In the final episode of this season, I talk to Sheri Johnson about how she found joy in life after loss. Sheri suffered three miscarriages and infertility before deciding not to undergo further fertility treatment. She now helps others find healing and joy after pregnancy loss. In the interview, we talk about: Sheri’s first miscarriage and delivering her baby on the toilet (13:37) Struggling to get pregnant again, miscarrying and a suspect ectopic pregnancy (19:42) Hearing a heartbeat for the first time, only to then miscarry a third child (23:38) Exploring spiritual healing to come to terms with her grief (35:54) Discussing donor conception and deciding not to continue with fertility treatment (39:50) Accepting life without kids and finding healing and joy after loss (45:52) Self-love and the power of meditation (57:15) You can connect with Sheri on Instagram @miscarriageloveandloss or join her Facebook group at Miscarriage Love and Loss. She has a free roadmap – From Grief to Joy After a Miscarriage – which you can download at sherijohnson.ca/roadmap. I’m taking a break from the podcast, so this will be the final episode for a while. If you’re a new listener, please do check out the backlist – there are 60 episodes to listen to, covering a range of experiences. This is the club that none of us wanted to join, but I hope listening to other people’s stories helps you on your journey through grief. Thanks to Izzy Syme for editing and producing the show. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app.

In episode 59 of Footprints on our Hearts, I chat to Rachael and Hannah about their experience of baby loss and pregnancy after loss. Rachael is Hannah’s mother and grandmother to Grace who died shortly after she was born in 2018. In the interview we talk about: Hannah’s pregnancy with Grace and going into premature labour when she was 21 weeks pregnant (5:44) Having Grace whisked away and not being told that she had been born alive (15:24) Hannah’s experience of grief and how Rachael felt trying to support her daughter through her dark days (23:32) Receiving support from Tommy’s following Grace’s death and when pregnant with her son, Jude (30:39) How Rachael felt when she found out Hannah was pregnant again (35:14) Hannah’s experience of pregnancy after loss and going into premature labour for the second time (38:39) Jude’s birth, NICU journey and how nearly losing him triggered Hannah’s grief over Grace (43:04) Why fundraising for Tommy’s is so important to Rachael (53:29) You can connect with Rachael on Instagram @cyclingthighs and find out more about her latest endurance challenge to raise money for Tommys @run.swim.bike.hike. Thanks to Izzy Syme for editing and producing the show. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

In Episode 58 of Footprints on our Hearts, I talk to Ali Ande, whose first son, DJ was sadly stillborn in 2016. Her second son Grayson and her third son, Gavin were both born prematurely, Gavin at the height of the covid-19 pandemic last year. In the interview, we talk about: Ali’s journey to getting pregnant and the naivety of pregnancy before loss (09:13) Going into hospital to give birth to DJ and spending time with him after he was born (20:44) How a nurse’s wise words helped prepare Ali for grief (27:08) Experiencing anxiety while pregnant with her second son, Grayson, and how she felt when he was in NICU (31:10) Her third pregnancy with Gavin and giving birth during a global pandemic (38:41) Why she created a platform to support other bereaved parents (44:04) How she feels raising black kids in America today (50:48) You can connect with Ali on Instagram @aliandeenterprise and find out more about her on her website: https://www.aliandeenterprise.com/. Thanks to Izzy Syme for editing and producing the show. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

In Episode 57 of Footprints on our Hearts, I welcome Ruth Hopkins back to the podcast! Ruth was my guest in Episode 4, when we talked about her ectopic pregnancy, her son, Dexter, who was stillborn, and her subsequent miscarriage. Last year, Ruth and Dave decided to apply to become adoptive parents and Ruth kindly agreed to come back onto the podcast to talk about the process their went through and the emotional aspect of deciding to grow their family in a different way. In the interview, we talk about: Ruth’s experience of baby loss and unexplained secondary infertility (05:05) Why they decided to explore adoption (17.33) The process Ruth and Dave went through to become prospective adoptive parents (21:55) How counselling has helped her process her grief and put her in a position to empathise with children who have been through traumatic experiences (31:45) Finding out they’d been approved as p (38:23) De-Dextering Dexter’s room and preparing their home for a new child (47:25) Coming to terms with not being able to involve Dexter in their child’s life in the same way as they would have done had he had a biological sibling (53.05) You can connect with Ruth on Instagram @ruth_and_her_bear and @born_from_the_heart. Thanks to Izzy Syme for editing and producing the show.  If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

This week, I talk with Laura Gallagher, the author of Robo-Babies a children’s book that explains the many varied ways in which families can form. We discuss Laura’s experience of IVF, parenting after infertility, birth trauma and loss, and the two ectopic pregnancies she sadly experienced after her son’s birth. In the interview, we talk about: Feeling embarrassed and alone having been told they would need to go through IVF to conceive (15:02) The pressure of only having one viable embryo and Rafe’s birth (19:46) The challenges of bonding with your baby after infertility, birth trauma or loss (26:56) Getting pregnant naturally and finding out it was ectopic (35:04) Experiencing a second ectopic pregnancy and why this was so much harder (42:14) Laura’s experience of grief after loss (48:45) Why she decided to write Robo-Babies (58:00) You can connect with Laura on Instagram @robomummy and get a copy of Robo-Babies from Owlet Press or all good bookstores! In the introduction, I talk about the Channel 4 documentary, The Black Maternity Scandal, and Chine McDonald’s article in the Independent on why she used her husband’s whiteness to keep her safe. Thanks to Izzy Syme for editing and producing the show. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

This week, I talk to Claire Cassidy about her son, Finn, who lost his fight for life after 34 days. Finn was diagnosed with three congenital heart defects and underwent multiple surgeries before he sadly passed away. We chat about Finn, Claire’s grief and the impact on her older son, Lucas, who wasn’t allowed into the hospital to see his brother due to Covid-19 regulations. In the interview, we talk about: Realising Finn wasn’t well, being rushed to the NICU then transferred to Glasgow Children’s Hospital (6:56) Receiving a diagnosis of three heart conditions and watching Finn undergo two open-heart surgeries (14:26) Finding out there had been catastrophic complications during further surgery and holding Finn while he passed away (20:13) Why Lucas wasn’t able to see his baby brother in hospital and how that impacted his grief (29:27) Claire’s experience of grief and a bereaved mother’s guilt (34:45) What Finn has taught her about life and celebrating his memory (37:56) You can connect with Claire on Instagram @clairecassidy96. Claire and Mark received support from two charities who they’re now fundraising for: Brightest Star and The Zak Braveheart Foundation. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts Thanks to Izzy Syme for editing and producing this episode.

In Episode 54, I chat with Sarah Chapman about her daughter Eliza, who was stillborn in 2018, and her rainbow baby, Liberty. We discuss grief, secondary infertility, IVF and parenting after loss, plus how they include Eliza in their day-to-day family life. In the interview, we talk about: Sarah’s pregnancy with Eliza, going into labour and finding out her baby had died (7:38) How Sarah felt about meeting Eliza after she was born (16:31) How having her parents live in the States and suffering a further family bereavement shortly after Eliza’s death impacted on Sarah and her husband’s grief (26:57) Sharing Eliza’s story and fundraising in her memory (33:24) Deciding to try again and having to go through IVF to get pregnant with their second daughter (37:07) How covid 19 had a positive impact on Sarah’s experience of pregnancy after loss (43:04) Parenting after loss and how they include Eliza in their family (44:56) You can connect with Sarah on Instagram @ourlittlesnowdrop and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elizasmummy. Sarah mentions a couple of her favourite books for talking to children about baby loss and IVF. These are These Precious Little People by Frankie Brunker (@thesepreciouslittlepeople) and Robo-Babies by Laura Gallagher (@robomummy). If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts Thanks to Izzy Syme for editing and producing this episode.

In Episode 53 of Footprints on our Hearts, I chat to Clint Watkins who lost two sons at different stages of pregnancy. We discuss Clint and his wife’s dilemma over whether to continue with her pregnancy after having been told their son would not survive and what plans they made to honour their son both during pregnancy and after he was born. We also chat about Clint’s faith and the role of grief and lamentation in faith. In the interview, we talk about: Getting pregnant and finding out that their baby had anencephaly (2:18) Facing an impossible decision and deciding to continue with the pregnancy (8:53) Preparing for Eli’s birth and death and making memories during pregnancy (15:33) Meeting Eli after his birth and planning his funeral (24:48) The role of lamentation in faith (31:09) Losing their second son, Rowe to miscarriage (35:40) Why he decided to speak out about baby loss (41:27) You can connect with Clint on Instagram @clintdwatkins and read his blog - www.frailfather.com. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts Thanks to Izzy Syme for editing and producing this episode.

This week, I have a special bonus episode to celebrate one year of the podcast! I’ve been catching up with a few of my past guests, reflecting on what I’ve learned from talking to so many parents about their experiences of baby loss and sharing my own reflections on the past year. In Part One, I share seven things I’ve learned from the stories that I’ve shared on Footprints on our Hearts. (3:10) In Part Two (18:00), I share some reflections on the past year. In my mini interview with Karl, we talk about the healing that his third child has brought to their lives, the motivation behind his sporting challenges, how training helps him reflect and his upcoming endurance challenge raising money for Tommy’s. (19:27) You can listen to Karl’s story in Episode 20 of the podcast and connect with him on Instagram @the_ambitious_endurance. You can also support him and the team completing the West Highland Way challenge @run.swim.bike.hike. In my mini interview with Lucy, we talk about the meaning of balance, how to prioritise self-care when you’re juggling too many plates and why asking for help isn’t a failure. (30:18) You can listen to Lucy’s story in Episode 20 and connect with her on Instagram @_mother_of_one_. You can find out more about the Rainbow Running and Yoga Club and all the events Lucy and her team organise at https://www.rainbowrunningclub.co.uk/. In my reflections on the past year, I talk about passing key grief milestones, pregnancy after loss and searching for balance in my life. (44:05) I wrap up the episode by reflecting on the seasons of life we find ourselves in and accepting that there is a time for everything. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

In Episode 51 of Footprints on our Hearts, I chat with Claire and Andrew about their daughter Alexandra who died shortly after she was born. Claire describes Alexandra as having the dubious accolade of being “the biggest and the sickest baby on the NICU”. We discuss why they chose to explore organ donation, grief, counselling, and pregnancy and parenting after loss. Following the arrival of the couple’s second daughter, Ophelia, they experienced two years of unexplained infertility. At the time of recording the interview, Claire was pregnant with their third child and they have since welcomed baby Daphne into the world. In the interview, we talk about: Claire’s pregnancy with Alexandra and being rushed for an emergency c-section the day before her planned induction (10:27) Alexandra’s birth (14:11) Trying to keep Alexandra alive (25:40) Deciding to donate her organs and how this affected their search for answers (32:22) Grief, going back to work and receiving counselling (34:55) Getting pregnant again and pregnancy after loss (39:59) Parenting after loss while grieving Alexandra (46:36) Experiencing unexplained secondary infertility (51:46) You can connect with Claire on Instagram @afteralexandra36 and find out more about Alexandra on her blog www.afteralexandra.co.uk. In the introduction, I mention my husband’s latest endurance challenge to raise money for Tommy’s. He’s part of the @run.swim.bike.hike team planning a triathlon version of the West Highland Way this summer. Please do check out their Instagram page to support them! If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts Thanks to Izzy Syme for editing and producing this episode.

In this week’s episode, I chat with Asma Bi about her daughter, Sujdah, who was stillborn in 2018, her Islamic faith and how this helped her grieve. In the same year that Sujdah passed, Asma suffered an extreme allergic reaction to medication which she barely survived. We discuss how this terrible experience helped her accept and be at peace with Sujdah’s death. In the interview, we talk about: Asma’s pregnancy with her daughter, Sujdah, and the events leading up to finding out she had passed away. (6:12) Meeting Sujdah after she was born. (17:07) How her family supported her and Asma’s belief that her daughter is with God. (21:32) Asma’s experience of grief in the early weeks (23:27) Travelling to Pakistan to be with her husband and suffering an extreme allergic reaction to medication (25:52) Being diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis, returning to the UK and being close to death (31:41) Why Asma decided to write a book about her experiences (39:07) You can connect with Asma on Instagram @angelmommy17022018 and buy her book, My Stillbirth Yet Still Here, on Amazon. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

In Episode 49 of Footprints on our Hearts, I talk to Christina Rothwell about her experience of losing her baby daughter during the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact the changes to maternity care had on her pregnancy. In the interview, we talk about: Getting pregnant and finding out she had a fibroid on the outside of her uterus and low PAPP-A (6:27) Going in for a repeat scan at 21-weeks and finding out her baby had died. (24:53) Being given a tablet to prepare her body for labour and going in to give birth (31:38) Deciding not to meet her baby, then changing her mind after she was born (39:44) Meeting Peanut and feeling scared about what she’d look like (49:11) Getting the post-mortem results but still not getting certainty over why she had died (53:49) Christina’s experience of PTSD and how therapy has helped her overcome her trauma (56:14) You can connect with Christina on Instagram @christinarothwell. **I’ll be moving to fortnightly interview episodes for the next few months with additional solo shows or special episodes slotted in between. If you’d like to support the podcast and help me keep putting out episodes, please consider becoming a patron of the show - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts ** If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app!

Episode 48 of Footprints on our Hearts is a special solo show on living with loss in 2021. I think we can all agree that 2020 for most people was a really tough year, and I very much hope that 2021 sees a return to a normality that involves hugging, human interaction and not being trapped inside our homes! I’ve spent the past couple of weeks reflecting on my grief journey over the past year and on how we can balance living our best life while allowing ourselves space to grieve. It’s something I’ve talked about with some of my podcast guests and I wanted to share my thoughts and theirs with you. How can we choose happiness while living with loss? How do we build a life that meets our needs and includes the babies we hold in our hearts? In the episode, I talk about: Choosing a word of the year to help you focus on the person you want to be and take control of your life (9:15) Creating time and space for grief (15:00) Habits and daily practices (18:10) Dealing with overwhelm (25:02) I mention the following books: Atomic Habits by James Clear Rising Strong by Brené Brown Untamed by Glennon Doyle The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

This week, I talk with Robyn whose daughter, Mackenzie, passed away when she was just two months old as a result of an undiagnosed heart defect. We also talk a lot about Austin, Mackenzie’s younger brother, his fight for life and why Robyn has never thought of him as her “rainbow baby”. In the interview, we talk about: Robyn’s pregnancy with Mackenzie and what she was like as a baby (6:24) The events that led up to Mackenzie’s passing (9:47) Being questioned after her death and the botched autopsy (18:52) Falling pregnant with her son after struggling to conceive and finding out he had problems with his heart (31:34) Moving city to give birth to her son who had open heart surgery when he was just 36 hours old (41:12) Robyn’s pregnancy with her youngest daughter (52:48) How they remember Mackenzie (54:05) I’ll be taking a break from the podcast over Christmas and the New Year, but will be back with the next episode on January 8th. If you’re wanting to listen to more baby loss stories over the festive period, please check out the backlist of 46 episodes! Thank you for your support over the past year and special thanks to my patrons who help me keep the podcast going. I wish you all a gentle Christmas. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

In Episode 46 of Footprints on our Hearts, guest host, Chainie Jackson talks to Emily about her son Sawyer, who was diagnosed with hydrops during the second trimester of her pregnancy and sadly passed away shortly after his birth. In the interview, they talk about: Being told at their first scan that Sawyer had fluid around the back of his neck (4:02) Finding out Sawyer had hydrops fetalis and having various tests to determine the severity of his condition (10:22) Meeting with a panel of doctors and making plans to give Sawyer the best possible chance (24:15) Being admitted to hospital with severe swelling, finding out she had mirror syndrome and having to have an emergency caesarean section (29:02) Being told that Sawyer had passed away and meeting him for the first time (43:56) Spending time with Sawyer in the hospital (48:50) Emily’s favourite memories of her son (53:40) You can connect with Emily on Instagram @sowingseedsofsawyer. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

This week, I talk to Jenna Johnson about her daughter, Poppy Hope, who died just 26 hours after birth in May 2020. Jenna was told Poppy was likely to die shortly after a premature rupture of membranes at 12 weeks, but Poppy proved to be a fighter and made it all the way to 33 weeks before arriving into the world. In the interview, we talk about: Jenna’s bicornuate uterus and her pregnancy with her first child, Daisy (5:40) The early weeks of her pregnancy with Poppy and discovering she had premature rupturing of her membranes at 12 weeks (16:37) The impact of PPROM and being given a choice between miscarrying naturally or terminating her pregnancy (26:20) Research, second opinions and clinging to hope (30:22) Going into lockdown and the impact of Covid-19 on her antenatal care (40:50) Going into labour at 33 weeks, being left in triage alone and Jenna’s emergency c section (48:52) Poppy’s 26 hours of life (1:03:10) Making memories as a family at Claire House Hospice (1:13:14) You can connect with Jenna on Instagram @Jenno01. This week, I’ve put out a request for a volunteer editor! If you’re interested in helping me deliver the podcast and can commit to editing at least two episodes a month for three months, please get in touch. Full training will be provided. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

In Episode 44 of Footprints on our Hearts, guest host, Chainie Jackson talks to Jessica about her son Hector who was diagnosed with Edwards’ syndrome. As well as talking about Hector, they discuss the language used to deliver bad news and how this can affect parent’s perception of what their options are particularly around medical terminations. In the interview, they talk about: Jessica’s pregnancy with Hector and finding out he was high risk for Edwards or Patau syndrome (7:13) Why the label “incompatible with life” doesn’t always give parents the full picture (9:32) Finding out Hector had a high probability of Edwards’ syndrome (17:04) Deciding not to terminate her pregnancy and battling with medical professionals who had written him off (28:42) Finally getting support for Hector from a consultant who treated him like a baby (37:50) Finding out that his placenta was failing and having to change his care plan (40:24) Having an emergency delivery and spending three hours and four minutes with Hector before he passed away (44:24) In the intro I talk about Meghan, Duchess of Sussex opening up about her pregnancy. I mention that this is the first time I’ve heard of a member of the royal family talking about baby loss, however I need to correct that – both Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Zara Tindall, the Queen’s granddaughter have spoken out about their own experiences. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

This week, I have a special episode with thoughts and suggestions for how you can survive the festive season, involve your children in your celebrations and find happiness at this difficult time of year. Although this episode is centred around Christmas, many of the ideas and suggestions are applicable to any festival or special occasion that you celebrate. These times of the year have so many hopes and dreams wound up in them that they can be really tough whether your loss is recent or many years ago. I talk about: Letting go of expectations Coping with the build up to Christmas and 24 ideas for Advent to Remember How you might want to include your baby in your family’s Christmas celebrations How family and friends can support bereaved parents at this time of year You can find out more about Advent to Remember on Instagram @thelegacyofleo or on The Legacy of Leo website: https://thelegacyofleo.com/adventtoremember/ Most importantly, please do be kind to yourself this Christmas. I hope this episode gives you some ideas and support for getting through the festive season and you can find some joy amongst the sadness and loss. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

In Episode 42 of Footprints on our Hearts, guest host, Karl, talks to Jenedy Paige about grief, her Christian faith, creativity and sport. Jenedy is a professional oil painter, a runner, weightlifter and Ninja Warrior. Her eldest son passed away in 2011 following a tragic accident when he was just three and a half years old. Jenedy is really open and honest about how her faith was challenged in the aftermath of her son’s death and how she worked through this. Whether you are a person of faith or not, Jenedy has some great advice and practical tips on what helped her move through her grief and how she was able to let go of her broken heart. I found the interview both inspiring and full of hope that there can be life after loss. In the interview, we talk about: The death of Jenedy’s eldest son and how she struggled with her faith in the months afterwards (7:08) How journaling, art and running helped her through her grief (12:35) How Jenedy and her husband kept their relationship together and the importance of date nights (29:50) Battling PTSD and how faith helped her let go of her broken heart (37:55) How they keep her son’s memory alive (43:25) Competing in Ninja Warrior in memory of him. (46:10) You can connect with Jenedy on Instagram @jenedypaige and find her artwork on her website: jenedypaige.com. If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts

In Episode 41 of Footprints on our Hearts, I talk to Julie Beicken about her son, Wallace, who was stillborn at 37 weeks in 2019. Most mothers are induced to give birth to their stillborn child, but Julie chose an abdominal birth (caesarean section) for reasons she explains in the interview. We also talk about grief, endometriosis and exploring adoption. In the interview, we talk about: Julie’s pregnancy with her daughter, Suzy, and coming to terms with having an emergency caesarean section (10:40) Getting pregnant with Wallace and how her pregnancy went (15:22) Finding out that Wallace had died and deciding to change her birth plan to have an abdominal birth (18:00) Meeting Wallace after his birth (37:08) How Julie’s grief has evolved over the past year and how it was different to her grief after her mother’s death in 2011 (42:30) Struggling to get pregnant again and deciding to look into adoption (51:30) Scattering Wallace’s ashes and having places to go to remember him (58:24) You can connect with Julie on Instagram @rememberingwallace. In the intro, I talk about National Fertility Awareness Week, a return to lockdown and making sure you feel safe at work if you’re currently pregnant. The template letter you can use to write to your employer and other advice on your legal rights can be found here: https://pregnantthenscrewed.com/covid-19/write-to-your-employer-risks-for-pregnant-women/ If you have any feedback on the show, suggestions for guests or would like to share your story, you can connect with me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/footprintsonourhearts/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/skyesfootprints) or email alison@footprintsonourhearts.com. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating or review on your podcast app! You can support the show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/footprintsonourhearts