian Tubes due to Hydrosalpinx with Lauren Shirk Have you heard of Hydrosalpinx? Hydrosalpinx refers to a fallopian tube that's blocked with a watery fluid. To break down the term, “hydro” means water and “salpinx” means Fallopian tube. Today’s guest suffered from heavy and painful periods and knew something wasn’t right. She and her husband had been trying for over a year and she could not get pregnant. Lauren Shirk sought the help of an OB/GYN to understand exactly what was happening to her body. She went in for a HSG and was diagnosed with hydrosalpinx or blocked Fallopian tu...2019-11-2737 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP124 - Incompetent Cervix and Baby Loss with Shalika BethelHow do you learn how to build life after loss? Today’s guest is doing exactly that learning how to rebuild her life after loss by God’s grace. Shalika Bethel is an angel mom to two baby boys due to a incompetent cervix. In this episode she takes us on her journey to motherhood, how she has learned to accept her babies are not here physically, and how she is rebuilding by God’s grace. Join BetterHelp by using our link BetterHelp.com/sisters Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Here 2019-11-2047 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP123 - Recurrent Miscarriages and Infertility with Vernetta StewartBlack women Heal when they are surrounded by other black women. Today’s guest truly believes and embodies that motto. Vernetta Stewart, also known as Chef Vernetta is the founder of Footprints of Angels a nonprofit organization aimed to support women impacted by infertility and recurrent miscarriages. This nonprofit organization provides women with support so they can no longer live in silence and shame. In this episode Vernetta takes us on her journey of recurrent miscarriages and becoming the mom of 3 Angel babies. She also shares how her non profit is helping women like her with fertility ch...2019-11-1327 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP122 - IUD Infection and Stillbirth with Jordan JohnsonCan you imagine getting pregnant while on birth control? Today’s guest was surprised when she found out she was expecting after having an IUD. Yes, she beat the odds and conceived while on birth control. Jordan Johnson is a United States Naval Officer and moved from DC to CA while pregnant. Two weeks after celebrating her baby shower she ended up in the hospital and the baby did not have a heartbeat. At 29 weeks she was told she would have to deliver her son naturally because he was so big. He came out breech and she ex...2019-11-0624 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP120 - Pregnancy after Miscarriage with Sherita ThompsonOctober is here and it is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Join us all month long as we honor and celebrate our babies who have gone to heaven far too soon. Pregnancy after a miscarriage can be filled with many fears, anxious thoughts, and nervousness that you may lose another baby. Today’s guest shares how her faith fueled her desire to continue to try again after her miscarriage. Sherita Thompson experienced a miscarriage while on a trip helping friends babysit and was devastated. She returned from her trip and realized she hadn’t prayed about it b...2019-10-2337 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP119 - Pregnancy after Stillbirth with Tierra HuckeOctober is here and it is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Join us all month long as we honor and celebrate our babies who have gone to heaven far too soon. Can you imagine having a doula and midwife, but still experience a stillbirth? Today’s guest had that experience. She was healthy, ate right, worked out consistently, and even worked with a midwife and doula at a birthing center throughout her pregnancy. At 36 weeks after a baby moon life changed for Tierra Hucke. She went to the hospital because she didn’t feel the baby move...2019-10-1634 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP118 - Stillbirth and PTSD in Zimbabwe and Chiedza MakwaraOctober is here and it is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Join us all month long as we honor and celebrate our babies who have gone to heaven far too soon. Pregnancy and Infant Loss is not only a United States concern, but its worldwide. Today’s guest is from the continent (yes that continent that many think is a country) Africa. She experienced a stillbirth at 32 weeks in her home country of Zimbabwe. In this episode Chiedza Makwara shares how pregnancy loss is still a taboo concept in Zimbabwe, how she experienced depression and PTSD af...2019-10-0930 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP117 - Recurrent Miscarriages and Male Factory Infertility with Tamika HendersonOctober is here and it is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Join us all month long as we honor and celebrate our babies who have gone to heaven far too soon. Have you heard of male factor infertility? Male Factor infertility can be caused due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices, and other factors that lead to infertility. Today’s guest shares her recurrent miscarriage story and journey where her husband is experiencing secondary infertility by way of ma...2019-10-0223 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP116 - I had my abortion and son on the same day!Abortion and Elective Termination has always been a topic in the US, with many opposing views. Roe v. Wade was a 1973 landmark decision by the US Supreme Court. The court ruled that a state law that banned abortions (except to save the life of the mother) was unconstitutional. The ruling made abortion legal in many circumstances. With the 2020 presidential election around the corner, states like Alabama, Georgia, and recently Missouri are attempting to pass laws to reduce gestation age for abortions up to banning abortions all together, thus attempting to overturn Roe. vs. Wade. For September we...2019-09-2510 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP115 - Eliminating Shame, Guilt, and Regret with Post-Abortive Women with Latoya MatthewsAbortion and Elective Termination has always been a topic in the US, with many opposing views. Roe v. Wade was a 1973 landmark decision by the US Supreme Court. The court ruled that a state law that banned abortions (except to save the life of the mother) was unconstitutional. The ruling made abortion legal in many circumstances. With the 2020 presidential election around the corner, states like Alabama, Georgia, and recently Missouri are attempting to pass laws to reduce gestation age for abortions up to banning abortions all together, thus attempting to overturn Roe. vs. Wade. For September we...2019-09-1828 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP114 - Stress and Depression led to decision to Abort Pregnancy with Tiffany NicoleAbortion and Elective Termination has always been a topic in the US, with many opposing views. Roe v. Wade was a 1973 landmark decision by the US Supreme Court. The court ruled that a state law that banned abortions (except to save the life of the mother) was unconstitutional. The ruling made abortion legal in many circumstances. With the 2020 presidential election around the corner, states like Alabama, Georgia, and recently Missouri are attempting to pass laws to reduce gestation age for abortions up to banning abortions all together, thus attempting to overturn Roe. vs. Wade. For September we...2019-09-1145 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP113 - Naming a Baby that was Electively Terminated with Raina BrownAbortion and Elective Termination has always been a topic in the US, with many opposing views. Roe v. Wade was a 1973 landmark decision by the US Supreme Court. The court ruled that a state law that banned abortions (except to save the life of the mother) was unconstitutional. The ruling made abortion legal in many circumstances. With the 2020 presidential election around the corner, states like Alabama, Georgia, and recently Missouri are attempting to pass laws to reduce gestation age for abortions up to banning abortions all together, thus attempting to overturn Roe. vs. Wade. For September we...2019-09-0430 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP112 - Hypo-plastic Left Heart Syndrome and Peace with Child Loss with Taysha TurmanImagine at your first doctors appointment being told your baby had fluid around their heart? After being advised to wait until the baby had grown to conduct a full anatomy screening, today’s guest was faced with devastating news. Taysha Turman found out at 16 weeks that her baby was diagnosed with hypo-plastic left heart syndrome and a diaphragmatic hernia. The doctors advised her to terminate her pregnancy, but she kept her faith in God and trusted God throughout her pregnancy and birth. Her baby boy had a traumatic birth receiving chest compressions and died 3 months later due to his he...2019-08-2823 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP111 - Congenital Heart Disease and Healing from Child Loss with Chappy MorganAfter being diagnosed at 18 years old with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) today’s guest was told she was unable to have children. At 31, Chappy Morgan lost a significant amount of weight and was surprised when she found out she was expecting. During an ultrasound she found out her son was sick and was going to suffer from heart problems specifically congenital heart disease. Chappy shares in this episode how she fought for her son Messiah, is healing from child loss, and continues to share Messiah’s message through #MessiahStrong Today’s SponsorHonest stories of pregnancy, parent...2019-08-2140 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP110 - Maternal Near Miss Survivor and H.E.L.L.P. Syndrome with Tomeka IssacImagine being told that your baby had no fetal heartbeat one month from their due date? Today’s guest Tomeka Issac takes us back to that very moment where she and her husband were faced with the news no parent ever wants to hear that her son Jace was not going to make it. Then they were dealt another blow that she was diagnosed with H.E.L.L.P Syndrome (Hemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes Low Platelet) which is pre-eclampsia on steroids and she was dying. This episode is for you to listen to if you have never heard of...2019-08-1443 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP109 - Overcoming Endometriosis After Losing Ovary & Fallopian Tube with Bria BurrellHave you ever suffered from painful periods? Today’s guest Bria Burrell has always had painful periods, and in 2015 she found out there was an cyst on her left ovarian. Her OB/GYN monitored the cyst for a couple of months, until it started to grow. In order to prevent the cyst from rupturing the OB/GYN performed a laparoscopic procedure in January 2016. The cyst dominated the left part of Bria’s pelvic cavity, and therefore, they had to remove her left ovarian and Fallopian tube, and during this procedure it was determined she had endometriosis. She had...2019-08-0743 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP108 - Losing your Baby and Losing your Womb with Alexus Harris OluyoleLosing your baby and losing your womb and ability to have more children is what today’s guest had to face. Alexus Harris Oluyole lost her son Maverick at 21 weeks due to pregnancy complications and had to have a partial hysterectomy to save her life. Alexus Harris Oluyole was devastated as she had to navigate the grief of losing her son and losing her ability to bear more children. God was her anchor during this time and lead her to write a book Peace That Supersedes to help encourage women who are going through challenges with fertility, pr...2019-07-3137 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP107 - Overcoming Secondary Infertility with Jessica HortmanAfter experiencing three losses today’s guest felt ashamed and guilty of her grief as she experienced secondary infertility with already having two children. Jessica Hortman had a spontaneous miscarriage in 2015 at 6 weeks, a miscarriage due to a submucosal fibroid at 10 weeks in 2016, two years years of not getting pregnant, and then finding out she had a fibroid in 50 percent of my uterus. After having the fibroid removed, Jessica had an ectopic pregnancy in 2018. In today’s episode Jessica takes us back on how she navigated her emotions of grief while still being a mother, and...2019-07-2455 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP105 - What does Life After Baby Loss look like? Life after Lakhanya with Yonela RasiWhat does Life After Baby Loss look like? Feel like? Appear to be for everyone like today’s guest. Yonela Rasi is the mother of two angels. One baby she loss at 16 weeks and the other a stillbirth at 38 weeks. In this episode she takes us on that journey of becoming a mother at 24 in South Africa, the black community there and how baby loss is not talked about, and how she started the Lakhanya Foundation in honor of her angels. Today’s episode is for you to listen to if you have wonder what does life after baby loss...2019-07-1035 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP104 - Healing from Miscarriage and Birthing a Miracle Micropreemie at 26 weeks with Carrita FlieAfter two miscarriages today’s guest experienced preterm labor at 26 weeks. Carrita Flie would not have chosen this journey to motherhood. After her miscarriages, one in the first trimester and one in the second, she was labeled high risk and had to see a specialist weekly when she became pregnant with her rainbow baby. At 21 weeks she was told her cervix was shortened and received a cerclage. Even though Carrita had a cerclage she experienced preterm labor at 26 weeks and her son spent 117 days in the NICU. In this episode she takes us back to how she healed from he...2019-07-0321 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP103 - Feeling like you may never experience Motherhood after Miscarriages with Jasmine M. MasonHave you felt you may never experience motherhood? Today’s guest felt exactly that way after experiencing two miscarriages. Jasmine Moore experienced her first miscarriage in 2016 at 11 weeks cause was a blighted ovum. In 2018 she experienced her second miscarriage at 19 weeks due to natural causes. Jasmine takes us back on her journey to motherhood in this episode and shares the pain of not ever experiencing motherhood. Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can...2019-06-2617 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP102 - Healing from Miscarriage & Still Desiring to become a Mother with Crystal JusticeBeing raised in a Christian faith based home, and respecting the unspoken rule of not having children out of wedlock, today’s guest began her journey to motherhood at 38 years old. Crystal Justice found out she was pregnant on Aug 9, 2018. On Sept 7, 2018 she was told that the pregnancy was no longer viable. Despite my HCG levels and Progesterone levels being normal her D&C was scheduled on Sept 11, 2018 which is was her partner’s birthday. In this episode Crystal takes us back to that day and how her faith has helped her heal from miscarriage.2019-06-1931 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP101 - Uterine Fibroids Journey and Pregnancy After Miscarriage90% of African Americans women have fibroids and today’s guest shares her miscarriage story and rainbow pregnancy with fibroids. Shawn Owens found out she was expecting as she was preparing for an outpatient procedure. She and her husband were shocked by the news due to her diagnosis with uterine fibroids and her being 38 years old. Shawn wanted to wait to share the news with her family around Father’s Day. She ended up in the Emergency Room a week before Fathers Day with severe pain and bleeding. The doctors could not detect a heartbeat and sent her home...2019-06-1219 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP100 - 100th Sisters in Loss Podcast Episode - MTY Retreat Experience and The Momference100 Episodes we are here! I’m so thrilled that you are apart of the Sisters in Loss family. My goal when starting this podcast was to share our stories, stories of phenomenal, resilient, amazing black women to remove the shame, stigma, and silence around pregnancy and infant loss and infertility. In this episode I share my travels over the last month. My first stop was in Cancun, Mexico at the My Taught You Retreat hosted by Myleik Teele of CurlBOX. I share my experience and nuggets that were dropped from being in the room. I then spoke on a pa...2019-06-0519 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP99 - Brittany Bronson's Chemical Pregnancy and Unexplained Infertility DiagnosisHave you heard of the term Chemical Pregnancy? Well in today’s episode our guest Brittany Bronson explains her journey to motherhood began with 2 chemical pregnancies and one blighted ovum. She was referred to a reproductive endocrinologist only to be diagnosed with unexplained infertility. They endured 2 rounds of fertility medication with no luck and decided to take a break. A month later they conceived their rainbow baby Carter naturally. In this episode she takes us on that journey of being pregnant after loss and infertility. This episode is for you to listen to if you want to learn about a...2019-05-2943 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP98 - Tanisha Garnier's 2nd Trimester Loss and 25 week MiracleRecurrent pregnancy loss is defined as 3 consecutive losses prior to 20 weeks gestation. Today’s guest Tanisha Garnier has experienced a loss of her son Xavier Lawrence at 21 weeks due to a short cervix that wasn’t detected until her 19 week ultrasound. Tanisha also has beat infertility from being diagnosed with PCOS and having a history of not ovulating because of irregular periods. She was able to conceive Xavier after a few months of fertility treatments with her OB, and after a year she tried again, and in this episode, she has birthed her miracle and rainbow baby Ezra Joy at 25...2019-05-2229 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP97 - Tori Alamaze's Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Journey and Trans Abdominal CerclageRecurrent pregnancy loss is defined as 3 consecutive losses prior to 20 weeks gestation. Today’s guest Tori Alamaze has carried and birth 4 babies, but only has one living child the other 3 babies died due to incompetent cervix and a recurrent pregnancy loss diagnosis. In today’s episode Tori shares her journey to motherhood after receiving vaginal cerclages and having them fail at 24 weeks with her son Issa and at 21 weeks with her boy/girl twins. She knew she needed to research to understand what was happening to her body and she found abbeyloopers.com. From her research she knew she would b...2019-05-1535 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP96 - Halima Edge on How to Seek God for Healing, Understanding and Restoration after LossMay is always a difficult and painful month for us Sisters in Loss. I’m here to let you know that You're Still a Mother on Mother's Day and everyday of the year, if You've Had a Miscarriage, Infant Loss, Stillbirth, and Infertility Challenges. Celebrate Mother’s Day in your own special way, and reflect on your baby in heaven and the future babies that will be here with you on earth. I love you Sisters in Loss and know that we are here to support you, love on you, and encourage you in every way. Join us in our priva...2019-05-0833 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP95 - Kieona Fairley Stillbirth Journey and London’s Footprints BookMay is always a difficult and painful month for us Sisters in Loss. I’m here to let you know that You're Still a Mother on Mother's Day and everyday of the year, if You've Had a Miscarriage, Infant Loss, Stillbirth, and Infertility Challenges. Celebrate Mother’s Day in your own special way, and reflect on your baby in heaven and the future babies that will be here with you on earth. I love you Sisters in Loss and know that we are here to support you, love on you, and encourage you in every way. Join us in our priva...2019-05-011h 06
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP94 - Tabitha Franklin's Infertility Journey and using the Fertility Awareness Method to conceive her Rainbow BabyApril is what we call our Sisters in Loss Fertility Awareness Month. All month long we have been talking to women who have had fertility challenges, gone through alternative fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, and continue to push through the barriers to grow their families. In this last episode of this series we have Tabitha Franklin who shares her miscarriage, infant loss story, and infertility journey using the Fertility Awareness method. Tabitha is an English teacher in the Chicago suburbs and has been married for over 6 years. She shares how she got off birth control when...2019-04-2435 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP93 - LaTaunya Andrews Infertility Journey with PCOS and Trusting God through the set backsApril is what we call our Sisters in Loss Fertility Awareness Month. All month long we will be talking to women who have had fertility challenges, gone through alternative fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, and continue to push through the barriers to grow their families. In today’s episode as we end Black Maternal Health Week we have LaTaunya Andrews who shares her PCOS journey and infertility challenges. LaTaunya is a Navy Military wife residing in beautiful San Diego, California, while her husband is currently on deployment. LaTaunya was diagnosed with PCOS when she was 21, and her...2019-04-1749 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP92 - Black Woman Birthing Justice with Dr. Sayida PeprahTomorrow begins Black Maternal Health Week April 11-17, 2019 and there is no better way to kick off this week than talking to the women of the Birthing Justice movement. I had the pleasure of meeting these ladies this past December at the Black Mamas Matter Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The work these women do around Maternal Health and Mortality is remarkable. In today’s episode we have Dr. Sayida Peprah who is a doula, licensed clinical therapist, speaker, and member of the Black Birthing Justice movement. She shares what Birthing Justice movement is, why doulas are important, an...2019-04-1028 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP91 - Tina Fuller’s Child Loss and Secondary Infertility and Healing Fibroids with Plant Based DietApril is what we call our Sisters in Loss Fertility Awareness Month. All month long we will be talking to women who have had fertility challenges, gone through alternative fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, and continue to push through the barriers to grow their families. In today’s episode we have Tina Fuller, author and certified nutrition coach and my fellow plant based sister who shares her loss of her son who was tragically hit by a car and secondary infertility journey. Tina and her husband Rashon are the founders of FullerQuest, a holistic healing advocacy company. Tina sh...2019-04-0332 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP90 - Benita Gordon's Grief from Divorce, Endometriosis, and failed IVF cyclesMarch is Pregnancy After Loss Awareness month. This month we are discussing Pregnancy After Loss, but also loss of jobs, marriages, and family members as you grieve the loss of your angel. In today’s episode we have Benita Gordon who shares her infertility journey due to Endometriosis, IVF journey, and grief from divorce. She is a mother in waiting and Benita shares the other side of grief and how it impacts a marriage in this episode. Benita shares how endometriosis impacted her ability to conceive, going through 4 rounds of IVF, losing a twin pregnancy, losing her mother, and ev...2019-03-2743 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP89 - Keleah Brown's Grief from Lost Job and Losing one Twin in PregnancyMarch is Pregnancy After Loss Awareness month. This month we are discussing Pregnancy After Loss, but also loss of jobs, marriages, and family members as you grieve the loss of your angel. In today’s episode we have Keleah Brown who shares grief from losing a job and one twin during pregnancy. Keleah experienced two miscarriages; one before her current pregnancy and she lost a twin during this pregnancy. She has dealt with the stress of trying to conceive, being a mother and while pregnant, losing her job, miscarrying, homeschooling, high risk pregnancy, all while moving to a...2019-03-2027 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP88 - Shannon Duke's Grief from Losing her Mom & Recurrent MiscarriagesMarch is Pregnancy After Loss Awareness month. This month we are discussing Pregnancy After Loss, but also loss of jobs, marriages, and family members as you grieve the loss of your angel. In today’s episode we have Shannon Duke. In June 2012 she had her first miscarriage. Shannon endured 3 more losses (Dec.2012, March 2014, July 2014), before she had Mackenzie at 21 weeks in March 2016. Shannon had to deliver her early due to severe pre-eclampsia. She then went on to have another miscarriage in Dec.2016, I lost my mother in June 2017, and suffered another miscarriage in Sept 2017. All of her losses except Ma...2019-03-1341 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesPaige Johnson's Grief from Stillbirth and Losing Jobs and FamilyMarch is Pregnancy After Loss Awareness Month. This month we are discussing Pregnancy After Loss, but also lost of jobs, marriages, and family members as you grieve the loss of your angel. In today’s episode we have Paige Johnson who shares her stillbirth of baby girl Kody McKenna while battling panic attacks and depression. Paige is a momprenuer, wife, and rainbow mom who married her high school sweetheart after college. She lost everything after losing her baby girl Kody including her business, her grandmother, her brother in law, and her husband lost his job. In this episode she ta...2019-03-0641 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesCouple Series: The Martin's Pregnancy Loss Journey with PCOS and Chasing Rainbows PodcastPregnancy loss and infertility can be so hard on a marriage. It can either tear the couple apart or bring them closer together. In fact it is said that almost 80% of couples who experience a miscarriage or infertility end up in divorce. In this month of love we will be featuring 4 couples showing by prayer, faith in God, and a strong commitment to stay together their marriages endured the hard times of pregnancy loss and infertility. This is the last couple in our series The Martin’s. They are fellow podcasters and have created Chasing Rainbows podcast do...2019-02-2759 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesCouple Series: The McAfee's on Raising a Special Needs Child and InfertilityPregnancy loss and infertility can be so hard on a marriage. It can either tear the couple apart or bring them closer together. In fact it is said that almost 80% of couples who experience a miscarriage or infertility end up in divorce. In this month of love we will be featuring 4 couples showing by prayer, faith in God, and a strong commitment to stay together their marriages endured the hard times of pregnancy loss and infertility. In today’s episode I bring my husband Brandon O. McAfee on to talk about our challenges growing our family, raising a special ne...2019-02-2039 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesCouple Series: The Pruitt's Unexplained Infertility Journey and Gracefully Waiting MinistryPregnancy loss and infertility can be so hard on a marriage. It can either tear the couple apart or bring them closer together. In fact it is said that almost 80% of couples who experience a miscarriage or infertility end up in divorce. In this month of love we will be featuring 4 couples showing by prayer, faith in God, and a strong commitment to stay together their marriages endured the hard times of pregnancy loss and infertility. In this episode we have the Pruitt’s who share their infertility journey and how they are gracefully waiting on their promise from Go...2019-02-1326 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesCouple Series: The Hutchinson's Infertility Journey and book "I Still Want to be a Mom"Pregnancy loss and infertility can be so hard on a marriage. It can either tear the couple apart or bring them closer together. In fact it is said that almost 80% of couples who experience a miscarriage or infertility end up in divorce. In this month of love we will be featuring 4 couples showing by prayer, faith in God, and a strong commitment to stay together their marriages endured the hard times of pregnancy loss and infertility. Today’s couple is The Hutchinson’s who share their infertility and IVF journey and new book “I Still Want to be A Mom.”...2019-02-0640 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP81 - How to Support Your Friends during Miscarriage and Infertility with my BFF Amber Smith-St Louis (Part 2)The hardest part of going through a miscarriage or infertility is not having friends who can relate to this experience. How many of you had to distance yourself from your friends or friendships ended or shifted as a result of your loss or diagosis? Well, I have been blessed that this was not the case for me and my BFFs. If anything we have learned that our friendship can endure the best of times and the worse of times. In today’s episode we have my BFF of over 15 years on the show Amber Smith-St. Louis. Amber and I me...2019-01-3052 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesHow to Support Your Friends during Miscarriage and Infertility (Part 1)The hardest part of going through a miscarriage or infertility is not having friends who can relate to this experience. How many of you had to distance yourself from your friends or friendships ended or shifted as a result of your loss or diagnosis? Well, I have been blessed that this was not the case for me and my BFFs. If anything we have learned that our friendship can endure the best of times and the worse of times. In today’s episode we have my BFF of over 15 years on the show Amber Smith-St. Louis. Amber and I me...2019-01-231h 08
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP80 - Sonhara Eastman's Black Girls Guide to FertilityThere is a new webseries that has been all the buzz on Instagram, and its called Black Girls Guide to Fertility, created, written, and based on Sonhara' Eastman’s own battle with infertility. Black Girls Guide to Fertility tackles infertility in a profoundly intimate way that’s both dramatic and comedic without ever feeling rigid. It focuses on Ava, a 37-year old romance novelist, who faded into obscurity after finding love–and now finds herself on the rise again after self-publishing a diary detailing her fertility woes. Each episode is a recreation of Ava’s diary entry, adding a unique a...2019-01-1630 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP79 - Relentless 2019! Growing my family in 2019Happy New Year Sisters in Loss! Welcome to 2019! Today is a solo episode of the podcast where I share my word of the year and my personal infertility and growing my family journey. Thank you to everyone who rated and reviewed the podcast this year. If you have never left us a review please do so now. Thank you to all of the guests on the podcast for sharing your story and your light during the 2018 year. 2019 is here and I’m excited about the interviews, stories, and journey’s to motherhood we will share. So what d...2019-01-0943 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP25 - Sheldon & Xenia Garret's Twin Miscarriage Story & Twin Parenting Journey with Nolan and NashToday’s Podcast is brought to you by my friends at Audible. Get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audiletrial.com/erica. Can marriage survive the loss of a child? Losing a child is the hardest thing a couple can go through. In fact 80 percent of marriages end in divorce after the loss of a child. For the month of December we are sharing the stories of 4 couples and how their marriages not only survived the loss of a child, but continued to thrive. In today’s episode we have the Garrets. ...2017-12-2730 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP24 - Kevin and Ivori Warren's Miscarriage Story & Loving Our AngelToday’s Podcast is brought to you by my friends at Audible. Get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audiletrial.com/erica. Can marriage survive the loss of a child? Losing a child is the hardest thing a couple can go through. In fact 80 percent of marriages end in divorce after the loss of a child. For the month of December we are sharing the stories of 4 couples and how their marriages not only survived the loss of a child, but continued to thrive. In today’s episode we have the Warren’s. ...2017-12-2038 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP23 - Jerrell and Valencya Thompson's Fertility Journey and Fertility Hope MinistryToday’s Podcast is brought to you by my friends at Audible. Get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audiletrial.com/erica. Can marriage survive the loss of a child? Losing a child is the hardest thing a couple can go through. In fact 80 percent of marriages end in divorce after the loss of a child. For the month of December we are sharing the stories of 4 couples and how their marriages not only survived the loss of a child, but continued to thrive. In today’s episode we have the Thompsons...2017-12-1324 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP22 - John & Talysa McCall's Miscarriage Story & Helping Others Through ConnectionsToday’s Podcast is brought to you by my friends at Audible. Get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audiletrial.com/erica. Can marriage survive the loss of a child? Losing a child is the hardest thing a couple can go through. In fact 80 percent of marriages end in divorce after the loss of a child. For the month of December we are sharing the stories of 4 couples and how their marriages not only survived the loss of a child, but continued to thrive. In today’s episode we have the McCall’s. ...2017-12-0659 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP17 - The Power of your Testimony with Erica M. McAfee!This episode is brought to you by The Honey Pot Company. Did you know that there was a black owned, plant based feminine care company? The Honey Pot companies goal is to educate, support and provide women around the world with the tools and resources that promote feminine health and wellness. I was first introduced to the Honey Pot company through a CurlBox body and received their 3 in 1 Sensitive Wipes. I loved them so much I had to repurchase. To learn more about the Honey Pot Company and to get a discount on products visit EricaMMcAfee.com/Honey for more...2017-11-0117 min