Join us as we speak with Rob Reider, Co-Founder and Exec. Director of the Sad Dads Club.   Rob and his wife Tehliah lost their daughter Lila to stillbirth in December of 2017.  Through his grief, Rob co-founded SAD DADS CLUB alongside Jay (Bella's dad) and Chris (Izzy's dad) to create a space where fathers can connect and support one another through pregnancy and infant loss. This growing community fosters a safe space for men to be vulnerable, expressive, and supportive of one another. SAD DADS CLUB is on a mission to redefine masculinity, showing that true strength lies in emotional openness and healthy expression. By nurturing a strong support system and providing access to mental health resources, SAD DADS CLUB helps bereaved fathers navigate life after loss. Thank you Rob for sharing your story and we know you and your dads will help so many others! ----- Sad Dads Club Website [https://saddadsclub.org/] Sad Dads Club Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sad.dads.club/?hl=en]

In our first episode in 2025, we spoke to Kim, a Philadelphia-area mom who is navigating her life after the loss of her 3rd son, David. Kim and her husband found out early in their pregnancy, that there was a high likelihood that their baby had Trisomy 13, and it was later confirmed after an amniocentesis. She had a wonderful doctor who was supportive when finding out they would be carrying David to term, for which she was so thankful. Join us as we hear about David's sweet life in the NICU and how his parents walked that journey together. In memory of David Capista, 10/6/17 to 10/12/17

In this  episode of The Blindsided, we sit down with Bridget, a Philadelphia mom who is navigating the unthinkable. We first met Bridget at the Lucas James fundraiser event, and her story touched us profoundly. Bridget and her husband recently faced the heartbreaking loss of their beloved son, Keegan. Born on February 28th of this year, Keegan was born a healthy baby. However, just a week after his discharge from the hospital, symptoms arose that led Bridget to seek urgent medical care. Despite their best efforts, Keegan was diagnosed with late onset GBS, a devastating infection that progressed rapidly, leading to meningitis and, ultimately, his untimely passing. In this episode, Bridget shares her raw and emotional journey through grief, offering a perspective that is both fresh and poignant. As she processes her loss, Bridget is channeling her pain into purpose by pursuing a nursing degree, with a special focus on supporting bereaved parents. Her goal is to guide others through their own grief and to walk alongside them in their healing journey. Bridget's story is a testament to resilience and hope. As she continues to honor Keegan's memory through her future work and hopes to expand her family, her strength and dedication shine brightly. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that explores grief, healing, and the enduring love a parent has for their child. Thank you Bridget for sharing your story with us, we are honored!

Liz is a mom of two to Aria (would be 4) and Oliver (3). She is married to her high school sweetheart, Rob. After losing Aria to stillbirth, Liz has been trying to find a way to help other loss families and is currently in school for diagnostic medical sonography. She hopes that through this career, she will be able to further ensure thorough ultrasounds for all pregnant people and help provide support to families during and after a loss. To see more of Aria's photos, please visit the site HERE [http://theblindsided.com/2024/07/03/liz-cressman-arias-story/] Through the Eyes of a Lion book [https://www.amazon.com/Through-Eyes-Lion-Bible-Study/dp/1087728223/ref=asc_df_1087728223/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17099153054984128833&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003897&hvtargid=pla-2281435178298&psc=1&mcid=a9d78124d8b6359ea2172b67650f74fc&hvocijid=17099153054984128833-1087728223-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1] To be interviewed on the show, please email storyteller@theblindsided.com

Join us as we talk with Brad Entrekin, wife to Jenna and dad to Owen, Emily and Connor.  On November 11, 2016, their family's world was forever changed when they learned that just days before his scheduled birthday, Connor's heart had stopped.  Brad speaks openly about his thoughts, feelings and emotions at that time and gives advice to other fathers who have suffered a similar loss. Thank you so much Brad, for candidly sharing your story with our audience. Happy {gentle} Father's Day to ALL of the dads out there.   The Blindsided Website [http://www.theblindsided.com/] Emily and Jenna - Sibling's Day Episode [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FyNkG1A8ZfjVNZd3Si6fl?si=HLS8cnYIRCGE2G-5YT-9uQ]

In this episode we sit down with Dr. Terrell Hatzilias as she shares the story of the life and legacy of her son Kegan.  Dr. Hatzilias is a neuroscientist and medical writer. She is the proud mother of two children, her living daughter and stillborn son. Since the death of her son, Terrell has made stillbirth prevention and advocacy her passion. She has successfully lobbied SMFM to update pregnancy management guidelines for isolated single umbilical artery pregnancies, led a team of bereaved mother in passing legislation in Washington state allowing issuance of a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth, and recently published her first book, titled Still His Mama, about stillbirth and grief. Thank you Terrell, for sharing your story with us, it was an honor. To purchase Still His Mama: click here [https://a.co/d/fRgPCVh]. You can connect with Dr. Hatzilias on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/still_his_mama?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==].  For more information on single umbilical artery: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/birth/umbilical-cord-conditions Thank you for listening.

On April 28th, we attended the fundraising event at Spartan Gym [https://spartangymsc.com/] to honor Lucas James Swartz. We were lucky enough to speak with his mom Amber, twice on our podcast! During the event, we we are able to conduct mini-interviews and heard some beautiful stories of love and loss from other loss parents. The event raised over $13,000, which was then donated to the following local non-profits: Aubrey's Advocate [https://aubreysadvocate.com/], Noelle's Light [https://www.noelleslight.org/] and The Adalyn Rose Foundation [https://adalynrose.org/]. Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event and the amazing organizations the funds will support! We loved hearing your stories and connecting with you all!!!! Links mentioned: * Unite Grief Support Groups [http://www.unitegriefsupport.org/] - Couples/Mom Support * Unite Dad's Only Group [http://unitegriefsupport.org/fathers-only-virtual-support-group?fbclid=IwAR3JnbbkWVGxu9e0Yr-ozaRqo8shKZ2GrLTnH1AakOqMbiR2saQ3Vdv1ZAQ] - Contact Matt Sklar - matt.sklar@gmail.com * Mindful Birthing and Planning [http://mindfulbirthphiladelphia.com/] * Light After Loss Support Group [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_CxnqORErZ5w7r46l34qIDuqBtk4_txtb7p3kdCkbCgUUVQ/viewform] * Sad Dad's Club [https://saddadsclub.com/] * Postpartum Stress Center - Counseling [https://www.postpartumstress.com/]

As the overseer of the Perinatal Bereavement Program, Ann ensures that families grappling with the loss of a pregnancy or an infant have access to a comprehensive array of services aimed at providing solace and assistance. Furthermore, Coyle plays a pivotal role in organizing Run with the Docs, an annual 5K event held outside Virtua Voorhees Hospital, which serves as a fundraiser for the Perinatal Bereavement Program. This event also fosters the participation of numerous families whom Ann has supported over the years. The upcoming Run With the Docs 2024 is scheduled for Sunday, June 9th at Virtua Voorhees. [https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Voorhees/RunwiththeDocs5k1Miler] Ann is also the facilitator of the HOPING [https://hopingnj.org/] (Helping Other Parents In Normal Grief) Bereavement Support Group. Ann, thank you for sharing your knowledge with our listeners, and for all that you do for your families!!! For more podcasts and stories, please visit the Blindsided website: www.theblindsided.com [http://www.theblindsided.com/]

In this deeply moving episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Lou and Hope as they share their unique and heart-wrenching stories of love, loss, and friendship. Lou, originally from France, met her soulmate while working in the United States. Living nearby in South Jersey, Lou and her husband Patrick embarked on the journey of parenthood during the challenging times of the pandemic in 2020. However, their joy turned to sorrow when Lou experienced a difficult pregnancy, leading to the heartbreaking news that their daughter, Lilly-Anna, would be stillborn on February 17th, 2021. On the other hand, Hope, a native of South Jersey, had a relatively uncomplicated pregnancy and birth with her son, Noah, born on March 24th, 2017. Tragically, Noah's life took a devastating turn when he contracted bacterial meningitis shortly after birth, ultimately losing his battle with the infection. The bond between Lou and Hope is one of resilience and compassion, forged through shared experiences of unimaginable loss. Their friendship blossomed in a unique manner that is sure to touch your heart as you listen to their stories. We are grateful to Lou and Hope for their courage in opening up and sharing their journeys with us. Their strength and grace serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who may be facing similar challenges. Thank you, Hope and Lou, for entrusting us with your stories. You can find out more about the Blindsided Podcast on our WEBSITE [https://theblindsided.com/] If you would like to share your story with us on the podcast, please send us an email at storyteller@theblindsided.com

If you didn't know, Siblings Day is April 10th every year!  We wanted to bring you, and your kids, something special so we interviewed the sibling (Emily) of a baby who was born still (Connor).   ------ Emily is 12 years old, and a sister to her two brothers Owen and Connor. Connor was born silently in 2016 when Emily was just 4 years old. Since that time, Emily has continued to speak of him and made sure he's included in family conversations.  She told us she enjoys sports such as volleyball, soccer and track. ------ Emily is (in my opinion) so very well spoken and a pleasure to interview. Not sure about where her future will lead her, but I feel like she will impact many as she shares about her family's experience. Her mom, Jenna, also shared about the day she lost Connor, and the headspace her family was in. Thank you Emily (and Jenna) for sharing Connor with our podcast, and the world!  You're an awesome big sister Emily!

In this episode, we were fortunate to sit down with Nikki Berry, a former OR nurse turned nurse educator and researcher with a focus on the grief and trauma of perinatal loss. The focus of her research came about as a result of her own tragic life experiences. Nikki's niece, Ayden, was born with a life limiting condition-anencephaly. As she watched her family go through this loss and tried to offer assistance in developing a plan for the birth of Ayden, she realized the resources and research were severely lacking. She has turned her grief into purpose and has published many articles and formed a non profit to improve resources and conditions for loss families.  Nikki is the founder of a non profit called Project poppyseed. This came about as a result of her personal experiences plus her research work with families for her dissertation. While completing her research she met many families who experienced perinatal loss and was struck by the silence and loneliness families dealt with throughout their grief journey. One of the tenets of Project Poppyseed is breaking the silence surrounding perinatal loss. Another is to conduct research and provide tools for providers to utilize. Nikki is a beam of light in the community and we are so thankful for the work she is doing. Nikki is someone who "gets it". It was honestly hard to follow up with commentary because she summed things up so beautifully! Thank you Nikki, you are an amazing human! The episode picture is a sweet view of Nikki holding baby Ayden after she was born, reading The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate The Wash, her favorite book, to her niece. If you are looking for an organization to donate to in your baby's memory, please consider Project Poppyseed. You would be funding much needed research. If you would like to be a participant or view current research please visit https://projectpoppyseed.org/ Thank you for listening!

This episode we sat down with mom Ashley Kreyskop-Naglak from Levittown Pennsylvania. She lives there with her husband Blake and their furry friends. Ashley and her husband Blake learned they were pregnant with their daughter Nora in January of 2023. The pregnancy was uncomplicated until about 26 weeks when Ashley started to experience rib pain. After going to the hospital, being treated and discharged, then readmitted, she learned that she was in liver failure, HELLP syndrome, and needs to be delivered emergently. Nora was born on June 3rd, 2023. She did very well in the NICU until day 7 when things started to take an unexpected turn. An x-ray revealed that Nora had a hole in her bowel as a result of Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Nora passed away later that day. Ashley, thank you for sharing your story of the life and legacy of Nora <3 You can learn more about the NEC Foundation here [https://necsociety.org/]!

How lucky are we to sit down with Amber Swartz again? You asked, she answered! This episode we go over some listener questions for Amber. She continues to amaze us with her passion and positivity in the midst of losing her son, Lucas James. Thank you Amber for sharing your raw and relatable reality. Amber and her husband Nick are hosting a fundraiser on April 13th, 2024 at Spartan Gym in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. This event benefits Adalyn Rose Foundation [https://adalynrose.org/i-lost-my-baby/], Aubrey's Advocate [https://aubreysadvocate.com/], and Noelle's Light [https://www.noelleslight.org/]. There will be a workout followed by a family friendly day with raffles, food, drinks and games! Workout is optional. The Blindsided ladies will be at the event, please come meet us! Tickets can be purchased here: https://ticketstripe.com/events/1041363 Adalyn Rose Foundation [https://adalynrose.org/i-lost-my-baby/] Aubrey's Advocate [https://aubreysadvocate.com/] Noelle's Light [https://www.noelleslight.org/] Thank you for listening. Please consider leaving a review on Spotify or Apple. Your feedback can help us reach others who need to hear these stories.

Brittney Basquez will be sharing the story of her daughter Aria with us.  Brittney is a stay-at-home mom living in South Jersey with her son, daughter and fiance'.   She lost her daughter Aria, at 20 weeks 6 days gestation on April 27, 2021. After a very complicated pregnancy with her son, who was born with some medical issues, Brittney was nervous to be pregnant again.  She was worried something could go wrong.  Besides some spotting occurred around 16 weeks, her pregnancy proceeded as normal.  Finally at 19 weeks, Brittney felt like they could share the news of her pregnancy with family and friends!    Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse and Aria's birth story began on April 25th, which was also Brittney's son's second birthday.  She was actually attending a baby shower and had to leave and head to the hospital after speaking to her midwife.  Testing confirmed that her water had broken and her daughter would most likely be born.  After 2 days of monitoring in the high-risk floor of the hospital, Brittney began to pass blood clots, which was the first sign she was going into labor.  Aria was soon born sleeping on April 27th, 2021, into the arms of her loving parents.She was fortunate enough to be surrounded by her fiancé, a caring hospital staff, a professional bereavement counselor and best of all, her wonderful Obstetrician (who also delivered her!). Since then, Brittney and her fiancé have welcomed their rainbow baby, Eliana Hope, into the world.  They feel as though she was definitely a gift from her sister in Heaven, and she has brought a lot of healing to her family. This is Brittney's first time talking about Aria and sharing her story publicly.   Thank you so much for giving the Blindsided Podcast that honor! You can see more photos of Brittney and her family on our website at www.theblindsided.com If you would like to share your own personal story, please email us at storyteller@theblindsided.com

After Ana tragically lost her son Owen to stillbirth on October 3, 2015, she redirected her focus towards advocacy, prevention, education, and raising awareness. Active under the moniker "Still My Son" on social media platforms, she draws strength and encouragement from the loss community as she tirelessly strives for change in honor of all infants who left too soon. While nothing could replace the longing for her son in her arms, Ana channels her maternal love into activism and serves as Co-Director of Medical Innovation & Advancement for PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy [https://www.pushpregnancy.org/], a stillbirth prevention non-profit she co-founded with other grieving families in 2021. As a member of the Count the Kicks Influencer Advisory Board [https://countthekicks.org/team-member/ana-vick/], she spearheads initiatives aimed at engaging Latinx/Spanish-speaking communities, ensuring that every parent receives essential fetal movement education to safeguard their babies. Ana also advocates for the adoption of placental measurement, known as EPV, as a standard prenatal care practice to mitigate the risk of stillbirth in babies with undersized placentas. Furthermore, she promotes "Womb Wisdom" through her educational initiative, Sacred Birth Circle, where she conducts interviews with maternal health experts and birthing parents, equipping families with knowledge for their pregnancy and childbirth journeys. Ana's Instagram @stillmyson [https://www.instagram.com/stillmyson/] Also, you can follow her work @sacredbirthcircle [https://www.instagram.com/sacredbirthcircle/] and @stillcountsorg [https://www.instagram.com/stillcountsorg/] Get info about Count The Kicks [https://countthekicks.org/], plus their free app, for fetal movement & kick counting Rainbow Clinic & Pregnancy After Loss Provider training [https://www.pushpregnancy.org/rainbow-clinic] at Push Pregnancy (Contact us for a free training code courtesy of Ana, until 3/1/24!!).

Mom, Tina Rouh, tells the story of her sweet daughter Madelynn.  Maddie, as many now call her, was born in December of 2019 and tragically passed away a few short days later at home due to SUIDS. Her family is always sure to include her in everything they do, and they have spent countless hours doing charity work in her honor. They work closely with The Unforgotten Haven in Blackwood, NJ [https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenhaven/]. Tina has also donated her time the TEARS Foundation [https://thetearsfoundation.org/about/] and helps to organize the New Jersey chapters Rock and Walk.  In 2021, Tina and her family raised funds to donate a Cuddle Cot to a local South Jersey hospital, [https://thesunpapers.com/2021/03/30/family-honors-baby-with-cuddle-cot-donation-to-inspira/] so that families who lose their babies are able to spend as much time with them as they want. Thank you Tina, for sharing Madelynn's story with our listeners! If you would like to contact Tina, or perhaps share your own story on our podcast, please email us at storyteller@theblindsided.com

Mom Amber Thompson tells the story of the pregnancy and birth of her son, Lucas James. Amber is a mom, wife (CONGRATS!), friend, hair artist, and true light from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Interviewing Amber was a pleasure, she possesses a truly positive vibe, light, and soul. Amber experienced a gradual decrease in fetal movement which led her to be evaluated at the hospital. Upon arriving they discovered that Lucas would be stillborn, the reason unknown. After his birth the care team did not find a cause. In this episode, Amber addresses how she is coping with this devastating loss and how she is honoring the legacy of her son. Amber is able to survive her experiences by attending therapy, joining a virtual support group, maintaining open communication with her spouse, and moving her body with daily walks and other hormone friendly movement-pilates and yoga. She has an upcoming event on January 21, 2024 at Tara Giorgio's space in Northern Liberties. For more information visit Ambers website here: https://ticketstripe.com/events/1038428 Find her on Instagram @amberthomp Thank you Amber, for sharing your story. We are honored to have you in our community. To read more about Amber, you can visit our website here: https://theblindsided.com/latest-podcast-episodes/ If you have a message for her please email us at storyteller@theblindsided.com Thanks for listening!

Melanie is a health coach, personal trainer, yoga teacher and wife to the best husband, Pieter. They just moved to the US (Cape Cod) after living (and giving birth) in Switzerland. Melanie's pregnancy complications started during a routine 20 week ultrasound where they noticed some abnormal findings. After sending them for further genetic testing, her son was diagnosed with a rare mutation of Noonan Syndrome [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/noonan-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20354422]. Originally, doctors told her of another family whose child had the same mutation and was thriving, so they expected Noah to have a good outcome. Unfortunately as her pregnancy progressed, she had to be hospitalized for one month prior to her son's birth at 31 weeks, where he passed away after a short stay in the NICU. After the loss of their son Noah, she decided to specialize in prenatal and postpartum fitness. After the recovery from a C-section, she made it her new mission to help other angel and rainbow mothers in their journey towards physical, mental and emotional healing. Melanie practices out of the Center for the Spiritual Journey [https://csjcapecod.org/] in Cape Cod, MA.  https://csjcapecod.org/ She also has an instagram account where you can connect with her at MelsLifeLab [https://www.instagram.com/melslifelab/]: https://www.instagram.com/melslifelab/ If you want to share your love to Mel and her husband, or perhaps want to share your own story of loss and healing, email us at storyteller@theblindsided.com

Mom Sara Shepherd tells the story of the pregnancy and birth of her son, Oliver. Sara's story is near and dear to us because we have been fortunate to watch her journey over the last few years. Sara is a mom, wife, friend, and middle school math teacher in NJ. Over a period of weeks Sara experienced a concealed abruption which led to an emergent delivery. In this episode, Sara addresses multiple issues surrounding her pregnancy with Oliver and subsequent pregnancy, including her concerns being brushed off because she was a first time mom and finding support during the height of COVID . Sara was able to survive her experiences by attending therapy twice a week, attending a local Wave of Light event, reluctantly attending her first support group and realizing it was a good fit, and honoring Oliver's legacy via projects called Ollie Bears linked below and O.N.S. Creations-also linked below. Thank you Sara, for sharing your story. We are honored to have you in our community. To read more about Sara, you can visit our website here: https://theblindsided.com/latest-podcast-episodes/ To read more about Ollie Bears & O.N.S. Creations, you can visit the websites here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1464094421/pregnancy-infant-loss-comfort-bears?click_key=c24799c4c0c6af0bf5469f44daa51c5784877804%3A1464094421&click_sum=e5fd5962&ref=shop_home_active_1&fbclid=IwAR0GcsvZI4Ckpn-dLjcZJKhFWNRRaNQixm_hXDqn1Dw_wMTNXSJC7_2qmQ4 https://www.instagram.com/o.n.s.creations/ If you have a message for Sara please email us at nicole@theblindsided.com or desiree@theblindsided.com Thanks for listening!

We are thinking of you this holiday season and wanted to share some advice we have learned through the years. When navigating the holiday season after the loss of your baby, please do what works best for you and your family. If someone you love is grieving, there are many ways you can support them as well! Most importantly, have a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.  Thank you for taking your time to listen! The corresponding blog post to this podcast can be found here: https://theblindsided.com/2023/11/20/a-guide-to-navigating-the-holidays-after-baby-loss-for-bereaved-parents-and-those-who-love-and-support-them/ Tell us how you will be spending your holidays, email us at nicole@theblindsided.com and desiree@theblindsided.com . If you need support please reach out.  We are thankful for you all. Don't forget to leave us a rating, and like and share on Facebook and Instagram. -Desiree & Nicole<3