Motherhood Off the Rails

Are we back together? Are we not? Does this busy mom of two littles who's also a part time masters student have time for these shenanigans? Definitely not, but here goes! I randomly got the podcast bug this week and decided to post this not-so-scary Halloween episode just for kicks and giggles. We aren't back for good and it won't be a consistent thing, but I missed ya'll so this is just a little something for now. I'd love to hear what you thought of the episode! Leave a comment below or contact us on Instagram or through our email. Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

As the season finale for what could be a really long break I am super excited for a bit of a different episode. Ljuba and I have been best friends since about 2015 when I first moved to Lexington. We were at the same church and had a very close knit group of friends. Despite many of those friends moving and drifting away we have remained as close as ever. Our friendship has only deepened over the years through my loss and just navigating adult life together. I am so excited for you all to get even just a little glimpse of her amazing mind when it comes to all things babies and mamas. So without further ado let’s jump into our season 6 finale with the one and only Dr. Ljuba Mirsky! DISCLAIMERS:None of this is meant to be taken as direct patient advice, and Dr. Mirsky always advises you to check with your doctor when it comes to choices that may affect your health.Dr. Mirsky's answers to these questions all stem from her education and experience - she has not necessarily previously researched these topics in depth. So please take everything with a grain of salt.Resource:ACOG.orgInstagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage, child loss, Leigh's disease, stepparents, faithHaving Molly on the podcast has been a dream of mine ever since I read her book, The Moon Is Round, twice! I randomly won the book at a raffle at some women’s event having no idea I would some day talk with the author about the rollercoaster of her motherhood story. She is an expert at telling her story and it was wonderful to hear where she is now 10 years separated from her loss. I hope you enjoy this conversation between two Kentucky girls who are also loss moms. Let’s jump right in! You can reach out to Molly hereInstagramFacebookResources:Grief ShareThe Moon Is RoundInstagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: genetic disorder, developmental delays, Xq27-Xq28 deletionI am so glad Maleah and I finally got to sit down and talk through her story. It took us what felt like forever to finally get together, but I’m so glad we did. Our conversation was the perfect ending to my podcast recording journey. I’m so glad we added this memory to our friendship. Her story is a bit different from what you usually listen to on this podcast so let me know what you think by reaching out on our Instagram. Let’s jump into Maleah’s story together! You can reach out to Maleah here:InstagramInstagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage, late term lossThis was my last remotely recorded episode and I’m so thankful to be ending on such a great note. Ashley and I met through our mutual bestie Giselle. Ashley was also on the top of our list we made so long ago of women who might eventually share their motherhood stories. I’m thankful that we finally were able to talk through her painful, yet beautiful story. So many of you in our motherhood community are going to know exactly what Ashley went through and be able to sympathize like few others can. So without further ado let’s jump into Ashley’s story. You can reach out to Ashley here:InstagramInstagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: infant lossI will give ya’ll a heads up today. This episode is a pretty heavy one. If you aren’t in the best head space to listen to an infant loss story I’d suggest waiting til you’re ready. But if you have walked this story of loss you will feel Shauna’s tears on a deep, deep level. She shares the devastating loss that landed her in this community and brought her to our podcast. Even in the midst of her tears she does share the hope and joy that a rainbow baby can bring along with the joy of a loving family. So if you’ve got those tissues handy, let’s jump right in!You can reach out to Shauna here: InstagramInstagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, chemical pregnancy Yay for our second Canadian guest! I just love the fact that this community is spreading so far and wide. I couldn’t have never imagined the wide-reaching impact all these stories would have had. And Gen’s story is no exception. I am so proud of Gen for stepping up to the plate to tell her story of loss especially since she does not yet have her happy ending. Maybe by the time this story airs things will be different, but at the time of our recording in the fall of 2024 she was still holding out hope. I know you’ll be encouraged by her strength as you listen today. So let’s jump right in!  You can reach out to Gen here: Instagram Resources: PAIL Network Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: stillbirth, miscarriage Like so many of these stories I’ve heard, Amy has taken her grief and losses and turned them into hope and courage for other women like herself. I really enjoyed our conversation and clearly saw how passionate she is about sharing her story and helping others through their own grief. I think you’ll be just as encouraged as I was after hearing this conversation. Let’s jump right in!    You can reach out to Amy here: Listen to her podcast: Smooth Stones Instagram Resources: Teeny Tears

Topics: infertility, adoption, surrogacy I can’t remember the last time I laughed this much during an interview. I have never heard a story like this one. We bonded over motherhood, our journeys, and reality TV. If you’re a DWTS fan that was and still is our shared loved. We’ve kept in touch off and on since we recorded and I’m reminded once again the amazing friends that I have gained out of this podcast. I didn’t know that I’d have friends for life that were once strangers facing loss just like I was. I hope you are able to laugh and cry right along with Rachel and I as you listen today. Let’s just right in!  You can reach out to Rachel here: Instagram and Threads: @rachel_mangahas Join her email community  Listen to her podcast Resources: Dr. Aimee - The Egg Whisperer Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: stillborn, late term loss If you missed the first part of Michelle’s story make sure to go back and listen to last week’s episode. In that episode we heard the heart of her story and loss. Today we’ll touch more on the different aspects of her loss and how it effected her life. Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and hope you do too! Let’s jump right in!  You can reach out to Michelle here: Instagram Facebook Here are the resources she mention: https://www.abbyloopers.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Love-After-Youve-Lost/dp/0802419402 Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: stillborn, late term loss I was really looking forward to recording this story and it did not disappoint in the least. Michelle and I dove so deep into her story and journey that you’ll have to come back next week for part 2. We worked together for a summer and attend the same university, but this was the longest and best conversation we’ve ever shared. It was almost like making a brand new friend. I am very proud of Michelle for telling her story because she really wasn’t sure at first. I hope you are able to hear the residence and hope in her story. Let’s jump right in! You can reach out to Michelle here: Instagram Facebook Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage Today we’ll be hearing the second part of my friend Shelby’s story. Make sure you go back and listen to part 1 to get the full scope of her heartbreakingly beautiful story. She is a shining light for all those that are walking through grief and I am so thankful we finally got to sit down and record her story from beginning to the end. Let’s jump right in.  You can reach out to Shelby here: Instagram: @sirenshell Facebook: Shelby Peel Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage Shelby can honestly say that she has known my husband longer than anyone else on this podcast. They were friends growing up and we just naturally clicked when I finally came into the picture over 7 years ago. She has been a wonderful friend through it all. When I shared my loss with her she knew on a deep level the pain that we were facing and she comforted me like many others couldn’t. I am so thankful for her! You’ll hear the entirety of her story today and then next week we’ll walk through the questions that help break down all the ins and outs of her story. So if you’re ready let’s jump right in.  You can reach out to Shelby here: Instagram: @sirenshell Facebook: Shelby Peel Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: PCOS, still birth Lonna and I chatted for such a long and wonderful time. She has seen such hardship in losing her daughter and yet you can hear the happiness and joy in her voice. She has taken life’s sourest lemons and turned them into the sweetest lemonade. I am very thankful for this community and the women like Lonna that make this job of running a podcast really not a job at all. Let’s jump right into Lonna’s story today.  You can reach out to Lonna here: Instagram: @lonnaneedles Resources: Zoe Clark-Coates MBE Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: infertility, foster care, IVF Toni’s motherhood story is one that is 10 years in the making. She faced doctors telling her no, failed foster placements, and multiple IVF retrievals to finally hold her rainbow miracle baby in her arms. Back when we knew each other as little middle schoolers we would have never guessed the paths that our stories would have taken us, but we both agreed that these stories have made us better people than we were before. I look forward to you hearing this conversation we had and taking a bit of the hope she shared with you in whatever you’re facing on your own motherhood journey. Let’s jump right in!  You can reach out to Toni here: Instagram: ⁠@tstephens15⁠ Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Resources: ⁠Nancy's Nook Endometriosis Education⁠ ⁠CNY Fertility⁠ ⁠Jeff Arrington - Endo doctor⁠ ⁠The Center for Endometriosis Care⁠ Instagram: ⁠Motherhood Off the Rails⁠  Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: postpartum depression & anxiety Intro: Emily has been a dear friend for several years now. We have walked through many of our life seasons together. It’s been a joy to share in them with her. I am so thankful she felt ready to share her story of struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety. It wasn’t easy to come around to the idea of sharing, but I’m thankful that she did. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that many of you will be able to relate to her story. Whether or not you’ve struggled with postpartum depression or anxiety I know we all can relate to have a season where we just don’t feel like things are going the way we planned.  Resources: Lane of Roses Therapy/Counseling

Topic: infertility, adoption Olivia’s story truly embodies the theme of Motherhood Off The Rails. She’s been through more ups and downs in her motherhood journey than most of us have encountered in a lifetime. And yet, she has proven to be perseverant and a beautiful example to those who have been following her story. Her story also brings a different category of adoption to the lineup that I’m excited to dive in to. So let’s jump right in! You can reach out Olivia here: Instagram: @upbeat_ela Resources: The Lucky Few by Heather Davis The Connected Child Trust Based Relational Intervention

Topics: miscarriage, PPD, adoptionKelsey has been a great friend since we met through a women’s ministry here in Lexington back in 2018. We’ve shared many motherhood milestones along the way and I am so thankful she was able to record with me. I hope you enjoy all the laughter and even the more serious parts of today’s episode. So let’s jump in! You can reach out to Kelsey here: Instagram: @kelsey_durrenburgLane of RosesFlourish PodInstagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage, postpartum feeding  I can’t believe that Beth and I met way back in 2007 when I went to high school with her cousin. We reunited when we were both in her cousin’s wedding and have kept in touch through social media over the years. Talking with her today reminded me of the joy this podcast brings in connecting with so many women through their stories. Our motherhood journeys are very similar and I was able to process mine all over again while chatting with her. I am so thankful for Beth’s support and excitement about this podcast and community. I hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I do so let’s jump right in!  You can reach out to Beth here: Instagram: @mebeth89 Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage Shanti and I knew of each other back in college and had several mutual friends over the years. But this was one of the first times we had the opportunity to sit down and really connect. Her expertise in the counseling world added so much to her story that she shared with me when we recorded. I joked that ya’ll get a free counseling session in this episode and I’m not lying! I learned so much from her wisdom, insight, and vulnerability from the losses she experienced in motherhood. I hope you feel less alone after hearing her story. Let’s jump in together and find out!  You can reach out to Shanti here: Instagram: @somethingnewwithshanti Email: [email protected] Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

OUR 50TH EPISODE!!! Topics: miscarriage, PPD It was amazing to reconnect with Ariel after Zoom decided we needed to redo our interview. We got real and vulnerable about PPD, anxiety, medication, therapy, and all the dirty bits of motherhood that we all struggle with daily. It was really like we were talking again for the very first time. Ariel has been a faithful follower of MOTR since the beginning and has been a huge support along the way. Thank you! I can’t wait for you to hear our conversation today so let’s jump right in! You can reach out to her here: Insta: @shesbeenhereallalong Email: [email protected] Website: drarielblackburn.com Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: parents of special needs kids, poor sleepers, PPA, epilepsy, blindness I hope you were able to listen to the first half of Emily’s story last week and are ready to jump into the rest of her story today. I know that both Emily and I would love to hear your similar stories of children with rare diseases or disabilities. It’s a huge part of the whole idea of our dreams of motherhood going off the rails. So send us a message if you’d like to learn more about sharing your own story of this unique side to motherhood. You can reach out to Emily here: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Personal Facebook⁠ ⁠Hope for Haley SLC6A1 on Facebook⁠ Here are the resources we talked about: ⁠Hope for Haley Video on Youtube⁠ Fundraising Website Instagram: ⁠Motherhood Off the Rails⁠  Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: parents of special needs kids, poor sleepers, PPA, epilepsy, blindness Now that I’ve been recording, editing, and publishing these episodes for so long (by the time this comes out it’ll have been over a year of podcasting! WHAT?!) I’ve seen all kinds of different formats. Some hosts limit their interviews to a set amount of time, but I’ve realized that just doesn’t work for our stories. We have too much to share and too much to dissect. So you’re looking at another two-parter episode this week and next. Emily’s story is one that is rare and one that many of you might not fully be able to relate to. But I do know that many of you will find her vulnerability and honesty refreshing as we talk through her story. So today you’ll hear the first half and then the second half next week.  You can reach out to Emily here: Instagram Personal Facebook Hope for Haley SLC6A1 on Facebook Here are the resources we talked about: Hope for Haley Video on Youtube Fundraising Website Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: infant loss I had such a fun time chatting with my cousin, Rebekah, for this interview. It was comforting to talk with someone I know so well and yet learned so much more about hearing her story of loss. Since I was only 13 when this story took place, I really was hearing it in full detail for the first time. Despite the sorrow intertwined in this story, she always finds a bright spot and I hope you feel that joy in it as well. You can reach out to Rebekah here: Instagram Email: [email protected] Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage, mental health When you’re both loss mamas, podcasters, and fellow Kentucky girls you’re almost guaranteed to have a great time recording together when you finally do get around to finding the time which is a challenge all in itself. But when we finally coordinated enough time to record we accomplished recording for Grateful Scripts, Linds' podcast, and an episode for this one too. We laughed together, felt the crush, and surprise of her story and walked through it all together. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you will too. You can reach out to Linds here: Instagram Check out her podcast Mess to Mission on Spotify and Apple Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: miscarriage Since Chloe and I share so much in common with our two stories we had a lot to discuss. So today you’ll be hearing part two of her story. Make sure you go back and listen to part 1 that came out last week. By the time these two episodes come out our stories will have hopefully had their happy little endings.  You can reach out to Chloe here: ⁠Instagram⁠ Instagram: ⁠Motherhood Off the Rails⁠  Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.

Topic: miscarriage Chloe and I connected over instagram and I have with so many of you. We quickly found out though that we had a very special connection that you all will discover in this episode and next weeks when we continue with part 2. We have formed more than just a random follower connection via Instagram. Our stories are now forever linked in a very special way. I can’t wait for you all to hear these next two episodes so let’s jump in together! You can reach out to Chloe here: Instagram Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage, trisomy 18, stillborn, late term loss and secondary infertility Today’s story is one that doesn’t yet have a happy ending. When we recorded Chelsea’s story back in November 2023 there were still may unknowns. And yet, as you’ll hear in the end, there was a small glimmer of hope. I was so thankful that Chelsea was willing to share even without the happy ending we all strive for. I can only continue to hope and pray that by the time this episode airs there will be that happy ending. I know that you all will find her story relatable and encouraging for whatever your own loss journey might look like.  You can reach out to Chelsea (Trying To Conceive Mama Co.) here: Instagram TikTok Website Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage, unplanned pregnancy, faith If you’re just now tuning in, make sure you go back and listen to the first part of Loren’s story. We left off with Loren talking about the healing she found in the relationships that surrounded her during her losses. She speaks to the community she found that I hope so many of you find as well. In today’s episode we’ll talk through more of the discussion questions as we dig deeper into her story of grief and how she didn’t let that grief hold her back. You can reach out to Loren here: ⁠Blog⁠ ⁠Personal Instagram⁠ Public Instagram Accounts: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lorenward_writer/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/unplanned_prolifestories/⁠ Resources: ⁠Rachel's Gift⁠ ⁠Crisis Text Help Line⁠: Text HOME to 741741 Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage, unplanned pregnancy, faith Loren is a part of the 1 in 4 women who experience miscarriage. I felt so connected with her as she lost her babies around the same time that I did. The way that her life was turned upside down and how she chose to still hold on to faith and hope was the exact encouragement I needed. We had so much to discuss and find common ground on that you’ll have to wait til next week to hear part two of her story. You can reach out to Loren here: Blog Personal Instagram Public Instagram Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/lorenward_writer/ https://www.instagram.com/unplanned_prolifestories/ Resources: Rachel's Gift Crisis Text Help Line: Text HOME to 741741 Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Few other stories fill me with such pride and joy as the one you’re about to hear today. Not many husbands would be willing to sit down and be so vulnerable, but I have found me a goodin’! I knew I wanted the anniversary episode of this podcast to be a special one, but I couldn’t have imagined how great it would truly be. I highly recommend sitting down with your spouse around a microphone to really foster a great conversation. It doesn’t even have to be about parenthood or your loss, just talk and remember why you love each other so much. Okay, I’ll stop being so sappy so that we can jump into this episode. I hope you truly enjoy this conversation with my husband as much as I did! You can reach out to Richard and ask all the questions here:InstagramFacebookSubstackSpotifyInstagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: secondary infertility, IUI, IVF If you had told college-babies Olivia and Jolene that they would be chatting on a podcast together 10+ years down the road, let alone all the losses they would have faced, we would have not have even understood a small bit of what you were saying. But I’m so thankful that we’re on this journey together. I can’t imagine life without friends like Olivia who have walked the motherhood loss journey with me and on their own as well. She sets a beautiful example of shining bright despite the ups and downs of loss. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as we did! Now let’s jump in!  You can reach out to Olivia here: Instagram: @lemonsafterlemonade Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: Stillbirth In this second episode we’ll talk through the discussion questions for Kaitlin’s story. I was so thankful for all she shared in the first episode so make sure you go back and listen to her story that came out last week. I forgot to mention last week that at the time we recorded her story she was only 4 months separated from her loss. I was so thankful that she still agreed to share despite her loss still being so fresh. I hope that anyone else listening just weeks or months separated from their loss will find Kaitlin’s story comforting. Now let’s jump in and listen to part two of Kaitlin’s story.  You can reach out to Kaitlin here: Instagram: ⁠@easygreasybeautiful⁠ Resources: ⁠It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devineen's ⁠ ⁠Little Life Big Loss Podcast⁠ ⁠Still a Part of Us⁠ ⁠Butterfly Run⁠ Instagram: ⁠Motherhood Off the Rails⁠  Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: stillbirth I want to give everyone a heads up that this story was hard for me to listen to. You’ll know more of why it was especially hard for me later on, but I know some of you might need to know that it’s a hard story to listen to. All of these are heavy, but this one hit closer to home for some reason. Take the time you need to prepare your heart to listen. I am so unbelievably proud of Kaitlin for sharing this story that I know was so hard to do. So let’s jump in together (whenever you’re ready of course). You can reach out to Kaitlin here: Instagram: @easygreasybeautiful Resources: It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devineen's Little Life Big Loss Podcast Still a Part of Us Butterfly Run Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: IUI, secondary infertility, IVF I had really been looking forward to chatting with Allie. A mutual friend connected us a while ago and it was great to finally chat and share the commonalities between our stories. Her platform is one that is so welcomed, needed, and appreciated in this community so I can’t wait for ya’ll to hear her story and more about what she’s done with her grief.  You can reach out to Allie here: Instagram: Holding Both Email: [email protected] Resources: Hello Rescripted Dr. Aimee - The Egg Whisperer Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: stillbirth As with every single one of these women I was very proud of Victoria for sharing her story. When I first reached out she was very honest and said she wasn’t quite ready. I was thankful for her honesty and I hope others feel that they don’t have to share until they’re absolutely ready. When she was ready to share it was quite the story as you’ll hear today. Might want to get the tissues ready for this one. Let’s jump in to hear her bravery through this sad, yet hopeful story.  You reach out to Victoria via Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/vnswartz/ Held by Abbey Wedgeworth Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: stillbirth, miscarriage Welcome back to part 2 of Nor’s story. You’re really going to need to listen to part 1 to fully understand all we discuss in this second part of her story. We’ll cover the questions we end all stories with and dive deeper into the more emotional parts of her story.  Resources from Nor's story: ⁠Penelope Photography⁠ (Instagram) ⁠Penelope Photography⁠ (Website) ⁠Molly Bears⁠ ⁠Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep⁠ Instagram: ⁠Motherhood Off the Rails⁠  Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: still birth, miscarriage The story you’re about to hear today has more ups and downs than any physical roller coaster I’ve ever been on. And trust me, I used to ride those crazy rides all the time! Because her story does have so much to cover, we’re splitting her story into two parts. Nor has been through more in her early lifetime than many of us have faced over 20+ years. And yet, as you’ll hear throughout her story, she still has laughter and smiles to share with everyone she comes in contact with. I can’t wait for you to hear how she’s come through on the other side. Resources from Nor's story: Penelope Photography (Instagram) Penelope Photography (Website) Molly Bears Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: IVF When I dreamed up this podcast I never in a million years would have imagined that our audience would have reached to an entire different continent. But here we are listening to the episode of our very first international guest. Thank you so much Laura! When we recorded this Laura and her husband were about to start their 4th round of IVF. So much of their story is yet to be told and I’m so thankful she chose to still tell her story in the midst of such unknown. Be sure to check out Laura’s Instagram page to see where they are in this long journey now.  Find Laura's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/me_mycrohnsandivf/ Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails  Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: miscarriage Today’s episode is continuation of Andrea’s story from last week. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, make sure you stop what you’re doing and go back to listen to part one. You don’t want to miss the beginning of her story that ties in perfectly with today’s episode. I so enjoyed talking with Andrea and discussing the challenges and joys of creating a community of women working through their grief. I hope you find her community just as welcoming as you’ve found ours. You reach out to Andrea here: ⁠www.thegriefnook.com⁠ ⁠www.instagram.com/thegriefnook⁠ [email protected] Instagram: ⁠Motherhood Off the Rails ⁠ Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: miscarriage At the time of this recording it was the beginning of October which is Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month. Andrea’s story and how she channeled her grief were a perfect fit for this month. We discussed so many similarities between our two stories that we had to split this episode into two parts. I really hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.  You reach out to Andrea here: www.thegriefnook.com www.instagram.com/thegriefnook [email protected] Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: IVF, infertility In this second part of Meghan’s episode we continue to talk through the ups and lots of downs of her story. At one point in this episode I had the biggest eureka/light bulb moment so far in this podcast journey! I can’t wait for you all to hear it! Thank you Meghan for sharing your story despite the lack of a happy ending so far. I love it when someone shares about their rainbow baby or success after trying to conceive for many years, but this story was still so special despite the expanse of unknowns that Meghan and her husband are facing. Her positive attitude in the midst of all she’s going through was so encouraging to me. I know you’ll feel the same too.  Catch up on her story on Instagram: Meghan Stiffler⁠ Watch her on TikTok: Meghan Stiffler Instagram: ⁠Motherhood Off the Rails⁠ Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: IVF, infertility Have I ever had so much fun talking to a complete stranger?! I don’t think so! Meghan and I connected immediately and had so much fun talking that we’ll have to wait to hear the second part of her episode next week. Once we get to know each other and discover all our little connections we get right into her story. You’ll be experiencing it for the first time right along with me. You can connect with Meghan here: Instagram: Meghan Stiffler TikTok: Meghan Stiffler Instagram: ⁠Motherhood Off the Rails⁠ Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage, infertility, In this episode, we talked all things boundaries, mental health, the child-free life, and our mutual love for horses! With Charlie’s expert advice we even touched on managing guilt and the ever-present family relationships when you’re walking through infertility. I gained so much from speaking with her and I hope you feel the same way. Her experience expands the reach of our Motherhood Off The Rails community to those who have a non-traditional story. I hope that this conversation reaches someone who feels pressured to have children when deep down they doubt whether or not that’s right for them. I am really excited about everyone of you hearing this great conversation I shared with Charlie. Here are some of the resources that Charlie mentioned in her episode: Sweet Grapes: How to Stop Being Infertile and Start Living Again Childless Collective community Anna Olson (child-free life coach) Resolve - National Infertility Organization Find Charlie on Instagram here: Charlie Dice Listen to Charlie on her Life Beyond Infertility Podcast, as well as her podcast with her cousin, Romantasy Fangirls Podcast, where they deep dive into your favorite fantasy romance books! Currently reading: House of Flame & Shadow (HOFAS) by Sarah J. Maas: Life Beyond Infertility Podcast (Spotify)  Romantasy Fangirls Podcast (Spotify)  Signup for the Life Beyond Infertility Newsletter for weekly tips, stories and affirmations to help you learn to love your life without children.  Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: Infant loss I was super emotional this day so you might hear that in my voice. I’ve known aunt Kathy (no, she’s not my biological aunt) for over 20 years now. She’s my best friend’s aunt. I grew up with her daughter and our families will always share a connection. Sitting down and talking with her as a fellow mom and story-teller was a different experience that I can now add to our decades-long friendship. I discovered once again that helping women tell their stories is just as much for me as it is for them. I found another small bit of healing in hearing her walk through a story that she might be years separated from, but one that is still benefiting so many others. I hope you gain some healing as well from Kathy’s story.  You can reach out to Kathy with her email: [email protected] Instagram: @motr_pod (https://www.instagram.com/motr_pod?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D) Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topics: miscarriage The story you’ll hear today is about a medical experience that I didn’t even know existed until I heard it. For this to happen already to someone so young just broke my heart. But her resilience and hope that hasn’t dwindled was so encouraging. Since we recorded her story has begun a beautiful new chapter so be sure to check out her instagram account to see where she's at these days. Maddie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddie_a_harrison/ Instagram: @motr_pod (https://www.instagram.com/motr_pod?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D) Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: infant loss If you missed part 1 of Andrei’s story please make sure you go back and listen. In the first episode we heard her entire story. Today we are talking through it and breaking down the hopes, dreams, and sorrows that were interwoven throughout it. Andrei is such a ray of sunshine and hope despite all she and her husband have faced. I hope you feel that hope radiating through this second part of her story. Instagram: @motr_pod Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: infant loss I needed to hear this story maybe almost as much as Andrei needed to share it. That’s what I’m finding out about so many of these stories. They are such a huge benefit to me as the host. Something I reassure everyone with at the beginning before we press record is that it’s okay to cry. This episode was no exception. This is the first part of Andrei’s story. You’ll hear part two next week. This first part was highly emotional and there was too much to talk through to fit in a single episode. Instagram: @motr_pod Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: miscarriage, grief in parenting Amanda and I have several connections through our family and friends, but this is the first and longest conversation we’ve ever had together. Both being mommas and both experiencing miscarriage connected us in a way that no other connections can do. It was a wonderful conversation filled with laughter and light-bulb moments that left us both fulfilled in the end. I hope you enjoy her open and honest story of motherhood, and the challenges while grieving over loss. I’d love to know what you thought about this episode. Leave a comment on Spotify or shoot us a message on Instagram. You can reach out to Amanda here: Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandakinz95/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.stephenson.3950 Instagram: @motr_pod Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here. 

Topic: embryo adoption Today we are continuing my friend Rebekah’s story. If you haven’t listened to part 1 of Rebekah’s story make sure you go back and listen to that first before jumping into the second part of her story. You’ll need the background info to truly grasp all of her story. Hope you enjoy the continuation of her story! You can contact Rebekah here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rebekah_perryman/⁠ Check out the women's ministry we mention - Lane of Roses: ⁠https://www.laneofroses.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠@motr_pod⁠ Email: [email protected] Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.