Christa talks through how she approaches stillbirth photography, what to expect as a parent, and ideas for other photographers/families if they find themselves taking their own stillborn photos.
It can be difficult after a death of a child to know when you are going to be comfortable telling others about a future pregnancy. Christa and LaDonna discuss how they handled that decision with their pregnancies after loss.
Baby Mateo was born with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with heterotaxy and polysplenia. Despite the daunting prognosis, his family clung to hope, their prayers a constant presence in their lives. Tragically, Mateo's battle came to an end on September 1, 2023. In the midst of her grief, Jenelle found solace in a gesture of love: crafting a sweatshirt adorned with all her children's names. From this act emerged her nonprofit, Mateo's Mark, a tangible symbol of enduring love and remembrance for her sweet heavenly son.
SUPPORT MATEO'S MARK:
www.mateosmark.com
Christa and LaDonna have a candid conversation with Caitlin Mathieu, founder of Due to Joy.
Due to Joy is a bible-based resource for both men and women who have experienced the heartache of miscarriage and baby loss, offering intentional and hope-filled gifts meant to encourage and lift grieving hearts.
We talked with Caitlin about how she learned to source and develop products for her shop, her struggles, and what she has learned about herself through ministry.
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How you can support Due to Joy:
Shop Due to Joy: Use code STITCHESHAVEN for a 20% off your next order at duetojoy.com or the Due to Joy Shop on Etsy.
We are continuing our mini education series about different types of pregnancy losses. In this episode we cover the terms "stillbirth" and "late miscarriage" and explore the very different experiences that come with both types of losses.
To start out the year we wanted to sprinkle in some educational episodes for our listeners about different types of pregnancy loss. This week we focus on ectopic pregnancy, the signs, the complications, and the impact.
Note: we are not medical professionals, so all of the content in this episode is meant for general education and not medical advice.
Dealing with medical bills after the loss of a child is a particularly difficult journey. Your world has broken into pieces, you have no idea what you are about to be charged, and often times payment is demanded immediately from hospitals. LaDonna and Christa reflect on their experiences in navigating the ups and downs of American insurance, hospital billing, and collections.
Christa is getting really close to her due date with her rainbow baby and with that comes at lot of emotion in prepping for labor, newborn life, and wrapping up projects as a business owner. This episode walks through the emotions that resurface during this season and the ways to prepare for new life after loss.
Before LaDonna and Christa went through the loss of their children, they had no idea there could be a wait involved. This episode talks through finding out your baby has died in the womb, the pain of waiting period to give birth to them, and how to cope.
LaDonna and Christa discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes that come from miscarriage and stillbirth.
Including topics like:
LaDonna and Christa sit down for a honest conversation on the unexpected guilt that comes with "forgetting your child" from time to time as well as triggers that surprised us in the later stages of grief.
In this episode delve deep in to how to support moms experiencing miscarriage or stillbirth. Join LaDonna and Christa as they explore the crucial dos and don'ts when engaging with grieving mothers during their time of loss.
In this heartfelt episode of The Stitches Podcast, join our host, Christa, as she shares her personal journey of pregnancy after miscarriage.
We talk about the challenges and triumphs that accompany a pregnancy following a heartbreaking loss. Drawing from her own experiences, she candidly explores the fears, anxieties, and hopes that intertwine during this period of anticipation and healing.
Whether you're someone who has experienced a miscarriage, are supporting a loved one through this journey, or simply seeking a compassionate and honest conversation, this episode provides a safe space for reflection and healing. Join us as we delve into the profound emotions and healthcare choices surrounding pregnancy after miscarriage, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences.
After the death of your child, it is so important to find a way to celebrate their life in a meaningful way to you. Oftentimes, grief needs to be expressed through rituals, giving, or finding individual ways of remembering your child. In this episode, Christa and LaDonna give a list of 21 ways to honor your child.
Follow us on Instagram: @stitcheshaven
Find more resources on our site: www.stitcheshaven.org
We welcome Grace Mulcahy, LSCSW back on the podcast to talk through what grief looks like for a bereaved mother and how to know it's time to get help.
Our good friend and Stitches Pregnancy and Infant Loss Group leader, Grace Mulcahy, LSCSW talks with us about perinatal counseling. Grace unpacks the definition of perinatal mental health care, different kinds of counselors, what mental health issues arise with motherhood, how to find a counselor near you, and how to make sure your counselor is the right fit! Seriously, Grace has a wealth of information for you, momma! Don't miss this episode.
Episode Links:
Find a perinatal mental health provider near you: https://www.postpartum.net/
Learn more about Grace's practice: https://gracemtherapy.com/
Keep up with the newest happening with Stitches Haven at www.stitcheshaven.org.
Have you thought about attending a local grief group after your miscarriage, stillbirth, or loss of your child but absolutely dread the idea of bringing up triggering memories in front of others? Or maybe you think it would just be awkward?
We've all seen it on television - that awkward counseling group. You can picture it now. Everyone is sitting in a perfect circle... in a dark room... spilling all of their deepest secrets to complete strangers (cringe).
During this episode, Christa and LaDonna talk about their experience attending their first ever grief group together and how it wasn't as scary as we both thought - it actually was very educational and helpful! We hope by sharing we can lift the veil and help you see if a local grief group is the right for you.
Find the resources list for this episode at www.stitcheshaven.org.
Raise your hand if you feel like you can't journal about your miscarriage, stillbirth, or child loss because you just aren't good at it? Or maybe you can't find the time? Or you feel like you have to wake up at 5am, write 500 words, and have perfect grammar to make it worth writing. Man, we get ALL of those feelings! LaDonna talks about her love for journaling to the daughter she lost and the simple format she uses daily to make it easy.
From not knowing she was pregnant - to delivering her stillborn child just a few weeks later - LaDonna's story is an emotional one. We hope other stillbirth mommas out there can listen and remember their own babies as LaDonna retells her story.
For more information about Stitches Haven, visit: www.stitcheshaven.org
Whether it's a baby shower, gender reveal, or any kind of baby-related event, it can be hard to show up fully. When you are mourning the loss of your child you have to learn when to say "no" and when to proceed with caution. On today's episode we talk through LaDonna's recent baby shower experience post loss and the steps we think she could have taken to make the event go smoother.
