In this tender and faith-filled episode, Finding Hope After Loss host Sarah sits down with Ashley Opliger, founder of Bridget’s Cradles and author of Cradled in Hope, to share one of those deep stories of resilience that changes how you see grief and loss. Ashley opens up about losing a baby—her daughter Bridget, who was stillborn at 24 weeks—and how months of complications, bed rest, and a placental abruption led to the heartbreaking moment every parent dreads. She describes the shock, trauma, and the sacred hours her family spent holding Bridget in a tiny knitted cradle made by her mom, and how that small act of love became the start of a nationwide ministry offering support for bereaved parents and practical pregnancy loss resources in more than 1,600 hospitals.

Together, Sarah and Ashley talk honestly about grief and healing when your prayers feel unanswered and your faith feels shattered after baby loss. Ashley shares from her own crisis of faith—asking if God had abandoned her, wondering if she was being punished—and how those questions eventually shaped her book, a gentle biblical guide for loss moms at every stage: strong in faith, doubting, or not sure what they believe at all. They dig into topics like triggers, spiritual warfare, hurtful comments from friends and family, learning to extend grace, and what it looks like to walk with God in the darkest parts of your journey through loss.

The conversation also explores parenting after loss, pregnancy after loss, and the complicated mix of emotions that come with life after loss. Ashley describes celebrating milestones with her living sons while grieving all she missed with Bridget, and how joy and sorrow can coexist as part of ongoing grief and healing. She offers hope for healing after stillbirth, reminding listeners that a new baby never replaces the one who died, and that losing a baby is not something you “get over,” but something you carry with you as you slowly begin finding hope after trauma and finding joy after loss.

If you are losing a baby, have already walked through baby loss, or are supporting a friend who has, this episode is a compassionate companion. You’ll hear a real, honest look at grief and healing, plus encouragement, faith-filled hope, and tangible support for bereaved parents who are trying to piece together a life of meaning and love on the other side of grief and loss.