Are You on the Parenthood Journey After Loss?

The path to parenthood after a pregnancy or infant loss is a deeply emotional and complex journey. Whether you're deciding to try again, pregnant after loss, or navigating life with a newborn, each stage brings its own unique challenges. Here’s what you might be feeling in each phase of the journey.

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Deciding to Conceive After Loss, or Not To

Deciding to try for another pregnancy after loss can be a painful and uncertain decision. The desire for a new beginning may clash with the fear of another heartbreak. The emotional weight of loss can make it difficult to imagine moving forward, and feelings of guilt, anxiety, and self-blame may surface. You may find yourself asking whether you're ready to open your heart to another child or if it’s even possible to move beyond the grief.

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Pregnancy and Birth After Loss: Fear, Disconnection, and Ambivalence

Pregnancy after loss is a time filled with conflicting emotions. While there may be moments of hope, the fear of losing another child can overshadow the excitement. It’s common to feel disconnected from this new pregnancy, unsure how to bond with a baby that you’re terrified of losing. Celebrating milestones—such as seeing a heartbeat or reaching a certain week—can feel both hopeful and heartbreaking. You might hesitate to allow yourself to feel joy, as it feels precarious, as if that joy could be taken away at any moment.

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As birth draws nearer, these fears can intensify. The thought of going through labor and delivery again may bring up memories of your previous loss, and the idea of an unknown outcome can make the process feel overwhelming. The mixture of joy and fear can make the birth experience itself feel bittersweet, and the emotional toll can leave you feeling both physically and mentally drained.

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Postpartum After Loss: Grief, Joy, and Finding Balance

The postpartum period after a loss is a delicate time. While you may find moments of joy in bonding with your new baby, the grief for the child you lost may continue to surface. It’s challenging to embrace the joy of your new arrival without feeling like you’re betraying the memory of the child you never got to bring home. The demands of caring for a newborn while navigating ongoing grief can be exhausting, and the pressure to “move on” can leave you feeling isolated.

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You might struggle to reconcile the parent you are now with the parent you were when you lost your baby. The emotional complexity of this phase can make it hard to fully immerse yourself in the present, even as you try to care for yourself and your new child.

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How I Can Support You

At every stage of your journey after loss, I’m here to walk alongside you, offering compassionate support tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re deciding to try again, navigating a pregnancy after loss, preparing for birth, or adjusting to life postpartum, I offer support along the way. 

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What Coaching Support Looks Like 

Virtual coaching is perfect if you're looking for flexible, ongoing emotional support and practical strategies from the comfort of your own space. These sessions are ideal if you're seeking personalized guidance but don’t need physical presence or direct hands-on assistance.

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In our virtual coaching sessions, we’ll focus on tools and strategies to help you manage anxiety, stress, and the emotional weight of grief. Using mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and evidence-based coping strategies, we’ll work together to help you feel more present and connected to your body and pregnancy, allowing you to reclaim control over your emotional well-being.

 

You’ll also receive guidance on navigating major milestones, such as trying to conceive, coping with the uncertainty of pregnancy, and managing grief while celebrating moments of joy.

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I understand that grief and joy can coexist, and I’ll support you in honoring both. We'll address feelings of guilt and self-blame, reframing them with compassion so you can heal and move forward. As you navigate the transition into parenthood again, I’ll help you build a solid emotional support network, strengthen your relationships, and set boundaries that protect your needs.

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What Doula Support Looks Like 

Doula support offers hands-on, in-person assistance, providing you with a nurturing presence during critical moments of your journey. Whether you’re preparing for birth or adjusting to postpartum life, having a doula by your side can be an invaluable source of comfort, empowerment, and guidance.

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As your doula, I’ll be there to ensure you feel supported and heard during labor and birth. We’ll work together to create a birth plan that aligns with your emotional and physical needs, ensuring that your experience is as empowering as possible, despite any lingering fears or trauma from previous losses. I’ll provide continuous emotional support throughout labor, offering reassurance and comfort as you navigate the uncertainties of childbirth, while also ensuring that your partner and loved ones are involved and informed.

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After birth, my role as your doula extends into the postpartum period, where I’ll offer nurturing care, help with infant feeding and bonding, and support your emotional healing. Whether it's processing the birth experience, navigating the emotional complexity of caring for your newborn, or facilitating communication with your partner and loved ones, I’ll be there to ensure you feel heard, supported, and valued.

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My goal, no matter which path you choose, is to help you feel seen, heard, and supported as you navigate the complexities of grief and healing. Together, we’ll create a path that celebrates your resilience, honors your grief, and embraces the joy and connection that lie ahead.