Confessions of a Grieving Mother

In this Mother’s Day episode, Tracy and Julie read heartfelt letters written by loss moms to their babies. These personal reflections offer a glimpse into the enduring love, grief, and hope carried by mothers every day—especially on Mother's Day. From tender memories and imagined milestones to promises of reunion, each letter honors a life gone too soon and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

Type of loss: early term loss, twin lossMore about Valerie's story: Valerie as she reflects on the raw moments of saying hello and goodbye to her boys. Newly married and full of joy, Valerie and her husband were thrilled to learn they were expecting twins—a dream come true. For four months, they envisioned life as twin parents, filled with excitement and hope. But their joy turned to grief when unexpected pain led to a devastating hospital visit. Valerie was already 8 centimeters dilated. She knew what that meant.Valerie also opens up about the beautiful, full-circle connection to her own parents, who lost twin boys 40 years earlier. Through faith, shared grief, and the support of Emma’s Footprints, their family has found deep healing across generations.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: Infant loss, medical negligenceMore about Kayla's story: Kayla shares the devastating details of her son's preventable death, how she fought through her medical case to prove negligence, and what it means to finally speak his story out loud. Kayla honors Onyx’s life by sharing the depth of her grief and the strength she’s found in the aftermath—showing us how love, advocacy, and resilience can rise even in the wake of unimaginable loss.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: Infant-lossMore about Rebecca's story: Rebecca shares the devastating story of her twin son's passing—born prematurely at 31 weeks with underdeveloped organs, her son Jacob experienced severe breathing issues and was placed on a ventilator. Without her knowledge, he passed away on his third day of life.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: SIDSMore about Griscelle's story: Griscelle shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 10-month-old daughter, Evangeline, to SIDS. On December 8, 2022, while away on a work trip for the first time in over two years, Griscelle’s world shattered. Her husband met her at the Nashville airport with the devastating news—Evangeline had passed away unexpectedly, and she never had the chance to say goodbye.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Early-term loss, multiple loss, stillbirth, selective reduction, Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome More about Millie's story: Millie discusses her journey through multiple pregnancy losses, fertility struggles, and the heartbreaking loss of her twin sons, Landon and Emerson.After experiencing several traumatic first-trimester miscarriages between 2019 and 2022 and enduring unsuccessful fertility treatments, Millie finally conceived her son naturally in October 2022. He was born in July 2023, bringing incredible joy after years of heartbreak. But just four months postpartum, she was shocked to discover she was pregnant again—this time with identical twin boys.At 20 weeks, devastating complications arose, including Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and growth abnormalities. Faced with an unimaginable decision about which baby to save, Millie and her family navigated an agonizing path of medical uncertainty and grief. Ultimately, both Landon and Emerson passed away around 22 weeks.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

In this episode, we explore the heart behind hosting a family fundraiser—what it is, where to start, and how it can make an impact.We’ll discuss the steps to planning an event, the personal significance for loss families, and how fundraisers support the mission of Emma’s Footprints. Whether you’re looking for ways to give back or create a lasting tribute, this episode will help you navigate the process with purpose and love.For more information about hosting a family fundraiser, please contact Julie Swanson at julie@emmasfootprints.com.

Type of Loss: StillbirthMore about Andrea's Story: Andrea and her husband, Cam, were eagerly anticipating their baby girl’s arrival when their world was shattered at a routine OB appointment. On September 13, 2023, Andrea heard the words no parent ever wants to hear—her doctor couldn’t find a heartbeat.Sent for an emergency ultrasound, their worst fears were confirmed: their daughter had died. Later that day, Andrea was induced, and in the early hours of September 14, 2023, at just 26 weeks, Talia was born into Heaven.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: StillbirthMore about Stormi's Story: Stormi was estastic when she found out she was expecting with her highschool sweetheart, Jimmy. With a due date just two days after Stormi’s birthday, she dreamed of sharing a special bond with her daughter.Mayci was a strong and active baby, which is why Stormi knew something was wrong when her movements changed. She and Jimmie rushed to the hospital, where they received the heartbreaking news—Mayci no longer had a heartbeat. Their worst fears were confirmed: a knot had formed in Mayci’s umbilical cord, taking her life before she ever took her first breath.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: StillbirthMore about Zach & Jalissa's Story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, hosts Tracy and Julie sit down with Zach and Jalissa Tauscher as they share the heartbreaking story of losing their daughter, Brynlee. At 26 weeks, Jalissa went in for a routine appointment, only to receive the devastating news that there was no heartbeat. What was supposed to be a joyful time of preparing for Brynlee’s arrival—her nursery set up, tiny clothes folded, and her name lovingly chosen—suddenly turned into unimaginable grief.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Grief can be an isolating experience, but what happens when two people in a relationship are grieving the same loss? In this episode, we sit down with Pamela Presler, LCSW, CPLC, to explore the vital role of couples grief coaching.

In this episode, Tracy and Julie talk with Kristen Banocy about how to be a friend to a loss parent if you haven't experienced a loss yourself. More about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

It all started with a dog, toddler and Santa Claus...Listen to how Emma's Footprints became the organization it is today.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

In the final episode of our holiday series, we talk with Rob from Sad Dads Club to explore the emotions and challenges of stepping into a new year after the loss of a baby. Rob shares his perspective on processing grief, honoring your child, and finding ways to move forward with hope and purpose. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that resonates with anyone navigating the "new normal" after loss.

In part two of our holiday series, we interview with Falon Gervais and Brittanie Freeman, leaders of our in-person support groups, to discuss the importance of Community and Communicating through the holiday season. Tune in for heartfelt advice on finding connection, fostering understanding, and navigating conversations during this tender time.

In this special holiday episode, we talk with one of our favorite guests, Pamela Presler, to explore how to navigate the complexities of saying "happy holidays" to someone who is grieving. Pam offers thoughtful insights on supporting others during this difficult time and shares advice on how to prioritize rest and self-care throughout the holiday season. Whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, this conversation provides compassion and practical tools to make it through the holidays.

Type of Loss: Stillbirth, Early-term loss, multiple losses More about Katherine's story: In this deeply emotional episode, Katherine Monita shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Leighton to a double-knotted umbilical cord just one day before her due date. Katherine reflects on the unimaginable pain of hearing the words, 'There is no heartbeat,' navigating the grief of saying goodbye, and facing the 'after' of life without her daughter. She also shares how Leighton's story has profoundly shaped her journey as a mother and her perspective on life after loss. More about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Neonatal loss More about Cecily's story: In this moving episode, Cecily Shelton shares her journey of loss, grief, and healing following the neonatal loss of her daughter, Kayla, in 2003. Diagnosed with preeclampsia during her 7-month check-up, Cecily was hospitalized and induced to save both their lives. Kayla was born and lived for two precious days, leaving Cecily to navigate a deep depression that lasted for years. Cecily opens up about her decision to stop merely existing and start truly living, which led to the creation of her inspiring book, Living Through the Pain. This powerful memoir not only normalizes grief but also offers readers strategies to embrace healing and find purpose after loss. Through her story, Cecily reveals how she turned her pain into a journey of helping others, providing hope and strength to grieving parents. More about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints Living Through the Pain Resources: ⁠www.livingthroughthepain.org⁠

Type of loss: Neonatal Loss More about Maddie's Story: Maddie was induced at 38 weeks due to high blood pressure, she experienced a sudden placental abruption during labor, resulting in an emergency C-section. Riley was born on April 7, 2023, but shortly after, his heart stopped while lying in the nursery. Though resuscitated and taken to the NICU, Maddie and her husband were faced with the unimaginable decision to remove him from life support just 12 hours later. Riley passed away in his grandmother's arms on April 8, 2023. Maddie reflects on the trauma, the rare velamentous cord insertion diagnosis, and the immeasurable love and loss of her perfect baby boy. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

In the latest episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, hosts Tracy and Julie sit down with Conor and Kristie from the Highmark Caring Place in Erie, PA. They share insights into the unique services offered, the organization’s multiple locations across Pennsylvania, and how they partner with Emma’s Footprints to build a stronger loss community. Tune in to learn about the impact of this collaboration and the ways the Caring Place is making a difference for families navigating grief.

Type of Loss: Infant Loss, Life-limiting diagnosis, multiple losses, early-term loss More about Kimberly's story: In this episode, Kimberly shares her journey of loss, love, and resilience. After two early miscarriages, Kimberly became pregnant with her daughter, Mera, who was given an 'incompatible with life' diagnosis at 16 weeks. Due to medical complications, termination wasn’t an option, and Kimberly carried Mera to term. Born alive at 38 weeks, Mera spent her 9 precious days surrounded by love in hospice palliative care. Kimberly reflects on the profound grief of losing Mera, navigating subsequent losses, and the joy of welcoming their rainbow baby through IVF in 2021. She also shares the inspiration behind founding Mera’s Mission to support families facing similar heartbreaking journeys. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Stillborn, Twin Loss More about Erin's story: Erin shares her journey through infertility and the devastating loss of one of her twin daughters, Laikyn, who was stillborn at 33 weeks. After years of struggling with unexplained infertility and medical intervention, Erin was overjoyed to be carrying twins. Her pregnancy progressed smoothly until a routine appointment at 33 weeks brought heartbreaking news—Baby B, Laikyn, no longer had a heartbeat. Erin reflects on her grief, the complexities of carrying both babies to 35 weeks, and how she navigated the difficult journey of new parenthood while mourning her precious daughter. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: SIDS, Infant Loss More about Nancy's Story: Nancy Grundl shares the devastating story of losing her daughter June to SIDS at just 3 months old. After a joyful morning at daycare, June peacefully fell asleep and never woke up. Nancy reflects on the profound grief of losing her perfect baby girl, and how she continues to find signs of hope and strength to move forward. Join us as Nancy opens up about her healing journey and the ways June's brief life continues to impact and guide her family. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

In this special episode, we take a break from our usual topics and invite you to get to know the amazing women behind Emma’s Footprints. Join us as we share fun stories, surprising secrets, and lots of laughter! From favorite guilty pleasures to behind-the-scenes quirks, this episode is all about connecting with the team and letting you in on the lighter side of the work we do. Tune in to meet the voices behind the mic and learn more about the ladies who pour their hearts into supporting grieving families.

Type of loss: Stillbirth More about Casey's story: In this episode, Casey Mihalko shares the heartbreaking story of losing her son at 31 weeks. After a routine checkup turned devastating, Casey was faced with the unimaginable task of delivering her baby boy, only to learn that no cause of death could be found. She opens up about her journey through grief, the challenges of dealing with PTSD, and the well-meaning but painful comments she received. Casey’s strength and resilience shine through as she reflects on the support she found and the unexpected kindness of strangers. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: Early-term loss, ectopic loss, multiple losses, stillborn More about Kayla's story: In this episode, Kayla DeCristoforo shares her journey through multiple devastating losses. After two ectopic pregnancies, Kayla was hopeful when she became pregnant with her daughter. Tragically, at 22 weeks, she received the heartbreaking news that her baby no longer had a heartbeat. Kayla opens up about the emotional and physical toll of repeated loss and the challenges of navigating grief after such unimaginable heartbreak.

Type of Loss: Early-term loss More about Tabitha's Story: Listen as Tabitha shares about the tragic early-term loss of her daughter, Hanna, during the height of the COVID pandemic. Faced with inadequate medical care and heartbreaking personal struggles, Tabitha shares how she navigated grief, family drama, and the devastating loss of her baby girl. From traumatic medical experiences to healing after loss, Tabitha reflects on the impact of losing Hanna and the challenges of moving forward with subsequent pregnancies. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Taboo Topic Series: This season, we are kicking off our Taboo Topic series where we discuss the uncomfortable topics that go hand-in-hand with losing your baby. If you have a suggestion for this series, please reach out to us at khristina@emmasfootprints.com. More about this episode: In this episode of our Taboo Topic series, we dive into one of the most difficult conversations surrounding pregnancy loss—the heartbreaking decision to terminate a wanted pregnancy. We explore the emotional turmoil, societal stigma, and the complex realities faced by those who have had to make this unimaginable choice. This episode aims to bring understanding and support to a topic often shrouded in silence. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Life-limiting diagnosis, Infant loss, Early-term loss, Multiple losses More about Danielle's Story: Listen as Danielle shares the emotional story of her daughter Daniela. After a smooth pregnancy at 45, Danielle's world was turned upside down at 42 weeks when unexpected complications arose. Born not breathing and quickly taken to the NICU, Daniela was later diagnosed with Trisomy 18. Despite her brief but impactful 23 days, Daniela left a lasting mark on her family's hearts. Danielle reflects on the bittersweet moments of meeting her long-awaited daughter and the heartache of losing her too soon. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Stillborn More about Jamie's Story: Jamie Halwey shares the heartbreaking story of losing her son Charles, whose life was tragically cut short due to true knots in his umbilical cord. Jamie reflects on what seemed to be a textbook pregnancy and the profound grief that followed. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: Early term loss, multiple losses, Infant loss More about Madi's Story: Listen as Madi bravely shares her sweet Ruth with us. Madi had experienced two early term pregnancy losses prior to getting pregnant with Ruth. Madi and her husband, Ben, were ecstatic when they got pregnant with Ruth and had a fairly uneventful pregnancy until 36 weeks gestation. Madi had to be induced due to preeclampsia. Despite being born 4 weeks early, Ruth was born healthy on November 18. Madi and Ben's lives were turned upside down when Ruth passes away suddenly less than 4 weeks later.

Type of Loss: Early-term loss, multiple losses, heterotopic pregnancy More about Tara's Story: Tara and her husband were over the excited when they found out they were pregnant with their first child in October 2011. After a few weeks, she started bleeding, after an ER visit, and 2 HCG tests, they discovered that the baby was not growing correctly. At this time, Tara started to experience severe pain on the right side of her abdomen. At her 12 week appointment she was told her baby had no heartbeat. After processing the devastating news, she had a D&C. In the following 6 weeks, Tara explains that she was still experiencing extreme pain. She made countless doctors appointments, had kidney tests, cat scans, saw chiropractors, and more ultrasounds and nothing was discovered. While at dinner in early January 2012, she started experiencing more severe stomach pain and bleeding and was rushed to the ER. She begged for an exploratory laparoscopy where it was finally discovered that her right fallopian tube had ruptured due to an ectopic pregnancy that had occurred at the same time as the intrauterine pregnancy. This is called a heterotopic pregnancy an occurs in only 1 of 30,000 pregnancies. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints

Listen as Tracy and Julie talk with one of our favorite guests, Pamela Presler. Pam dives into the topic of Grief Confidence, explains what it is and what it means to your grief journey. More about Pamela Presler, LCSW, CPLC: Pamela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Erie, Pennsylvania. The services she provides are based on 20 years of developing new and innovative approaches to improving human relationships. Whether coaching couples, building "Grief Confidence" in individuals and families, or empowering parents to create a unified parenting plan to support their children’s needs, Pamela provides tools for healthy coping, guiding others in problem-solving their own outcomes. Learn more about her here. Contact Pam: phone: (814) 455-1301 email: pamelapresler@gmail.com website: https://www.pamelapresler.com/

Type of Loss: Stillborn More about Negar's Story: Negar explains her pregnancy as a textbook pregnancy until around 27 weeks gestation. At a routine appointment she was given the devastating news that her baby no longer had a heartbeat. Negar describes how losing her daughter plunged her into several months of deep grief. Listen as she describes how she pulled herself from that deep grief and what rebuilding a life after losing her daughter. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Early-term loss, Life-limiting diagnosis, Infant loss More about Emily's Story: Listen as Emily shares her journey to motherhood with us. She shares her difficult journey to get pregnant and then how her first pregnancy ended in an early term loss. Her second pregnancy resulted in the healthy delivery of her, now 3, year old son Rhett. Her third pregnancy was not planned but they were very excited about it. Unfortunately, their excited soon turned to fear and anxiety when they were told their baby had genetic abnormalities. Their son Dylan was officially diagnosed with Trisomy 18p monosomy q. Dylan was born at 37 weeks gestation and passed away about 48 hours after birth at home. Follow Emily's blog: joyinthechaos.com Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Life-limiting diagnosis, Infant loss More about Kathy's Story: Listen as Kathy shares her sweet Jonathan with us. Kathy talks about how her pregnancy was closely monitored because Jonathan had Down Syndrome. After birth, Kathy explains how she knew almost immediately that something was not right. Jonathan ended up being diagnosed with a rare infantile epilepsy. He spent 5 weeks in a children's hospital before passing at almost 2 months old. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Listen as Tracy and Julie dive into the details of our 2024 Memorial Walks. We encourage you to create a team in memory of your baby. It gives you a space to say your baby's name, shed tears and acknowledge where you are at in your grief journey. Use the links below to register your team! 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: Thursday, September 12 - Sunday, September 15, 2024 Wherever YOU live - Your neighborhood, local park or anywhere you can walk! Register your team here: https://bit.ly/VirtualMemorialWalk24 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝘁𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗵, PA Memorial Walk Details: Sunday, September 8 at 9:00 a.m. North Park, Allison Park, PA Register your team here: https://bit.ly/PittMemorialWalk24 Erie, PA Memorial Walk Details: Sunday, September 22 at 9:00 am Penn State Behrend [4701 College Dr. Erie, PA 16563] Register your team here: https://bit.ly/ErieMemorialWalk24 Melbourne, FL Memorial Walk Details: Saturday, September 28 at 8:00 a.m. WICKHAM PARK [2500 Parkway Dr, Melbourne, FL 32935] Register your team here: https://bit.ly/MelbourneMemorialWalk24

Type of Loss: Stillborn More about Jenna's Story: Jenna's second pregnancy with her daughter Julianna (Jules), was what she considered a textbook pregnancy and moved through the typical milestones until Jules' movement was not as consistent or as strong as expected. Although everything along the way had been fine, Jenna couldn't shake this feeling that something wasn't right. Jenna went in for a check up to be told the devastating news that Jules no longer had a heartbeat. Find out how Jenna has turned her pain into purpose with a research survey to help other loss families. Parent to Parent Advice Survey: After her second daughter, Julianna was stillborn in May 2023, Jenna started researching bereavement care to honor Julianna and help the loss community. There is currently very little research on parent advice to new loss parents. The first research project is a survey that takes 20-40 minutes to complete, depending on the level of detail provided in responses and asks questions about demographics, time at the hospital, and early grief. The goal of this study is to reduce the chances that parents say, “I wish I would have…” Please consider participating in this research. If you had your baby was stillborn, no matter the amount of time that has passed since birth, please consider completing the survey below to help other families: https://elmhurst.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yY97I3qSsviPOu Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Vanishing Twin, Early-Term Loss More about Meagan's Story: Meagan and her husband's first pregnancy with their son, Oliver, was what she described as a textbook pregnancy. Together, Meagan and her husband, decided they wanted their children to be close in age. When Oliver was about 8 months old, they made the decision to try for their second child. They quickly found out they were expecting...TWINS! They were absolutely shocked but excited to learn they were pregnant with not one but two babies. At Meagan's first appointment, the tech told them one of the baby's was measuring slightly smaller than the other, but still had a strong heartbeat. They also found out they were mono-mono twins. At a follow up appointment two weeks later to check on the smaller twin, they were informed their baby no longer had a heartbeat. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: ⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Stillbirth More about Lindsey's Story: In this episode, Tracy and Julie talk with Lindsey Henke a psychotherapist, author, speaker and loss mama. In 2012, Lindsey was freshly married and a newly practicing psychotherapist when she found out she is pregnant with her first child. After a perfect pregnancy, Lindsey went into labor—only to be told upon arrival at the hospital that her baby has no heartbeat. After the stillbirth of her daughter, Lindsey grappled with the unbearable agony of losing a child. Over the next year and half, as she mourned the loss of one child while simultaneously trying to hold space for the joy of expecting another baby, she learned that grief can live side by side with joy. When Skies Are Gray offers a poignant message to any mother who is grieving: Your pain is real. The sharp ache of the grief you feel will soften over time, though your love for the child you lost will always remain. And it’s okay to feel that love; it’s a mother’s love, and like lullabies, a mother’s love never dies. Lindsay's Resources: https://lindseymhenke.com Purchase Lindsay's Book: When Skies Are Gray Pregnancy After Loss Support Download the Pregnancy After Loss Support App Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

Listen as Tracy and Julie talk with Brad Kogut from Guys and Grief and Rob Reider from Sad Dads Club for a special Father's Day episode. Episode Resources: guysandgrief.com saddadsclub.com Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Infant Loss, Early Term Loss More about Heather's Story: Listen as Heather shares her daughter Lyla with us. Lyla was 13 days old when she passed away due to strokes in her brain, caused by a rare genetic disorder. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints

In this episode, in honor of Emma Kathryn Dailey's 17th birthday, Tracy and Julie reflect on Emma's Footprints from its beginning, discuss what the organization is today, and bring in a special guest, Pam Presler, to talk about the future of Emma's Footprints.

In this episode, Tracy and Julie discuss their grief journeys and how they have changed over the years. They provide tools that have allowed them to guide their grief rather than be controlled by it. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Life-Limiting Diagnosis, Terminating For Medical Reasons (TFMR) More about Sabrina's Story: Listen as Sabrina shares Clara with us. Sabrina and her husband, Hector, had just gotten married and were actively trying to get pregnant with their second child when they found out they were expecting. In their second trimester, they were told their baby had hydrops, a condition in which large amounts of fluid build up in a baby's tissues and organs, causing extensive swelling. After extensive discussion and research, Sabrina and her husband decided to terminate the pregnancy. Listen as Sabrina dives deep into her feelings of this decision and how she turned her pain into purpose creating a community for TFMR families. Sabrina's Recommended Resources: The TFMR Support Circle - Facebook Page Our TFMR Stories (Podcast) Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints

Listen as Tracy and Julie chat with our very own Meghan Slater, Emma's Bereavement Coordinator, and an L&D Nurse for a local hospital in Erie, PA. They dive deep into answering some of our nurses' most pressing questions about how to navigate a loss with their patients. More about Meghan: Meghan’s grief story started when she lost her first pregnancy in October 2014. After almost 2 years and lots of emotional healing, she was finally open to talking through her grief with Tracy and other moms. When Meghan’s rainbow baby Jackson turned a year old she started a course to become a certified birth and bereavement doula and is now a registered nurse for a local hospital here in Erie. She knew in her heart that no mom should have to walk this road of grief alone. Connect with Meghan at meghan@emmasfootprints.com.

In this episode, Tracy and Julie talk with loss mamas Ashley, Stacy, and Jessica about Mother's Day and how it changes after a loss. We dive deep into the feelings of being a Mother and how that feels even though our children may not be here with us. We wish you a gentle Mother's Day this year.

Type of Loss: Early Term Loss More about Stacey's Story: After years of trying to conceive, Stacey and her husband, Brandon, decided to foster to adopt in which they were blessed with 6 children. They still had a strong desire to conceive, they turned to IVF, and had a successful pregnancy with their son Owen. They had one more embryo and decided to transfer their sweet girl, Vivian. All was going so well with the transfer and all of her numbers were great. Until one Sunday morning as she was leading worship, she started to bleed on stage and unfortunately lost their sweet girl. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Early Term Loss, Multiple Losses, Stillbirth More about Samantha's Story: Listen as Samantha shares her sweet babies Baby Lohrman and Avonlea with us. Samantha and her husband, CJ, were ecstatic when they found out they were expecting their first baby in 2021. Unfortunately, that excitement turned to sorrow when they were told at their first doctors appointment their baby didn't have a heartbeat. Listen as Samantha walks us through the grief she felt experiencing an early term loss. When they found out they were expecting again, they were quite reserved because of losing their first baby. Samantha describes her pregnancy with Avonlea as a textbook pregnancy. At 27 weeks gestation, Samantha went to the hospital because she hadn't felt Avonlea move in awhile. It was there that doctors told her they could not find a heartbeat. Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Early Term Loss, Multiple Losses, Terminating for Medical Reasons More about Carmen's Story: Buckle up for this episode as Carmen shares her 11 beautiful babies with us. In this episode, she she dives deep into her pregnancies, grief and how she turned her pain into purpose. Carmen wrote A Diary to My Babies: Journeying Through Pregnancy Loss to shine light on the darkness of pregnancy loss, while also showing there is no right way to grieve. And through her incredible journey, Carmen hopes the story of her family and her babies just might help others to heal. Purchase Carmen's book A Diary to My Babies: Journeying through Pregnancy Loss here: https://amzn.to/4at4Myb Learn more about Emma's Footprints: www.EmmasFootprints.com Facebook: EmmasFootprints