Ep 86: Secondary Infertility, Loss & the Healing Power of Storytelling with Jodie Fitzsimons

Welcome to What I Wish I Knew After Pregnancy Loss. In this raw and deeply moving episode, I’m joined by teacher, children’s writer, and IVF warrior Jodie Fitzsimmons, who shares her unexpected five-year journey through secondary infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, IVF, and the eventual arrival of her rainbow baby at age 41.   After a smooth first pregnancy, Jodie never anticipated the emotional terrain that followed when trying for a second child. Through years of failed cycles, grief, physical exhaustion, and emotional breakdowns—paired with the pressure of being an “older mum”—she found solace in writing and connection. Her words have now become a lighthouse for others navigating similar terrain. This episode is a heartfelt invitation into the unspoken spaces of motherhood, womanhood, and identity after loss. We also reflect on the importance of recognising the silent suffering of partners, the underestimated emotional toll of IVF, and the healing that comes through storytelling and community. In This Episode, We Explore: What secondary infertility can look and feel like The emotional toll of IVF and recurrent pregnancy loss Navigating pregnancy after loss with fear and resilience The impact of infertility on relationships and mental health Why writing and storytelling can be a powerful healing tool The unspoken grief of male partners in fertility journeys Finding community, validation, and voice through vulnerability   📌 Connect with Jodie:  🔗 Connect with Jodie on Instagram: @jodiefitzsimons_author 📝 Read her writing on Substack: jodiefitzsimmons.substack.com 📖 Published article on Kidspot FB: Jodie Fitzsimons Author LinkedIn: Jodie Fitzsimons Website: www.jodiefitzsimons.com      Learn more or Apply to become Certified: https://www.sharnasouthan.com/certification-vsl     Connect with Sharna: Biz Mentorship: @instituteofhealing_pl Podcast: @pregnancyloss_podcast  Loss Support & Certifications: @insitituteofhealing.losssupport   Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  For those seeking guidance and support, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, and there are resources and communities ready to help you through your healing journey. Thank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode valuable, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. We look forward to supporting you in the next episode. 🫶 Leave a Review & Support the Show: If this conversation spoke to you, share it with someone who may need to hear it. And please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps others find this space for healing and hope.  Disclaimer: Please note that the information shared in this podcast is not intended as medical advice. For personal medical advice and support, consult with your healthcare provider. Your Feedback Matters: If you found value in this episode, kindly leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback is crucial in helping us deliver content that supports, informs, and heals. Feel free to share this episode on social media and tag us with your insights and takeaways. Sharna Southan Pregnancy Loss Practitioner & Trauma informed Coach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteofhealing_pl/ || https://www.instagram.com/instituteofhealing.losssupport/  W: www.sharnasouthan.com  Sending you so much love and light on your healing journey. 💛