Confessions of a Grieving Mother

Type of loss: Life-limiting diagnosis, stillborn

More about Brittany's story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Brittany Crawford about the loss of her daughter, Norah. At 12 weeks gestation, Brittany learned that Norah had a rare genetic condition called Arthrogryposis.

After weeks of seeing specialists, she was told at 18 weeks that Norah would not survive. Norah passed away at 18 weeks and 5 days, and Brittany delivered her a few days later at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Brittany shares what it was like to receive that diagnosis, prepare for loss, and deliver her daughter.

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Type of loss: PPROM, Infant loss

More about Sam's story: Sam Yanes shares the incredible story of her son, Antonio "Tony". From the early weeks of pregnancy filled with bleeding and uncertainty to a courageous NICU journey that spanned eight months, Sam walks us through every heartbreaking and hope-filled moment.

Tony was born at just 25 weeks, weighing 1lb 15oz, and immediately faced a mountain of medical challenges. Despite infections, breathing issues, surgeries, and long days in the ICU, Sam clung to her faith and fought fiercely for her son. She opens up about the trauma of his birth, the miracle of holding him without wires for the first and last time, and how her faith has been her anchor through unimaginable grief.

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Type of loss: early term loss, twin loss

More 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.

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Type of loss: Infant loss, medical negligence

More 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.

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Type of loss: Infant-loss

More 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.

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Type of loss: SIDS

More 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.

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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.

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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.

Type of Loss: Stillbirth

More 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.

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Type of Loss: Stillbirth

More 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.

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Type of Loss: Stillbirth

More 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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:

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.

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.

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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:

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: