In Episode 6, Ash shares her story of birthing her second daughter Maple, strong of heart, who passed shortly after birth.

Ash shares her personal story of becoming a mother, including the challenges faced during her first daughter Olive's birth and the subsequent journey to conceive Maple, which included two early miscarriages. This conversation delves into the impact of birth experiences on both mother and child, the decision-making process surrounding birth plans, and the emotional turmoil faced during Maple's birth when she was unable to take an independent breath, and the hours and days that followed within the hospital.

This discussion highlights the raw and real aspects of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of community and support in navigating these experiences. Ash reflects on the vigil held for Maple, the significance of honoring her memory, and the need for systemic change in how child loss is handled by authorities. The conversation emphasizes the profound impact of loss on families and the necessity of open dialogue about grief and healing.

Follow Ash on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@mapleleavesandsunflowerseeds

Follow Sanamama on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sanamama_⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thank you for listening to Sanamama. This space exists because the journey of motherhood, especially through loss is one no one should have to walk alone. If you’ve experienced baby loss, whether recently or long ago, please know that you are not alone.

If you’re here to listen, to learn, or to better understand, thank you. Talking about baby loss shouldn’t be taboo, and by holding space for these stories, we help break the silence.

The Sanamama Podcast discusses pregnancy, birth, loss, death and may contain conversations around autopsy and funerals. If any of these themes are triggering to you, please pause this episode and revisit it at a later date.

If today’s episode has triggered you or brought up any difficult emotions, please be gentle with yourself and do not be afraid to reach out to someone for support such as a trusted friend, a counselor, support group, or an organization that understands this kind of loss. You deserve to be heard, held, and supported.

⁠⁠⁠⁠Rednose ⁠⁠⁠⁠on 1300 308 307

⁠⁠⁠⁠Lifeline⁠⁠⁠⁠ on 13 11 44

⁠⁠⁠⁠Panda⁠⁠⁠⁠ on 1300 726 306