Grieving the loss of a baby while caring for young children at home can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Kristin Hernandez is joined by Jennie Parks and Julie Lehman to discuss what it looks like to walk through grief while also parenting living children. We talk about tending to our own sorrow while helping children navigate theirs, talking about death and heaven in age-appropriate ways, and resources that were helpful. 

If you’re parenting through grief, we hope this conversation reminds you that you don’t have to do it perfectly. You don’t have to have all the right answers. What your children need most is your presence, your honesty, and your dependence on Jesus — the One who walks with us in every valley.

Links:

Hope Mommies Website

Heaven - God's Promise for Me

Audrey Bunny 

Jesus Storybook Bible 

The Story of God's Love for You 

Heaven for Kids 

Where did TJ Go? 

The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party 

Goodbye to Goodbyes 

The Moon is Always Round 

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The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, host Kristin Hernandez is joined by licensed professional counselor Shundria Riddick for a heartfelt conversation about trauma, emotions, and what it means to live in victory in Christ—even with tear-filled eyes.

Shundria shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Grace and her son Caleb, and how God tenderly met her in the midst of her grief and wrestling. Together, we discuss the unique challenges Christian women may face in grief, the reality of suffering as believers, the impact of trauma on the brain and body, and the help that can be found in both community and counseling. 

Shundria is wife to Chris and the mother of six children–three in her arms and three in the presence of Jesus. She and her husband live outside of Dallas, where she works as a licensed professional counselor. Her counseling practice is focused on guiding others with the truth of God’s Word into the hope and freedom that is promised through Christ. You can connect with Shundria at ShundriaRiddick.com.

Links:

ShundriaRiddick.com

Shundria’s Story

October 15 Info & Pre-orders

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Tribute Sponsor: 

This episode of the  Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Michelle and Roman Pavlovich in honor of Anna Joy. Michelle and Roman share, “Happy first birthday Anna Joy! We miss your bright eyes and beautiful smile every day. We love you and are grateful you’ve been made whole in heaven.”

Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby

The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative. 

How do we face emotions like fear and anger in a way that honors God? And how do we carry the weight of those emotions without letting go of our grip on Christ?

In this episode, Kristin sits down with author, Bible teacher, and fellow Hope Mom Courtney Reissig to talk about repeated griefs, high-risk pregnancies, and learning to express deep emotions in a way that draws us closer to God. Both share their personal stories of extended hospital bedrest following previous loss—journeys that ended in celebration yet were marked by uncertainty and wrestling.

Together, we explore:

• What it’s like to live in the tension of hope and heartbreak

• How to process painful emotions in a godly and honest way

• The example of Christ–Who expressed human emotion

• How the Psalms can teach us to pray, lament, and trust

• The unchanging nature of Christ in the face of life’s uncertainties

• What it looks like to choose not to walk away from God—even when it's hard

Courtney also shares about her upcoming book, Someone to Believe In, which invites readers to cling to the steadfast character of Jesus when everything else feels unsteady.

Courtney Reissig is an author and Bible teacher living in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is the author of numerous books and Bible studies, including Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes. Whether she is teaching the Bible to a room full of women or teaching literature to a class of high school students, Courtney is passionate about readers of all ages finding their experience in a compelling story. 

Whether you're in the thick of a high-risk pregnancy, grieving a loss, or just feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, this conversation is a gentle, Christ-centered reminder that you are not alone, that no emotion is too big for God, and that Jesus is with you, even in the waiting.

Links:

CourtneyReissig.com

Teach Me To Feel: Worshiping Through the Psalms in Every Season of Life

Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes

Hope Mommies Website

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Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast 

The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative. 

Host Kristin Hernandez welcomes Ashley Opliger—founder and executive director of Bridget’s Cradles—to share how God lovingly draws near in our grief, cradling us in hope as He cradles our babies in heaven.

Ashley tells the story of her daughter Bridget, who was stillborn in 2014, and how her loss became the catalyst for a ministry that now provides handmade cradles to bereaved families across the country. Together, Kristin and Ashley talk about bringing our raw emotions to Jesus, the danger of letting feelings define our view of God, and the vital need for sound theology in sorrow. They also discuss Ashley’s new book, Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven—a biblical guide for grieving miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss.

Ashley is married to Matt and is the mother of three—one daughter in heaven and two sons on earth. After Bridget was stillborn at 24 weeks, Ashley left her career as a speech-language pathologist to launch Bridget’s Cradles. In addition to leading this ministry, she also hosts the Cradled in Hope podcast. In her free time, she enjoys making memories with family and friends, being outside, playing her electric drums, and studying scripture. 

P.S. Ashley Opliger is also our 2026 retreat speaker! Join us at our annual Hope Mommies Retreat February 27 - March 1 in Giddings, Texas. Registration opens October 1. 

Links:

Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven--A Biblical Guide for Grieving Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss

Audio Book: Cradled in Hope

Ashley’s Website

Bridget’s Cradles

Hope Mommies Website

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Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast

The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative. 

“In losing my three sweet babies, I was not left empty-handed. God filled my hands with his own nail-pierced hands. He met me in my grief and sat with me in the ashes. He will do this for you, too. You can know him–your suffering Savior. To know him more is to treasure him more. Jesus is not a consolation prize for the loss of your unborn babies.. He is the prize–the Treasure that surpasses all other treasures.” - Brittany Allen, Lost Gifts 

In this tender and truth-filled conversation, Brittany Allen joins Kristin Hernandez to share her story of recurrent miscarriage and the deep comfort she has found in treasuring Christ above all else. 

Together, we explore why our culture often minimizes early pregnancy loss, and how we can better reflect God’s heart through the language we use and the way we care for grieving mothers and fathers. With gospel-centered hope, Brittany reminds us that our highest purpose isn’t found in motherhood, but in glorifying God—and that in our suffering, we’re invited into deeper intimacy with the Savior who meets us in our sorrow.

This episode is a compassionate companion for anyone grieving a miscarriage or stillbirth, or walking alongside someone who is. You’ll be reminded that your baby’s life matters, your grief matters, and most of all, Christ is near. 

Brittany Allen is a wife to James and a mom to two boys as well as three babies lost to miscarriage. She’s the author of Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort  (Lexham Press) and Free to Weep: Finding the Courage to Grieve and Embracing the God Who Heals, set to release April 2026 with Moody Publishers. You can find more of her writing at brittleeallen.com or subscribe to Treasuring Christ Newsletter on Substack.

Links:

Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort 

Website: Brittany Lee Allen 

The Rain Keeps Falling by Andrew Peterson

Hope Mommies Website

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Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast

The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative. 

Ashlee Schmidt joins Kristin Hernandez for a conversation about drawing near to God in prayer and trusting His love and sovereignty through the journey of pregnancy after loss. Ashlee vulnerably shares her story of losing two babies and navigating the high-risk pregnancy that followed, and how God taught her to lean on Him in the midst of grief, fear, and uncertainty.

Together, Kristin and Ashlee introduce Hope Mommies’ newest Hope Group study, designed to walk alongside women navigating pregnancy after loss through the framework of the Lord’s Prayer. Whether you're in this season yourself or simply seeking to know God more deeply, we invite you to join us as we reflect on the beauty of calling God our Father, trusting His plan in difficult times, anticipating His Kingdom, and living in the freedom of forgiveness.

Ashlee and her husband, Jesse, live in Milwaukee with their children—five on earth and two in heaven. She loves curling up with a good book and a cup of matcha on cozy rainy days (and all the other days), camping in the mountains with her family, and summer afternoons tending to the garden.

Links:

Amazon: Studies by Ashlee Schmidt

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Sponsorship:

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored on behalf of Kim Doolittle, in memory of Quinn, Caleb, Ruben, Vera and Mika-Joy. The beautiful tribute message reads, "You are loved, remembered and treasured. Though your absences are deeply felt here, we take comfort knowing you are with the One who knit you together, who knew your days before they began, and in whose presence you will forever be."

Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast

The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

In this episode, Kristin Hernandez is joined by Eric Schumacher to explore the often-overlooked grief of fathers after the loss of a baby. Eric shares his personal story of fatherhood and loss, the challenges many men face in expressing sorrow, and how cultural expectations can silence grief. Together, they discuss the importance of honest communication in marriage, the vital role of the church community, and how Jesus models the need for support in times of suffering. Eric also offers encouragement to those who feel hesitant to return to church after the loss of a child. Join us as we look to the lasting hope found in the gospel—especially through the lens of the Gospel of Luke—and the promise of resurrection in Christ.

Eric Schumacher is the author of several books including "Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage" and the recent "In His Hands: Prayers for Your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis," co-authored with Jessika Sanders. Eric and his wife Jenny live in Iowa. They are the proud parents of five living children, a daughter-in-law, and four children lost in the womb. Eric is the Pastoral Ministry Director of the Baptist Convention of Iowa.

Links:

Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage

Dads Hurt Too: A Father’s Memoir of Miscarriage

Hope Mommies Website

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Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast

The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

Joy and grief often walk hand in hand for Hope Moms. In this episode, Erin Thibodeaux joins Kristin Hernandez to share her motherhood journey—the excitement of expecting twins and the devastating loss of her daughter, Adalyn Layne, who lived just 26 days.

Together, they talk about the complexities of grieving one child while raising another, the unique challenges of parenting through sorrow, and the ways God’s presence and the compassion of others have met Erin in her deepest pain. With honesty and grace, Erin reflects on the tension of joy and grief coexisting, the role of faith in her healing, and how community—especially through Hope Mommies—helped her feel seen, supported, and strengthened.

Erin Thibodeaux has been married to her husband, Brandon, for 17 years and is the mother of three beautiful children: Aubrey (14), Grayson (9), and Adalyn Layne, who now lives with Jesus. She works as a pediatric speech-language pathologist and finds joy in helping others find their voice. Erin is passionate about encouraging women, serving 7th and 8th grade girls at her church, and walking alongside other grieving moms through her involvement with Hope Mommies.

Links:

Erin’s Story

Hope Mommies Website

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Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast

The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative. 

In this tender and theologically rich episode, host Kristin Hernandez is joined by author Abbey Wedgworth to talk about miscarriage, grief, and the unshakable hope we have in Christ. Abbey shares about losing her second baby, the emotional and spiritual wrestling that followed, and how the Lord met her in the midst of her pain. 

Kristin and Abbey discuss the unique challenges of miscarriage—including the often “invisible” nature of this kind of loss—and explore how the Church can respond with compassion, truth, and presence. Drawing from Psalm 139 and her devotional Held, Abbey offers biblical encouragement for women who are grieving, practical ways to engage with Scripture when it feels difficult, and the comforting reminder that God's plan of redemption cannot be miscarried. 

This conversation touches on finding purpose in suffering, affirming the value of every life in the womb, and encouragement for those who are searching for answers. No matter what kind of suffering you have experienced, this conversation will point you toward the comfort of God's character and the promise of eternal hope.

Abbey Wedgeworth is a wife, mother, and writer. She and her husband David live on the beautiful South Carolina coast, where she enjoys homeschooling their boys, serving at their home church, and helping others see how the gospel transforms every area of life—especially in the midst of shame, suffering, and the joys and trials of motherhood. Abbey is the author of “Held: 31 Biblical Reflections on God’s Comfort and Care in the Sorrow of Miscarriage” and the “Training Young Hearts” series. 

Links:

Held: 31 Biblical Reflections on God’s Comfort and Care in the Sorrow of Miscarriage

Abbey’s Website

Hope Mommies Website

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Sponsorship:

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Tim & Kaleigh Britzman in honor of Adalia Faith. Tim and Kaleigh share, "Adalia, through your short life God has given us a greater anticipation and perspective of our eternal life in Jesus' presence. We cannot wait to join you there! Until then, we deeply miss you every day. Two months closer. Love, Mommy, Daddy, & Lilly"

Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast

The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

How do you respond when someone asks how many kids you have? Or when a baby shower invite arrives in your inbox? What about the medical advice you didn’t ask for or the pressure to "move on"?

In this episode, Brooke Schuelke, Jennie Parks, and Kristin Hernandez share personal stories and practical wisdom for navigating the often uncomfortable and unexpected situations that arise after the loss of a baby. 

You’ll hear how we respond to…

(4:27) questions about family size

(23:23) invitations to social gatherings like baby showers and birthday parties

(43:35) unsolicited advice

(48:08) timelines placed on grief

(52:39) pressure to grieve a certain way

We open up about the lessons we’ve learned through our own failures, the value of honest communication, receiving accountability even when it hurts, and the lasting encouragement we find in God and His Word. 

If you're walking through grief—or walking with someone who is—we pray this conversation helps you as you navigate various scenarios and reminds you that you're not alone!

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Sponsorship

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Kevin and Johanna Klinger in honor of their son, Charles Liam Paul Klinger. They write," We love you and miss you, Charlie! We are so thankful for the gift of your life. May God be honored and glorified as we treasure the precious memory of you until we are all reunited in heaven."

If you’d like to sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mom you know, visit hopemommies.org.

Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast

The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.