Confessions of a Grieving Mother

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie once again hold space for the voices of bereaved mothers by reading deeply personal letters written to their babies. Through words filled with love, longing, heartbreak, and remembrance, these mothers share the realities of carrying their children in their hearts while navigating life without them in their arms.Each letter is a powerful reminder that motherhood does not end with loss. This episode honors the enduring bond between mother and baby, the milestones imagined, the memories treasured, and the love that continues, especially on Mother’s Day.

Type of loss: TFMR, Life-limiting diagnosisMore about this episode: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, we talk with Lucy Livesey, a mother whose love for her daughter continues to ripple across the world.In 2017, Lucy and her family faced the unthinkable—making the heartbreaking decision to terminate their much-wanted daughter, Ellie, after a devastating heart abnormality was discovered. What followed was a birth filled with intention, tenderness, and love. Through hypnobirthing, Lucy created a peaceful and sacred space to welcome Ellie into the world, honoring her life in the most beautiful way she could.Out of that loss, Lucy found purpose.Drawing on her background in mental health nursing and her lived experience, she created Ellie’s Gift—the world’s first hypnobirthing app designed specifically to support families preparing to birth a baby who has died. What began as a way to honor Ellie’s life has grown into a global resource, now used across the UK within NHS trusts and in over 37 countries—offering comfort, guidance, and compassion to grieving families, completely free of charge.Lucy also shares about Ellie’s Rainbow, a platform offering support for families navigating pregnancy after loss, and her mindfulness-based grief book that is helping individuals around the world process loss with gentleness and intention.This conversation is a powerful testament to the ways grief and love can coexist—and how one mother’s devotion to her daughter is changing the way loss is held and supported for others.Resources mentioned in this episode: https://www.ellies.giftEllie's Gift: A Mindful Approach to Grief and Baby Loss: 8 Week Self-Help Guide 

Type of loss: StillbirthMore about this story: In this episode we chat down with David Corvi as he shares the story of his son, Charles Martin Corvi.What begins as a beautiful, ordinary autumn weekend—family hikes through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, laughter at home, and the quiet anticipation of welcoming a new baby—turns into a moment that would forever change their lives. Just days before his due date, David and his wife Katherine are faced with the unimaginable: the sudden loss of their son.David walks us through the joy, the shock, and the lasting imprint of that day—the moments captured on video, and the one that lives only in memory. He shares openly about fatherhood in grief, the weight of unanswered questions, and the love that continues for Charlie.Charles’ life, though brief, was full of meaning. And his story is one that will stay with you.Learn more about The Charles Martin Corvi Fund here.Purchase a copy of David's book "Dear Charlie...Letters to My Son: A Father's Journey of Loss, Grief, and Remembrance"

Grief has a way of changing everything, but within that change, there can also be space for growth.In this episode, we talk with one of our favorite guests Pamela Presler, to explore how grief, while deeply painful and complex, can also open the door to self-discovery and transformation. Together, we unpack what it means to navigate loss while continuing to grow, and how honoring your grief can coexist with finding meaning, purpose, and even strength along the way.

All in for Allegheny is a special campaign dedicated to supporting families in our local community who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to provide emotional support, compassionate guidance, and financial assistance for burial, cremation, memorialization, and counseling services— helping families feel supported and less alone as they navigate their grief.We are inviting 100 families to give $100 or more in support of this effort. While this campaign focuses on families in Allegheny County, you do not need to live locally to participate. Families and supporters from anywhere who feel called to honor their baby’s life in this way are welcome to join us.Families and babies memorialized through this campaign will be lovingly honored at our Pittsburgh Memorial Walk this September, a time to gather, remember, and hold space together.Support this campaign here.

In this episode Julie and Khristina talk about what real support looks like after the loss of a baby. Drawing from their own experiences and the countless stories shared with Emma’s Footprints over the years, they unpack the practical, emotional, and deeply human ways people can show up for grieving parents—and the ways support can sometimes miss the mark.This episode is a compassionate guide for anyone wanting to support loved ones through pregnancy or infant loss, and an affirming reminder to grieving parents that their needs are valid, their feelings matter, and they are not alone.

Type of loss: Early term loss, life-limiting diagnosis, multiple lossesMore about this story: Tabby shares the story of her two precious babies, Elias Matthew Barton and Eden Marie Barton.Tabby’s journey to motherhood began with many challenges. Diagnosed with uterus didelphys, diminished ovarian reserve, and fallopian tubes that never attached to her ovaries, natural conception was not possible. IVF became the only path forward. After multiple rounds, Tabby and her husband welcomed three embryos. One resulted in an early term loss, another didn’t implant, and their final embryo became their daughter, Eden Marie.Eden’s story is extraordinary from the very beginning. Born at 32 weeks and 3 days, she entered the world with multiple rare and complex diagnoses, including Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Pulmonary Hypertension, ALCAPA, and PAPVR. Despite arriving two months early and facing overwhelming odds, Eden surprised her medical team again and again. She was strong, spirited, and wonderfully unique—known for her sass, her bows, her blankets, and her love of mirrors, mobiles, and snuggles.Tabby shares the emotional journey of advocating for Eden across eight renowned children’s hospitals, hoping for a surgical path forward. Each declined, acknowledging the complexity of Eden’s anatomy and the low chance of survival. Yet Eden continued to shine. She fought with a fierce, radiant strength for 105 days in the NICU before going to her heavenly home.

Type of loss: Life limiting diagnosis, Infant lossMore about Sarah's story: Josie’s story is one of unimaginable strength, resilience, and love. From a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital heart defect and Down syndrome, to navigating a pregnancy with little support, Sarah opens up about the challenges she faced long before Josie entered the world. Born three months early at just 1 lb 14 oz, doctors warned she likely wouldn’t survive—but Josie had other plans.Over the course of six months, Josie defied the odds time and time again. Sarah shares of the three months they spent in a step-down unit, the hope surrounding Josie’s heart procedure, and the devastating complications that followed—including blood clots, strokes, infections, and ultimately cardiac arrest. Even after being placed on ECMO and fighting her way off, Josie’s body had endured more than most ever will. She passed peacefully in her mother’s arms, leaving behind a legacy far greater than her time on earth. Sarah honors Josie through two nonprofits: The Threefold Cord Project, which provides comfort boxes to NICU and pediatric cardiac ICU families, and Josie’s Wind Chimes of Hope, which gifts wind chimes to loss families within the Down syndrome community.Learn more about The Threefold Cord Project here.

Type of loss: Stillbirth, Delayed twin interval birthMore about Kara's Story: In this episode, Kara Catalano shares her journey through infertility, enduring seven unsuccessful rounds of IVF after being told she had less than a 1% chance of conceiving with her own eggs. On the eighth round, she finally received the news she had been praying for — she was pregnant with twins.But at her first ultrasound, the joy quickly turned to fear when she was told she should terminate one of the babies within 24–48 hours due to concerns about fluid levels. Kara opens up about the complex pregnancy that followed, including multiple losses and the experience of delayed twin interval birth, as she honors the love she has for each of her babies.Trusting her instincts, Kara chose to wait.A week later, a new doctor confirmed that both babies were doing well and there was no longer any need to consider termination. For a moment, hope returned. But at 17 weeks and 5 days, Kara went into spontaneous labor and delivered her daughter stillborn. In the midst of that devastating loss, something extraordinary happened — her son remained safely in the womb.What followed was a rare and complex medical situation known as a delayed twin interval birth. Kara carried her son for another 12 weeks before delivering him prematurely.

Type of Loss: Twin loss, stillbirthMore about this story: Cheyanne Horne shares the story of her twins, Mila and Maverick.Cheyanne’s journey to her babies was layered and complex — marked by infertility, medical complications, and the emotional weight that comes with fighting so hard to grow your family. After experiencing two previous pregnancies that resulted in her living children, this pregnancy carried both hope and history. But this chapter would unfold differently.

Type of loss: StillbirthMore about Lauren's story: Join us as we talk with with Lauren Cicero as she shares the story of her son, Joseph Anthony, Jr.Nearly halfway through her pregnancy, Lauren experienced a catastrophic uterine rupture caused by undiagnosed placenta percreta — a life-threatening condition where the placenta grows through the uterine wall. What followed was an emergency surgery to stop severe internal bleeding. Her son, Joseph Anthony, Jr., was stillborn. Lauren nearly lost her own life.In order to save her, doctors performed a full hysterectomy. She received 16 blood transfusions. At just 33 years old, Lauren awoke not only to the devastating loss of her baby boy, but also to the sudden loss of her fertility.

Type of loss: TMFR, Life-limiting diagnosisMore about Elizabeth's story: In this episode, Elizabeth Beadle shares the story of her son, Weston Arthur Beadle.Elizabeth and her husband were overjoyed to learn they were expecting their first baby boy. But at their anatomy scan, they received devastating news — doctors identified concerning markers suggesting Weston may have had a severe genetic condition causing shortened limbs and likely complications incompatible with life.In the face of unimaginable heartbreak, Elizabeth and her husband made the loving and agonizing decision to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons (TFMR), knowing their son would likely pass before, during, or shortly after birth. At 24 weeks and 3 days, Elizabeth delivered Weston vaginally.In this conversation, Elizabeth shares her experience in her own words — the shock, the decision-making process, the grief, and the enduring love she carries for her son. This episode holds space for the complexity of TFMR, honoring the parents who make impossible choices rooted in profound love.

Not every episode has to hold tears, sometimes, it’s about laughter, connection, and getting to know the hearts behind the mission. In this lighthearted episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, we’re welcoming our newest team member, Lauren Kraynik, Executive Assistant at Emma’s Footprints, to the podcast! Lauren gives us a glimpse into her life behind the scenes — from her role supporting our team and keeping everything running smoothly, to her life as a wife to John and mom to Bradley and Henry.

Type of Loss: Stillbirth, Multiple LossesMore about Jade's Story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Jade Buckley shares the story of her children, Arlo and Emmie, and the profound losses her family has endured.After welcoming her son Lucas in 2020, Jade and her partner decided to grow their family again, knowing pregnancy is physically challenging for her. Her pregnancy with Arlo was complicated, and at 37 weeks, Jade went to the hospital expecting monitoring and answers. Instead, she learned that Arlo no longer had a heartbeat. He was stillborn in February 2024 due to a true knot in his umbilical cord.Still longing to add to their family, Jade became pregnant again with Emmie. During an 18-week appointment, Emmie’s heartbeat could not be found, and Jade later learned her daughter died of heart failure.

As one year comes to a close and another begins, this final episode of our holiday series offers space to reflect, breathe, and look forward with gentle hope. Together, we recap the moments, themes, and lessons of 2025—both the heavy and the meaningful—while creating space to acknowledge the continued presence of grief alongside growth. We also look ahead to 2026 with intention, discussing how to carry our babies with us into a new year, set realistic expectations, and find grace for whatever comes. This episode is an invitation to reflect without pressure and to step forward with tenderness and courage.

Grief changes us—and often, it deepens our compassion in ways we never expected. In this episode, we explore intentional acts of kindness as a way to honor our babies and their legacy. Whether it’s paying it forward, serving another grieving family, volunteering, donating in your child’s name, or simply showing up for someone who is hurting, these acts become living tributes to the love we carry. Together, we reflect on how kindness can be healing, how it connects us to purpose, and how our babies continue to make an impact through our hearts and hands.

Rituals create rhythm, grounding, and special space for remembrance—especially in seasons filled with memory and emotion. In this episode of our holiday series, we talk about what rituals can look like after loss and how families can thoughtfully incorporate them into everyday life and holiday traditions. From lighting candles and saying names out loud to annual acts of remembrance and quiet moments of reflection, we explore how ritual doesn’t have to be elaborate to be powerful. Join us as we discuss how these sacred practices can help us grieve, remember, and continue carrying our babies with us in intentional ways.

The holidays can make loss feel even heavier—especially when the absence is so deeply felt. In this special holiday series kickoff, we explore the power of physical remembrance and the many ways grieving parents and families honor their babies during this season and beyond. From memory boxes and ornaments to tattoos, journals, and sacred spaces in the home, this episode invites you to reflect on how tangible reminders can hold love, legacy, and connection. Whether you’re just beginning your grief journey or years into it, this conversation offers gentle ideas and heartfelt encouragement to honor your baby in ways that feel meaningful to you.

In this fun and relaxed episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Julie, Tracy, and Falon step away from the heavy topics and invite listeners into a lighthearted “get to know us” conversation.From favorite snacks to go-to activities and small joys that brighten their days, this episode gives you a chance to hear the voices behind the mic in a more personal way. It’s an opportunity to laugh with us, learn something new, and feel a little more connected to the women who show up each week to hold space for grieving families.Whether you’re a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode offers a sweet glimpse into who we are beyond our roles and our stories. Grab a snack of your own and join us for something a little lighter.

Type of loss: Twin loss, TTTS Stage 4More about this episode: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, we talk with Rachel Badalamenti as she shares the incredible, emotional, and deeply complex journey that brought her both her sons...Dean and Robbie.After years of infertility, multiple failed IUIs and IVF cycles, and finally finding the right doctor, Rachel learned she was pregnant with twins. What began as overwhelming joy quickly shifted when, at 23 weeks, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). Despite the fear and uncertainty, Rachel and her husband chose laser surgery in hopes of saving both babies.When Rachel woke from surgery, she learned that her son Dean had passed away due to heart failure. She carried him with his brother, Robbie, all the way to 35 weeks, a gift she calls nothing short of a miracle. On Easter Sunday, Rachel delivered both of her boys, holding the heartbreak of losing Dean alongside the profound gratitude of welcoming her surviving son, Robbie.Rachel opens up about the grief that resurfaces as Robbie reaches milestones, the strength she found through hope, and the vulnerability she brings in sharing both her love and her loss. Her story is a powerful reminder that no parent walks this journey alone.

Type of Loss: StillbirthMore about Maggie & Dave's Story:In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Maggie and Dave Geier share the heartbreaking story of their daughter, Hannah Marie.After a long journey through infertility and surgeries to restore Maggie’s ability to carry a pregnancy, the couple was overjoyed to be expecting their second child. But at just over 17 weeks, Maggie’s water unexpectedly broke, and their world changed in an instant. Despite their prayers and the small hope that Hannah might survive, Maggie went into labor the following day and delivered their precious daughter.Maggie opens up about the trauma of her medical experiences, the compassion and challenges they faced in the hospital, and the deep ache of leaving the hospital without their baby. Together, she and Dave share how they’re navigating the grief that comes after such a devastating and complex loss.

Type of Loss: Stillbirth, Life-limiting diagnosis, Multiple lossesMore about Michael Ann's story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, we talk with Michael Ann Thomas as she shares the story of her daughter, Amelia.After experiencing an early miscarriage, Michael Ann and her husband were thrilled to be expecting their baby girl. Everything appeared normal until their 20-week anatomy scan revealed anomalies consistent with a lethal form of skeletal dysplasia. Amelia’s diagnosis meant her chest and limbs were too small to support life outside the womb. At 21 weeks and 5 days, Michael Ann was induced and surrounded by family as they welcomed and said goodbye to their daughter.Michael Ann also reflects on her ongoing journey, now pregnant with a healthy baby boy, and the complex emotions of carrying new life while holding space for grief. Her story is one of love, loss, and the courage to find hope again.

For the month of October, in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we will be sharing special interviews with Pamela Presler, LCSW, CPLC.In this episode, Pam shares an interesting phrase with us 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚. She shares what it is and how you can have Grief Confidence.

For the month of October, in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we will be sharing special interviews with Pamela Presler, LCSW, CPLC.In this episode, Pam shares how to parent your baby after loss. It may seem like a confusing concept, but she shares ways to do it and the importance of it for your healing journey.

For the month of October, in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we will be sharing special interviews with Pamela Presler, LCSW, CPLC.In this episode, Pam shares the importance of naming your baby and how helpful it can be to your grief journey.

For the month of October, in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we will be sharing special interviews with Pamela Presler, LCSW, CPLC.In this episode, we ask Pam all the questions we've heard loss parents ask the most.

For the month of October, in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we will be sharing special interviews with Pamela Presler, LCSW, CPLC. In this episode, we introduce Pam, how we met Pam and what she provides the Emma's Footprints community.

Type of Loss: Stillbirth, AbortionMore about this episode: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Cara Postma shares the painful and complex journey of losing both her son and her daughter in very different circumstances.Cara speaks bravely about the forced abortion of her son, a loss she was told to keep secret for nearly 20 years, and the deep grief of carrying that silence for so long. She also opens up about the stillbirth of her daughter, a devastating loss compounded by medical negligence.Her story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and the courage it takes to bring hidden grief into the light. Through sharing her journey, Cara reminds us of the importance of giving voice to every loss, no matter how long it has been silenced.

Type of Loss: StillbirthMore about this story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Brittney Dunphy shares the heartbreaking story of her son, Garth. After a long and healthy pregnancy, Brittney went into her 38-week appointment expecting to hear her baby boy’s heartbeat—but instead learned the unimaginable: Garth had passed away.He was stillborn after tying a true knot in his umbilical cord, a tragic and rare event that forever changed Brittney’s life. She opens up about the shock, the grief, and the love she carries for her son.Join us as we honor Garth’s memory and hold space for Brittney’s journey through loss and healing.

Grief doesn’t follow a straight line and triggers can show up anywhere, anytime. In this episode, we talk with Pamela Presler, about what grief triggers really are, why they can feel so overwhelming, and how to navigate them with compassion and care.Pam shares practical strategies for recognizing your own triggers, responding in ways that honor both your grief and your healing, and creating space for growth along the way. Whether it’s a date on the calendar, a place you visit, or an unexpected reminder, this conversation offers hope and tools to walk through those difficult moments.

Type of Loss: Infant lossMore about this episode: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, we hear from Emily as she shares the story of her son, Charlie. From the very beginning, Charlie’s journey was filled with uncertainty. He was expected not to survive pregnancy and faced a 95% chance of having Down syndrome. Against all odds, he was born and continued to defy expectations.At just five months old, Charlie went into cardiac arrest, leaving lasting neurological impacts. Despite ongoing medical challenges, he lived at home surrounded by love until pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension became too much for his little body to fight. Emily opens up about the many layers of grief she and her family have faced from grieving during pregnancy, through medical crises, and finally in saying goodbye. She shares honestly about the anger, the heartbreak, and the tension between faith and human limitation when it comes to caring for medically complex children.

Type of loss: StillbirthMore about Christina’s story: In this episode, we talk with Christina Fitting as she shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter, Julia. At 38 and a half weeks pregnant, Christina went in for what was supposed to be a routine appointment—only to be told that her baby girl’s heartbeat had stopped.Christina opens up about the shock of hearing those words, the moments that followed, and the lifelong impact of carrying both love and grief for Julia. Through her story, she reminds us that behind every stillbirth statistic is a family forever changed.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

In this episode, Tracy and Julie share everything you need to know about our upcoming Emma’s Footprints Memorial Walks. These special gatherings are a time to say your baby’s name out loud, walk beside others who truly understand, and honor where you are in your grief journey.Whether this will be your very first walk or it has become a yearly tradition, we invite you to join us in remembrance, healing, and connection. Save the dates:🧡 Pittsburgh, PA – September 13 at Robert Morris University Island Sports Center🩷 Erie, PA – September 21 at Penn State Behrend💙 Melbourne, FL – November 15 at Wickham ParkYour baby’s life matters, and we are here to walk beside you.

Type of loss: Incompetent Cervix, StillbirthMore about Michaela’s story: In this episode, Tracy and Julie talk with Michaela about the loss of her son, Jackson James. Late in her pregnancy, Michaela received a diagnosis of incompetent cervix (IC), but only after her high-risk specialist caught it during an ultrasound that was performed just a few days too late for an emergency cerclage, and a few days too early for Jackson to be saved in the NICU.Michaela shares the shock of learning about IC so late in her pregnancy and the devastation of realizing how narrow the window was to save her baby boy. She opens up about the silence surrounding IC losses, the emotional toll of feeling overlooked by the healthcare system, and the grief journey she has walked since saying goodbye to Jackson.In Jackson’s memory, Michaela is passionate about raising awareness for incompetent cervix losses, advocating for earlier detection and proactive care so other families don’t experience the same heartache.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: SIDS, Infant LossMore about Rebecca’s story: In this episode, Tracy and Julie talk with Rebecca Toohey about the life and sudden passing of her son, Bodie. Just two days into starting childcare, Bodie tragically passed away due to unsafe sleep practices and lack of supervision. He was just shy of 3 months old.Rebecca shares the devastating moment she learned of Bodie’s passing and the waves of grief that followed. She opens up about the trauma of losing him in a space meant to be safe, the guilt and anger that surfaced in the early days, and how their family is navigating life without their baby boy.In Bodie’s memory, Rebecca and her loved ones created Bodie's Buddies , a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the silence around baby loss and spreading awareness about safe sleep practices. She also reflects on the life-changing support she received from Emma’s Footprints early in her grief, and the continued healing her husband has found through Sad Dads Club.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

More about this episode: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie take a pause from storytelling to reflect on the heart of Emma’s Footprints and the families we’ve served so far this year. The numbers may seem like data, but each one represents a baby loved and missed, and parents navigating life after unimaginable loss.Together, they discuss the emotional weight behind these statistics and the sacred work of showing up with compassionate guidance, financial support, and a listening ear. From helping cover burial and cremation costs to providing counseling and memorial items, this episode offers a glimpse into the day-to-day impact of Emma’s mission.If this work speaks to your heart, we invite you to join us in making a difference on Erie Gives Day, Tuesday, August 12. Visit www.ErieGives.org to donate and honor the families we serve—because every number has a name, and every name matters.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: StillbirthMore about Stephanie’s story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie sit down with Stephanie Casey to talk about the loss of her daughter, Ava. At her 20-week anatomy scan, Stephanie heard the words no parent ever expects: "There's no heartbeat." Based on Ava's size, doctors estimated she passed around 17 weeks gestation. Stephanie was induced and delivered Ava the following day. Later, they learned that Ava had passed away due to cytomegalovirus (CMV).Stephanie shares her journey through pregnancy, fear, and postpartum anxiety—beginning with complications in her daughter Kaylee’s birth, and continuing into Ava’s pregnancy. She opens up about the trauma surrounding Ava’s delivery, the fear she felt during her D&C procedure, and the intense grief that followed. Stephanie also reflects on the emotional complexities of introducing Ava to her living daughter, the pain of regret, and the impact of delayed fetal demise on her ability to hold and connect with Ava after birth.Now in trauma therapy, Stephanie shares how she’s learning to say “I’m not okay” and searching for purpose in her pain. Her story is a raw and powerful reminder that no one should walk this road alone.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Pamela Presler, LCSW, about the complex journey of pregnancy after loss.Pam shares her insight from years of walking alongside grieving parents and dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with hoping for new life after heartbreak. From navigating fear and anxiety to holding space for both grief and joy, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced or is currently experiencing a pregnancy after loss.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: Infant loss after life-limiting diagnosis (HLHS, heterotaxy syndrome)More about Jenelle’s story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Jenelle Romo about the life and loss of her son, Mateo. Diagnosed in utero with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and heterotaxy syndrome with polysplenia, Mateo was born on July 20, 2023, and spent his entire life in the Cardiovascular ICU.Jenelle shares the complexities of Mateo’s medical journey, including multiple surgeries, serious infections, and the moment they were told there was nothing more doctors could do. Mateo passed away at 44 days old, surrounded by love. Jenelle reflects on the heartbreak of watching her son fight so hard and the deep love that carried them through each day. She also shares how her grief led her to start Mateo’s Mark, a nonprofit supporting other perinatal loss families through care packages and financial assistance.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

More about this episode: In this episode, Julie is joined by special co-host Khristina for a conversation with Kathy, a first-time participant in the Emma’s Footprints Memorial Walk. Kathy shares her emotional journey walking in memory of her son, Jonathan, and reflects on what the experience meant to her as a grieving mom. From putting together her team to honoring her son’s memory in a public space, Kathy offers practical tips, honest reflections, and gentle encouragement for others preparing to walk for the first time—whether you’re building your own team or joining another.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

In this special episode, Tracy and Julie talk with Carol Cacchione, the nurse who walked into Tracy's hospital room the night Emma was born. Their conversation is a moving reflection on the sacred moments of that night, the lifelong impact Carol had on Tracy in the darkest hours of her life, and the unexpected bond that was formed in the midst of devastating loss.This episode is a heartfelt tribute not only to Emma, but to the caregivers who step into these fragile moments and change lives with their compassion.

Type of loss: Life-limiting diagnosis, stillbornMore about Brittany's story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Brittany Crawford about the loss of her daughter, Norah. At 12 weeks gestation, Brittany learned that Norah had a rare genetic condition called Arthrogryposis. After weeks of seeing specialists, she was told at 18 weeks that Norah would not survive. Norah passed away at 18 weeks and 5 days, and Brittany delivered her a few days later at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Brittany shares what it was like to receive that diagnosis, prepare for loss, and deliver her daughter.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: PPROM, Infant lossMore about Sam's story: Sam Yanes shares the incredible story of her son, Antonio "Tony". From the early weeks of pregnancy filled with bleeding and uncertainty to a courageous NICU journey that spanned eight months, Sam walks us through every heartbreaking and hope-filled moment.Tony was born at just 25 weeks, weighing 1lb 15oz, and immediately faced a mountain of medical challenges. Despite infections, breathing issues, surgeries, and long days in the ICU, Sam clung to her faith and fought fiercely for her son. She opens up about the trauma of his birth, the miracle of holding him without wires for the first and last time, and how her faith has been her anchor through unimaginable grief.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

In this Mother’s Day episode, Tracy and Julie read heartfelt letters written by loss moms to their babies. These personal reflections offer a glimpse into the enduring love, grief, and hope carried by mothers every day—especially on Mother's Day. From tender memories and imagined milestones to promises of reunion, each letter honors a life gone too soon and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

Type of loss: early term loss, twin lossMore about Valerie's story: Valerie as she reflects on the raw moments of saying hello and goodbye to her boys. Newly married and full of joy, Valerie and her husband were thrilled to learn they were expecting twins—a dream come true. For four months, they envisioned life as twin parents, filled with excitement and hope. But their joy turned to grief when unexpected pain led to a devastating hospital visit. Valerie was already 8 centimeters dilated. She knew what that meant.Valerie also opens up about the beautiful, full-circle connection to her own parents, who lost twin boys 40 years earlier. Through faith, shared grief, and the support of Emma’s Footprints, their family has found deep healing across generations.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: Infant loss, medical negligenceMore about Kayla's story: Kayla shares the devastating details of her son's preventable death, how she fought through her medical case to prove negligence, and what it means to finally speak his story out loud. Kayla honors Onyx’s life by sharing the depth of her grief and the strength she’s found in the aftermath—showing us how love, advocacy, and resilience can rise even in the wake of unimaginable loss.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: Infant-lossMore about Rebecca's story: Rebecca shares the devastating story of her twin son's passing—born prematurely at 31 weeks with underdeveloped organs, her son Jacob experienced severe breathing issues and was placed on a ventilator. Without her knowledge, he passed away on his third day of life.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of loss: SIDSMore about Griscelle's story: Griscelle shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 10-month-old daughter, Evangeline, to SIDS. On December 8, 2022, while away on a work trip for the first time in over two years, Griscelle’s world shattered. Her husband met her at the Nashville airport with the devastating news—Evangeline had passed away unexpectedly, and she never had the chance to say goodbye.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

Type of Loss: Early-term loss, multiple loss, stillbirth, selective reduction, Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome More about Millie's story: Millie discusses her journey through multiple pregnancy losses, fertility struggles, and the heartbreaking loss of her twin sons, Landon and Emerson.After experiencing several traumatic first-trimester miscarriages between 2019 and 2022 and enduring unsuccessful fertility treatments, Millie finally conceived her son naturally in October 2022. He was born in July 2023, bringing incredible joy after years of heartbreak. But just four months postpartum, she was shocked to discover she was pregnant again—this time with identical twin boys.At 20 weeks, devastating complications arose, including Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and growth abnormalities. Faced with an unimaginable decision about which baby to save, Millie and her family navigated an agonizing path of medical uncertainty and grief. Ultimately, both Landon and Emerson passed away around 22 weeks.More about Emma's Footprints:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @EmmasFootprintsInstagram: @EmmasFootprints

In this episode, we explore the heart behind hosting a family fundraiser—what it is, where to start, and how it can make an impact.We’ll discuss the steps to planning an event, the personal significance for loss families, and how fundraisers support the mission of Emma’s Footprints. Whether you’re looking for ways to give back or create a lasting tribute, this episode will help you navigate the process with purpose and love.For more information about hosting a family fundraiser, please contact Julie Swanson at [email protected].