In this powerful episode of the Paws & Effect Podcast, we welcome the courageous Heather Ashcroft, RVN, veterinary nurse, writer, and mental health advocate, who bravely shares her own story of miscarriage and loss on the job.

Veterinary professionals are known for their resilience, but behind the masks and stethoscopes, too many are silently enduring heartbreak and grief.

With the intense pressures and relentless pace of vet med, compassion and support are often sidelined, leaving those experiencing pregnancy loss to “just push through” unimaginable pain.

This week, Heather joins me for a deeply honest and necessary conversation about:

• The hidden heartache of pregnancy and infant loss in veterinary clinics

• Why the “grin and bear it” culture is failing our profession
• Overlooked workplace risks and the urgent need for safer policies
• How stigma keeps grief in the shadows, and why it’s time to change that
• What true support for colleagues experiencing loss should look like

It’s time to stop the silence. Let’s challenge the status quo and start building a more compassionate, supportive veterinary community, because the well-being of caretakers matters too.

If you’ve struggled in silence or want to make a real difference in your practice, this heartfelt episode is essential listening.

Share it, talk about it, and let’s be better together.

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet

Check out Ultra Pets New range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: https://drcarra.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultrapetvet/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/

Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Heather Ashcroft:

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-ashcroftArticle Link: https://vet360.co.za/the-review-digital-mag/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.

Kythe Creative : https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:

This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:

Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.

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00:00 Miscarriage Awareness in Veterinary Medicine

03:49 Stigma and Responsibility in Vet Clinics

09:00 Importance of Rest for Wellbeing

10:57 Anaesthetic and Radiology Risks in Practice

15:54 Addressing Pregnancy Risks in Emergencies

17:30 Sensitivity and Support in Grief

21:52 Clinic Risk Mitigation for Pregnant Staff

23:49 Resilience vs. Overexertion Risks

28:03 Support Through Shared Grief

32:48 Empathetic Listening and Support

36:03 Processing Grief in Veterinary Medicine

37:06 Coping with Grief in Vet Med

40:43 Promoting Openness on Infant Loss

44:05 Rapid Pet Care Solutions