Beyond The Birth Story

In this powerful and heartfelt episode host, Alexa Conlon, sits down with Jessica Janzen — speaker, author, mental health advocate, and co-founder of the Love for Lewiston Foundation — for an honest conversation about grief, resilience, and choosing joy in the hardest moments.

Jessica shares the story of her son Lewiston, who passed away from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and how that loss transformed her life and purpose. We talk about navigating unimaginable grief, mental health, motherhood, advocacy, and how she turned pain into impact through the Love for Lewiston Foundation — a charity that has helped change the landscape of SMA awareness and newborn screening in Canada.

This episode is raw, hopeful, and deeply human. Whether you’re walking through loss, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for a reminder that joy and purpose can coexist with pain, this conversation will stay with you.

✨ Topics we cover:

• Grief and life after loss
• Mental health and vulnerability
• Advocacy and impact through the Love for Lewiston Foundation
• Finding joy without bypassing pain
• Turning heartbreak into purpose

Resources & Links Mentioned in this Episode: 

Love for Lewiston Foundation 

Bring The Joy Book

Jessica Janzen Website

Jessica Janzen Instagram 

Love for Lewiston Instagram

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In this episode of "Beyond The Birth Story," the host shares personal experiences of navigating life's challenges, including holiday struggles and personal growth. The conversation touches on themes of resilience, reflection, and renewal, offering listeners a candid look at the journey of healing and hope.

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In this heartfelt episode of 'Beyond the Birth Story,' Ruby Pillar shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy, the challenges of a uterine anomaly, and the emotional rollercoaster of her son's birth and subsequent health struggles. Ruby's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the power of community support in the face of unimaginable loss.

Key Takeaways

• Ruby Pillar shares her journey with a uterine anomaly discovered during a routine checkup. 
• The emotional impact of being told about potential pregnancy complications. Ruby's proactive approach to addressing her septate uterus through surgery.
•  The anxiety and fear experienced during her pregnancy due to past health concerns. 
• The unexpected challenges faced during her pregnancy, including premature contractions. Ruby's experience with bed rest and the emotional toll it took.
•  The traumatic birth experience and the subsequent health struggles of her newborn. 
• Ruby's advocacy for awareness and support for uterine rupture and neonatal care. 
• The importance of community support and sharing personal stories to help others. 
• Ruby's ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for families facing similar challenges.

Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Uterine Rupture Instagram

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In this heartfelt episode of "Beyond The Birth Story," Estee Levin shares her journey through the whirlwind of motherhood, from the chaos of wedding season to the tender moments with her 10-month-old son. Estee opens up about the unexpected joys and challenges of being a new mom, the emotional rollercoaster of watching her child grow, and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood. Join us for an honest conversation about balancing work, family, and self-care, and discover the messy truths and beautiful realities of life beyond the birth story.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace the unexpected joys and challenges of motherhood. 
• The importance of self-care amidst the chaos of parenting. 
• Navigating societal pressures and personal expectations as a new mom.
•  Finding balance between work, family, and personal time. 
• The emotional journey of watching your child grow and change.

Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Not Your Average Mom Podcast Instagram

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In this heartfelt episode of "Beyond the Birth Story," Mahaley Patel, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares her deeply personal journey through perinatal mental health, trauma, and the profound experience of losing a child. Mahaley opens up about her path to healing, the challenges of parenting after loss, surrogacy and the inspiration behind her book designed to help others navigate their NICU experiences. Join us for an intimate conversation about resilience, love, and the enduring bonds of family.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of acknowledging and processing grief in a healthy way. 
• How personal experiences can shape professional paths and inspire others.
• The role of family support and therapy in navigating trauma and loss. 
• Insights into the NICU experience and its emotional impact on parents. Strategies for maintaining strong relationships through shared grief.

Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode:

Mahaley's Instagram

Mahaley's Book: Your NICU Story: Reflecting on Your Family's Experience

Rob Delaney's Book: A Heart That Works

Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you!

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In this episode of the Beyond the Birth Story podcast, host Alexa Conlon welcomes guest Kieran Powers, a grief and trauma coach and founder of Becoln, to discuss the complexities of healing, parenting, and womanhood. Kieran shares her personal journey through loss, NICU, fertility challenges, cancer and surrogacy, highlighting the importance of support and advocacy for families facing similar challenges. The conversation delves into the nuances of grief, the power of shared experiences, and the role of a grief and trauma coach in providing comfort and understanding.

Key Takeaways

• Kieran's journey through loss and healing is deeply personal and inspiring.
• The role of a grief and trauma coach offers a unique, empathetic approach to support.
• Surrogacy can be a complex but rewarding path for families.
• Advocacy and self-education are crucial in navigating medical challenges.
• Grief extends beyond the loss of a person to include lost hopes and dreams.
• Shared experiences can provide powerful healing and connection.
• The importance of discussing difficult topics openly to prepare for unexpected challenges.
• Navigating medical decisions requires both information and personal advocacy.
• The journey of healing is unique and evolves over time.
• Support networks are vital for families facing medical and emotional challenges.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 

Becoln Instagram

Becoln Website 

Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you!

Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us:
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In this episode host Alexa Conlon sits down with RoAanne as she shares her deeply personal journey through multiple pregnancy losses, the challenges of motherhood, and her insights into nutrition and holistic healing. She discusses the emotional toll of loss, the complexities of pregnancy after loss, and the importance of mental health support. Roxanne also delves into the impact of leaky gut on fertility and overall health, the challenges of breastfeeding, and the effects of birth control on women's health. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of holistic wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• RoxAnne is a certified nutritional practitioner and teacher.
• She experienced multiple pregnancy losses before having her son and daughter.
• Mental health plays a significant role in coping with loss.
• Pregnancy after loss can be filled with anxiety and fear.
• Breastfeeding challenges are common, especially after a traumatic birth.
• Leaky gut can impact fertility and overall health.
• Nutrition is crucial for healing and maintaining health.
• Birth control can have long-term effects on women's health.
• Women should advocate for their health and seek holistic options.
• Support systems are vital for navigating motherhood.

Resources & Links Shared In This Episode:

Roxy's Holistic Instagram

Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you!

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In this episode, host Alexa Conlon and Mary Farrelly, a certified NICU nurse and doula, shares her journey and insights into the NICU experience. She discusses the importance of emotional support for families, the role of a NICU doula, and the impact of compassion fatigue on healthcare providers. Mary emphasizes the need for better communication and understanding of NICU culture, as well as the significance of celebrating small wins during the NICU journey. She also addresses the misconceptions surrounding the NICU and offers advice for families navigating this challenging time.

Key Takeaways:

• Mary Farrelly is a certified NICU nurse and doula.
• The NICU Translator helps bridge the gap for families in the NICU.
• NICU experiences can shape personal perspectives on life and care.
• Compassion fatigue is a real issue for healthcare providers.
• Misconceptions about the NICU can lead to feelings of helplessness for families.
• Understanding NICU culture is crucial for effective communication.
• Emotional support is vital for NICU families during their journey.
• Celebrating small wins can help families cope with the NICU experience.
• The role of a NICU doula is to provide emotional and logistical support.
• The NICU is just the beginning of a family's journey.

Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode:

The NICU Translator Instagram

The NICU Translator Website

NICU Doula Academy

Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you!

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In this episode of "Beyond the Birth Story," host Alexa welcomes Erica Lemke, a board-certified clinical sexologist and relationship coach. You may recognize her from her debut on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?! Together, they explore the complexities of intimacy, self-discovery, and reclaiming sexual confidence after life-altering experiences such as loss and infertility. Erica shares her insights on the importance of vulnerability, communication, and self-love, offering practical advice for individuals and couples navigating their unique journeys. Tune in for an empowering conversation that encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and find joy in the present moment.

Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode: 

Erica's Instagram x 2: I am Erica Lemke & Sex Coach SLC

FREE PDF: email [email protected]

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In this deeply moving episode, I’m joined by Kyla CT—widely known as “Bella Brave’s mom.” Kyla courageously shares her family’s extraordinary journey with Bella, whose strength and spirit inspired millions around the world. She opens up about navigating the joys and challenges of parenting a medically complex child, celebrating milestones once thought impossible, and ultimately walking through the unimaginable grief of Bella’s passing.

With honesty and grace, Kyla reflects on life after loss—how she continues to carry Bella’s light forward, find meaning in the midst of heartbreak, and create space for both grief and gratitude. This conversation is a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and the ways our children’s legacies can shape the world long after they are gone.

Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode:

Kyla's IG

Kyla's TikTok

Kyla's Podcast

Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you!

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