78: Navigating Pregnancy After Loss with Humor and Healing

Send Jen a Text MessageIn this episode, we speak with Aspen, a clinical social worker who shares her personal and professional insights on pregnancy after infant loss. Aspen discusses her journey from losing her first child, Otis, to pregnancy with her rainbow baby, Lenara, offering both emotional support and practical advice for those on a similar path.Key Points- Aspen's background in clinical social work and linguistics- The loss of her first child, Otis, shortly after birth- The decision to try for another pregnancy- Coping strategies during subsequent pregnancy- The role of dark humor in grief- Balancing fear and hope during pregnancy after loss- Professional insights on therapy and self-care- Starting a specialized private practice for pregnancy and infant lossNotable Quotes[00:15:30] "I don't think I'm done. I don't think that I can walk away from this and not try again."[00:27:45] "It's okay to do that. Human life... we all have our own stories and part of it is learning how to deal with other people's stories."[00:38:20] "What you're doing in those moments is taking the power back rather than letting the thoughts and emotions control you."[00:52:10] "There's no right or wrong way to grieve or navigate pregnancy after loss. Your journey is unique, and it's okay to approach it in whatever way feels right for you."Timestamps00:00:00 - Introduction and Aspen's background00:05:30 - The story of Otis's birth and loss00:15:30 - Decision to try for another pregnancy00:22:45 - Navigating pregnancy after loss00:30:15 - Coping strategies and the role of dark humor00:38:20 - Managing anxiety and intrusive thoughts00:45:30 - Bonding with rainbow baby Lenara00:52:10 - Professional insights and starting a specialized practice01:00:00 - Closing thoughts and resourcesResources Mentioned- Instagram: @thetherapistinmyhead- Instagram: @keepgoingmentalhealth- Yoga for grief and healingThe 3-Day Experience for Moms After Baby Loss is a live workshop for moms who are grieving their baby. Over three days together, we look at how you're really doing, what this loss has touched in your life, and what to actually do when the guilt spiral starts. You'll get the live sessions, the recordings to keep, and a workbook to go with it. $27. Find it at navigatingbabyloss.com/workshop.Download my FREE "Guilt and Grief Release Journal" at navigatingbabyloss.com/journalWHERE TO FIND AND FOLLOW ME!Website-  https://www.navigatingbabyloss.comTik Tok-https://www.tiktok.com/@navigatingbabylossInstagram-https://www.instagram.com/navigatingbabyloss/You Tube-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-2MCEY5PRiF6p6VB_2lxA