Ep. 226 Stillbirth, Infertility, and a NICU Stay With COVID feat. Leslie

On today’s episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Leslie shares the story of her daughter Cora born via emergency C-section after a full-term pregnancy and the unimaginable grief of losing her shortly after birth. She also opens up about secondary infertility, pregnancy after loss, a traumatic COVID birth, and the long road of healing that followed.This episode is a powerful reminder that grief and trauma can coexist and that both deserve care. 🤍In this episode, we discuss:✨ A full-term pregnancy that ended in emergency C-section and stillbirth💔 Holding, honoring, and saying goodbye to Cora Ann📦 The impact of compassionate bereavement care and memory-making🌈 Secondary infertility: IUIs, IVF, and multiple pregnancy losses🩺 A high-risk pregnancy complicated by subchorionic hemorrhage and COVID🏥 Delivering at 34 weeks alone due to hospital COVID policies🫁 NICU separation and leaving the hospital — again — with empty arms🧠 Postpartum anxiety, trauma triggers, and difficulty bonding after loss💬 Finding the language for birth trauma and healing through EMDR🤍 The power of loss-specific support groups🎈 Honoring Cora each year with intentional remembrance traditionsLeslie vulnerably shares what it felt like to barely breathe in the thick of grief and how asking for support, finding trauma-informed therapy, and continuing to honor her daughter has shaped her healing.If you have experienced stillbirth, infertility, NICU trauma, pregnancy after loss, or postpartum anxiety, this conversation will help you feel less alone.We are so grateful to Leslie for honoring Cora by sharing her story with us. 💛You can follow along with Leslie on instagram: @braving_forwardFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.