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When Marcella Jewell, a warrior in the realm of motherhood, shares her story, you can't help but be enveloped by a tapestry of raw emotion and profound strength. Her journey through the complex world of fertility is one that mirrors a mosaic of life's most tender and tumultuous moments: the joy of welcoming children, the heartache of five miscarriages, and a decision that tested the very essence of her hope and courage. Our conversation is an intimate exploration of those often unspoken struggles, a testament to the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable waves of pregnancy and loss.

Marcella's vulnerability in recounting the decision to terminate a pregnancy due to anencephaly, a decision made amidst a sea of grief and love, is both harrowing and deeply moving. It's a reminder of the silent battles fought and the strength found in the naming and memorializing of those we've lost—a salute to her son Caleb and a bridge to healing. As she speaks of the memorials that keep his memory alive, we are reminded of the collective need to find solace within our communities, and the profound impact of shared experiences in mending the heart.

Our episode journeys further into the depths of Marcella's fertility path, from the laughter-tinged tale of her amniotic fluid-filled minivan, to the solemn considerations of family planning amid the shadows of miscarriage. The discussions ebb and flow through the emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive and the piercing reality of loss, culminating in a narrative that is both a beacon of hope and a safe harbor for understanding. Join us, as we embrace the complexity of our human experiences with grace, compassion, and a shared sense of enduring love.

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Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.