Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories

Today's episode is all about Surrogacy. Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman (the surrogate) agrees to carry and give birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple (the intended parent/s). The process of surrogacy is complex. Today's guest Ijeamaka Ogbonna shares her journey to motherhood through painful losses and why surrogacy was the best method for her to grow her family. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter

Motherhood is what today’s guest calls a “Rites of Passage” to the best hoods on Mother Earth.  Ariane Oyere is a wife and mother of 7.  She experience the lost of her 3rd born at 9 years old and then two miscarriages after his Sunset.  Her babies she refers to as the Summer Solstice.  In this episode, Oyere takes us back to her greatest obstacles in losing her Sunsets.  She reframes child loss and miscarriage into sunset experiences.  We also discuss lactation through bereavement and other spiritual modalities for healing. This episode is for you to listen to if you have experienced a miscarriage or loss and want to learn how to reframe your thinking into naming them sunset experiences. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Have you heard of the term Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR)? Termination for Medical Reasons, or TFMR, is when a pregnancy is terminated due to a chromosomal, genetic or structural fetal abnormality, or where continuing the pregnancy would risk the health or life of the mother. Today’s guest was able to conceive her first child naturally and had a healthy pregnancy and delivery. The journey to baby number two has been full of loss and heartbreak. Hadeer El Hindawi had 4 consecutive losses including a miscarriage, TFMR, another miscarriage, and a stillborn full term baby. The last pregnancy was a frozen embryo transfer via IVF after being diagnosed with low ovarian reserve and her partner has high DNA fragmentation. In this episode, we discuss how she has coped and grieved with secondary infertility and these consecutive losses, how she has hope, and how she is moving forward in spite of her current circumstances. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

After having suffered multiple miscarriages for two years due to Fibroids, today’s guess used her faith and determination to heal from her losses and continue her journey to becoming a mother. Simbi Animashaun was determined to become a mother after her miscarriages and went onto have three children who are her rainbow babies.  In today’s episode Simbi shares her struggles with pregnancy loss, being a miscarriage survivor, and how she leaned on God for understanding. This episode is for you to listen to if you have experienced fibroids, infertility, and painful periods and how to achieve health and wellness on your journey to motherhood. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

What Does Having Low AMH Levels Mean? Having low AMH levels can indicate that your ovaries are producing less of the preantral follicles. This is important as the fewer the number of follicles there are means there are less that can be stimulated for assisted contraception. Today’s guest suffered from endometriosis for 21 years before being properly diagnosed. Sandra Elidor also found out she had low AMH at age 30.  With Endo she had two surgeries, 1 fallopian tube, 1 successful IVF cycle, and 1 miscarriage. Sandra gave birth to her son at 29 weeks after weeks of bed rest due to placenta previa.  During her 2nd IVF treatment, she found out she was no longer a candidate for IVF due to her low AMH levels.  After which she suffered a miscarriage.   In today’s episode Sandra takes us on her journey to parenting, how she started her non-profit Filling Empty Wombs on Clubhouse, and supporting other families on this infertility and loss journey. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Have you heard of the term Oligohydramnios? Low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) is a condition in which the amniotic fluid measures lower than expected for a baby’s gestational age. Today’s guest was preparing to conceive and had a myomectomy to remove her fibroids.  Christina Danyo learned she was expecting after her fibroid surgery.  During her 20 week anatomy scan she learned that her baby girl’s kidneys did not develop and was covered in cysts.  Her daughter was diagnosed with Oligohdramnios or low/no amniotic fluid and her lungs also did not develop.  Christina was faced with the decision with the diagnosis not compatible with life.  In this episode, we discuss the decision she and her husband made to carry to full term, she delivered her baby girl via C-section at 37 weeks, preparation for delivering a baby given a fatal diagnosis, and her time spent honoring her angel during her less than 2 hour life and beyond. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Today’s guest knows what it feels to be down and depressed after trauma.  This lead her to making cotton candy and learned to detach herself from other people’s pain, but also carry their spirits with me to rediscover joy by bringing it to others.  Jackie Morin is the founder of Wonderpuff a small cotton candy business based in Durham, North Carolina.  She and her husband began to expand their family and lost her daughter at 19 weeks.  In this episode, we discuss how being black and Muslim played a role in her birthing experience, how she coped with the trauma of losing her daughter, and hope she has in her small business and growing her family. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Today’s guest is a lifestyle blogger behind byDeze.com.  Deze began her journey to motherhood after getting married and lost that pregnancy to miscarriage.  The next pregnancy she had an ectopic pregnancy and in total experienced another 6 losses totaling of 8 pregnancy losses with no live births.  She was diagnosed with endometriosis, endured the removal of her right fallopian tube, as well as the mental and emotional toll that fertility brings.  In today’s episode Deze takes use on her journey through fertility, endometriosis, and pregnancy loss, and how she has found community in Facebook groups and enjoying her non-fertility related content like blogging. This episode is for you to listen to if you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or have had recurrent pregnancy loss. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Can you imagine going through an entire pregnancy and losing your baby so close to birth? Today’s guest experienced that and more.  LaQuasha Jarvis had her first baby at 20 and 5 months later was pregnant with her second child.  At 37 weeks the unthinkable happened when she lost her baby so close to delivery. In this episode LaQuasha shares how she fights daily through her loss, how she went on to have 3 more rainbow babies, and how she is turning her pain into purpose by becoming a Doula. This episode is for you to listen to if you have experienced loss in the third trimester and are holding onto hope for your rainbow baby.   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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Today’s guest has been on a journey of grief.  She experienced the loss of her first pregnancy with a miscarriage, the death of her eldest daughter, and in her final pregnancy another miscarriage.  D. Anaya shares in this episode how she has been on this journey of grief and tells her adventures exploring her grief as an artist, grief guide, and loss doula through adventures of grief girl. This episode is for you to listen to if you have experience a miscarriage and child loss.   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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Have experienced any shame, guilt, or self blame after loss? Today’s guest has experienced it and more. Tanerra Willis is a certified RN and CPR instructor by trade and was diagnosed with PCOS and had blocked fallopian tubes.  She ended up seeing a fertility specialist who recommended she undergo IVF to grow her family.  Tanerra was able to have her baby via IVF.  She experienced guilt, embarrassment, self blame and isolation on her journey.  In this episode she takes us back on her journey to motherhood and encourages others to share their experiences. This episode is for you to listen to if you have PCOS, gone through IVF or have had blocked fallopian tubes. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

After a long journey with infertility, today’s guest shares her early struggles to conceive and carry a child to term, her journey in search of alternative ways to have a family, and racial and societal pressures of parenthood and love.   Kimberly Gowdy experienced the loss of multiple pregnancies, and was in an unstable marriage peppered with spousal abuse and addiction.  In today’s episode she takes us back on her journey to motherhood that was filled with loss, tears, doubt, heartache, and ultimate joy of remarriage and her rainbow son.   This episode is for you to listen to if you have given up on hope on your journey to becoming a mother and need a hope lift and inspiration.   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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Have you heard of having a double uterus or double cervix?  The term is Uterine didelphys is a rare condition that happens when you grow two uteruses instead of one. This happens when you are a developing baby. You are born with it. ‌ While developing as babies, girls typically grow a uterus from two channels called the Mullerian ducts. Today’s guest was born with a didelphys uterus after 3 laparoscopic surgeries it was confirmed she also had endometriosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.  That did not stop today’s guest from trying to conceive.  La-Anna Douglass began fertility treatments with drugs and still was unable to conceive.  She decided to try IVF and IVF did not work for her leaving her depressed and heartbroken.  In today’s episode La-Anna shares her journey to conceiving a baby naturally after 8 years of trying to conceive and her current journey through secondary infertility. This podcast is for you to listen to to learn more about a double uterus and double cervix, but also if you have any underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibriods, and pcos. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter

Have you heard of an Ectopic Pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy most often occurs in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy. Today’s guest experienced an ectopic pregnancy that was discovered during her first prenatal visit and would need surgery.  The morning of her surgery date her fallopian tube ruptured causing internal bleeding and changed her.  Ashlee Epps found out she was pregnant with her second baby after losing her job, being in law school, and her husband’s work hours being reduced.  She was stressed with all that was going on in her life.  After losing her baby she went through a “why” and denial period and felt very alone. In today’s episode, Ashlee shares how her faith was tested after her loss, how she had to navigate through grief while being a wife, mom, and student, and how her healing journey has been filled with lessons of love and learning about herself. Today’s episode is for you to listen to if you have experienced an ectopic pregnancy and if you have ever questioned why this happened to me? 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Congenital heart disease is a general term for a range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works. The term “congenital” means the condition is present from birth.  Today’s guest was diagnosed with Endometriosis and after many years of fertility treatments including IVF her first child Jasper died in her arms 30 hours after he was born from congenital heart disease.  Coping with the grief of child loss at the onset of a global pandemic has made, Jamala Arland passionate about supporting the community for bereaved mothers and normalizing grief through writing and speaking engagements.  In todays episode, Jamala shares her journey through endometriosis, infertility, and finding out how her son had congenital heart disease. This episode is for you to listen to if you have battled infertility and infant loss. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter

Not all fertility treatments end in success.  Some end in undetermined infertility and unsuccessful IUI and IVF cycles. Today’s guest experienced unexplained infertility and underwent fertility treatments.  After going through an IUI and 2 IVF cycles that were unsuccessful, she and her husband decided to take a break from fertility treatments and decided to adopt.  The adoption process was an immediate success.  Juauna Lewis decided to try another IVF round, but that was also unsuccessful.  To continue to grow her family, she turned to foster care to adoption and added another two boys to her family.  Juauna is now the mom to 3 sweet little boys who she considers the pot of gold at the end of her rainbow of failed fertility treatments and losses. In today’s episode we discuss her decision to stop fertility treatments and turn to adoption, why foster to adoption is another option to growing your family, and how motherhood is not defined if you birth children from your body. This episode is for you to listen to if you have had a failed IVF experience, are curious about adoption or fostering to adopt, and for inspiration that motherhood comes in many forms even if you don’t birth the baby. 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

Have you heard of the term micropreemie? A micropreemie is a baby that is born before the 26th week of pregnancy or weighs less than 28 ounces. Today’s guest is a mother of two an angel baby and rainbow baby both who were micropreemies born before 26 weeks.  Diane Olusado combatted infertility with professional help for 4 years.  After 7 failed IUIs and 1 failed IVF cycle she had a successful transfer and gave birth to her baby at 23 weeks and 5 days.  Alayo died in the NICU after living for 9 days.  Diane went onto another round of IVF that was successful and had her rainbow baby Iyanu at 26 weeks and 2 days and spent 108 days in the NICU. In todays episode, Diane shares her journey through infertility and loss and how she is preparing for her next IVF or Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). This episode is for you to listen to if you have battled infertility and are also preparing for your next FET and IVF cycle.   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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter  

There is nothing we can do” the 6 words us @sistersinloss dreads to hear.How many of us have heard “There is nothing we can do” after a doctor’s appointment or emergency room visit? Today’s guest experienced a miscarriage at 7 weeks and was told “there is nothing we can do.” Elijah’s passing was traumatic.  Jessica Jackson could not comprehend that statement.  She saw Elijah in a dream and writing became her grief therapy. “Elijah Broke the Gate” is a book of performance pieces based on true child loss, miscarriage, and regretted abortion experiences.  In today’s episode, Jessica shares her traumatic birthing experience of miscarriage and her inspiration for her book “Elijah’s Broke the Gate.” Today’s episode is for you to listen to if you have ever been told “there is nothing we can do” and experienced a miscarriage or pregnancy loss.   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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter

Dear 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 her or her destiny clashes with cultural norms?   In this Mother’s Day episode, I shared my journey with Dem Black Mamas Podcast about the complexities and challenges of non-custodial parenting and Black motherhood. When Erica and her husband decided to divorce, they also agreed to shared custody.  Each parent would have primary custody for 3 years of their son Maxwell who was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy 10 years ago. We dive into: Confronting societal norms and cultural stigmas Navigating health and care decisions for children with special needs as a noncustodial parent Historical trauma and Black motherhood Renegotiating Black motherhood Connect with Dem Black Mamas: YouTube | Email List | Patreon | Blusky 🗣️Engage: This is a conversation.  Speak back to us!  Share your thoughts about the episode using the hashtag #DemBlackMamas, DM us or email us at magic@demblackmamas.com. 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 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter

Today'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 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 Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica’s Website Erica’s Instagram Erica’s Facebook Erica’s Twitter