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Welcome to episode 28!

After facing a devastating miscarriage, Elspeth returns to share her raw, heartfelt experience and the silent battles that follow such a loss. Struggling with her self-confidence, Elspeth's story highlights the invisible grief that many women endure. We reflect on how sudden waves of mourning can catch us off guard and discuss the complex emotions tied to unfulfilled dreams and expectations.

This episode shines a light on the intimate, often unspoken struggles women face during and after a miscarriage. We emphasize the necessity of understanding and compassion in relationships, the healing power of open conversations, and the challenges of discussing deeply personal feelings. By sharing stories of vulnerability, whether through the bravery of a sports personality or our own narratives, we underscore the importance of support and communication in navigating such profound loss.

Join us as we embrace the strength found in vulnerability and the solace of shared stories.

Sincerely,
Kelly & Chris

Instagram: @themiscarriagedad
Email: themiscarriagedad@gmail.com
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Welcome to episode 27!

How do you reclaim intimacy after the heartbreak of a miscarriage? Our latest episode tackles this deeply personal and often overlooked topic, offering insights and support for couples navigating this challenging journey. We begin by addressing the emotional and physical toll a miscarriage can have on women, including feelings of guilt and a diminished sense of self-worth. We'll explore the critical role men play in providing patience and emotional support, and how mutual communication can help rebuild the connection between partners.

The episode also delves into the emotional complexities of trying to conceive post-miscarriage. Our conversation highlights how couples can retain mutual respect and love, even when faced with the anxiety and fears of another potential loss.

Finally, we explore practical ways to support and care for your partner to maintain intimacy and connection. From small gestures like a spa day to meaningful conversations and simply being present, we offer actionable advice for couples. We emphasize that true intimacy involves recognizing and honoring each other's emotions and experiences, rather than just fulfilling physical desires.

Join us for a heartfelt discussion that underscores the importance of understanding, communication, and emotional intimacy in strengthening relationships after loss.

Sincerely,
Kelly & Chris

Instagram: @themiscarriagedad
Email: themiscarriagedad@gmail.com
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Welcome to episode 26!

Miscarriage, pregnancy anxiety, and baby loss—topics often shrouded in silence and stigma. What happens when your lifelong dream of motherhood is met with the harsh reality of a miscarriage? Elspeth, an actress from London, joins me to share her deeply personal journey through these challenges. From societal pressures to the psychological toll that comes with health uncertainties, we navigate the emotional landscape that many women endure.

The early stages of pregnancy are a whirlwind of joy and trepidation. Elspeth shares her story of anticipation, the significance of the 12-week milestone, and the anxiety that accompanies every bodily change in a period of wait. We touch on the gut-wrenching moments when ultrasound expectations clash with harsh realities, painting a raw picture of what so many expectant parents face.

Heartbreak is profound, especially when it involves the loss of a child. We open up about the importance of validating one's feelings and the necessity of open communication during such critical times. From naming our lost child to acknowledging the complex nature of emotional and practical support from loved ones, this episode aims to normalize conversations around miscarriage and baby loss. Through our collective stories, we hope to offer solace and a sense of community to those walking a similar path.

Thank you for tuning in to find solace, gain understanding, and embark on your healing journey with us!

Sincerely,
Kelly & Chris

Instagram: @themiscarriagedad
Email: themiscarriagedad@gmail.com
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Welcome to episode 25!

How do you cope with a miscarriage when it feels like you're supposed to be the strong one, but inside, you're falling apart? Or when you look across at your partner, and she appears to be handling it better than you? This episode promises to share some insights into navigating such a difficult time.

We dive deep into the struggle of seeking emotional support as men, especially when it feels like our partners have more tools and community resources at their disposal. Chris and I discuss how mutual unspoken efforts to protect each other emotionally can lead to unintended isolation, and the crucial role of honest conversations in breaking this cycle.

Finally, we tackle the often-taboo topic of miscarriage head-on, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for these challenging conversations. Through consistent dialogue, whether writing down feelings or seeking advice from friends, we hope to foster a better understanding and support system within intimate relationships and the broader community. By sharing these practices, we aim to break the silence and societal taboo surrounding miscarriage, helping others to heal and support each other more effectively.

Thank you for tuning in to find solace, gain understanding, and embark on your healing journey with us!

Sincerely,
Kelly & Chris

Instagram: @themiscarriagedad
Email: themiscarriagedad@gmail.com
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Welcome to episode 24!

Kristen and Patrick Riecke, authors and bereavement consultants, share their personal journey through loss and their mission to support others facing similar experiences. In October 2000, they endured the loss of their son, Stephen Daniel, due to a second-trimester miscarriage. Since then, they have dedicated their lives to walking alongside hundreds of other loss parents, offering empathy and practical guidance.
Their story challenges the conventional terms like "stuck" and "move on," advocating instead for the integration of Stephen's memory into their daily lives. Together, they authored the book "No Matter How Small: Understanding Miscarriage and Stillbirth," providing a beacon of practical advice and comfort for others navigating similar heartaches.

Patrick brings a much-needed perspective to the conversation, shedding light on the silent struggles men face in expressing grief. Using poignant anecdotes, he reveals the generational silence that often surrounds men's suffering after miscarriage and stillbirth. We discuss the importance of breaking these barriers and creating spaces where men feel safe to share their pain. Their experiences, both shocking and transformative, have led the couple to become advocates in healthcare spaces dedicated to supporting others through similar losses.

To further support grieving families, Kristen has compiled an extensive list of resources available on her website. From fiction books to podcasts, they offer diverse ways to engage with the topic of miscarriage and stillbirth. This episode underscores the necessity for comprehensive support systems for both parents, aligning with historical shifts in childbirth practices, and emphasizes the role of digital advancements in making help more accessible. Join us to gain insights and find comfort through the wisdom and experiences shared by Kristen and Patrick Riecke. Whether you are navigating your own grief journey or supporting others, this episode offers valuable perspectives and resources.

To connect with Kristen and Patrick

• Kristen Instagram: @nomatterhowsmallbook
• No Matter How Small Facebook: Kristen Riecke NMHS Book
• Kristen LinkedIn: Kristen Riecke
• Patrick LinkedIn: Patrick Riecke
• YouTube: Patrick Riecke

Sincerely,
Kelly & Chris

Instagram: @themiscarriagedad
Email: themiscarriagedad@gmail.com
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Welcome to episode 23!

Navigating Father’s Day after experiencing a miscarriage is a journey fraught with complex emotions. Imagine the heartache of balancing the joy of being a present father with the sorrow of losing a child, or the agony of wishing someone a "Happy Father's Day" as you're struggling to become a father. Chris and I share our stories, contrasting the grief we felt before and after welcoming our living children. We provide a candid look at the struggle of facing Father’s Day, hoping to normalize these feelings and offer a supportive space for other dads in similar situations.

The episode doesn't shy away from the feeling of emptiness and fraudulence that can accompany a miscarriage, particularly on days meant for celebration. We discuss how societal expectations of happiness often clash with personal grief, leading to feelings of guilt and helplessness. One father’s story of losing his newborn to an unforeseen infection highlights the innate responsibility fathers feel to protect their children, and the heartbreak when they cannot, despite their best efforts. Our conversation underscores the importance of acknowledging and validating these emotions.

We close with an emphasis on the enduring aspects of fatherhood that persist even in the absence of a child. Through heartfelt anecdotes, we explore love, memories, and dreams tied to our lost children, and encourage grieving fathers to honor their memories. Healing is a personal journey, and it’s essential to recognize that despite the physical absence, the bond between a father and his child remains unbroken. Join us as we validate these emotions and affirm the lasting connection shared with our children, living or not.

Thank you for tuning in to find solace, gain understanding, and embark on your healing journey with us!

Sincerely,
Kelly & Chris

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Welcome to this mid-week episode!

As we're inching closer to Father's Day (Sunday, June 16, 2024), I thought it would be helpful to address the elephant in the room when it comes to our experience as loss dads.

Here are some tips to implement:

1. Keep an open mind. The story you're creating in your head about how the day will turn out is simply a narrative you're creating in your head. The actual day may turn out to be just fine.

2. Allow yourself to feel what you're feeling in the moment on Father's Day, whatever those emotions may be.

3. Be honest with yourself and those around you, and make your feelings known.

I hope these tips are helpful.

Sincerely,
Kelly

Background Music: "Miss You" by Middle Child
License: CC BY-NC 4.0 Deed Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
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Welcome to episode 21!

In the labyrinth of infertility, you'll discover that life often reserves its most unexpected turns when the map seems most clear. Tom Kreffer continues to share his personal narrative of facing a natural pregnancy's delicate dance of hope and trepidation after IVF's trials. It's a tale that mirrors the lives of many listeners, revealing the joy and angst of expanding a family and the solace found when sharing these moments. Join us as we navigate this complex terrain, embracing each other's narratives as a source of strength and healing.

Thank you for tuning in to find solace, gain understanding, and embark on your healing journey with us!

Sincerely,
Kelly

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Email themiscarriagedad@gmail.com
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