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 healinghttps://navigatingbabyloss.com/workshopFree workshop for moms grieving stillbirth or pregnancy loss. Learn simple, trauma-informed practices to release guilt, calm the what-ifs, and honor your baby's memory with love instead of pain. Includes bonus Grief & Guilt Release Journal. Did you know you can text me right from your podcast app? My podcast host has a new feature that allows you to send a message or ask a question and I will answer them in future episodes! (just an FYI- it's a one-way message so I won't be able to respond unless you leave your name and contact info in the message!) Look under the title where it says Send Jen a message and let me know what’s on your mind.Download my FREE "Guilt and Grief Release Journal" at navigatingbabyloss.com/journalWHERE TO FIND AND FOLLOW ME!Website-  https://www.jennifersenn.comTik Tok-https://www.tiktok.com/@navigatingbabylossInstagram-https://www.instagram.com/navigatingbabyloss/You Tube-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-2MCEY5PRiF6p6VB_2lxA