Miscarriage Hope Desk Podcast

In episode #145, Dr. Julie Bindeman shares her expertise on bereavement and workplace leave policies related to miscarriage. We talk about the current availability of leave allowed for pregnancy loss, how grief can impact us in the workplace, and what we can do to advocate for change.

Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from the George Washington University and is the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland. Her specialty is in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents. She is an approved consultant in EMDR through EMDRIA. She has served on several committees within the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and was elected in 2021 to its Executive Committee. She served as a former Board Member of the Maryland Psychological Association for over 10 years.

Dr. Bindeman is a member of multiple organizations focused on Maternal and Reproductive Mental Health and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on its Maternal Mental Health Task Force. She was recently awarded the Karl Heiser Award for her legislative efforts on behalf of psychology. Dr. Bindeman has published several chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology.

Topics Discussed: Bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), short-term disability, effects of grief in the workplace, how to advocate for flexible leave policies, post-traumatic growth

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CONNECT WITH DR. BINDEMAN -

www.GreaterWashingtonTherapy.com

instagram.com/drjuliebindeman

twitter.com/drjulieb

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MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/library/understanding-why/
• Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk
• Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs
• Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE!

SHOW NOTES- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/

Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- http://MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs

In episode #144, Danielle shares her personal story of loss. Danielle experienced the miscarriage of her first pregnancy at home, around 9 weeks gestation. She found out (years later) that her loss was related to a blighted ovum, and since this time in 2016 she has experienced several other setbacks including a burst cyst and fibroids. Based on her wants and needs following her miscarriage, Danielle founded Tiny Hearts Remembered - a nonprofit organization with the mission of decreasing the negative effects of pregnancy loss.

We discuss the importance of education, support, and advocacy related to pregnancy loss, as well as how the medical response to miscarriage can create feelings of loneliness and confusion.

Topics Discussed: loss of first pregnancy, high HCG levels, spotting, pain in early pregnancy, miscarriage at home, blighted ovum, nightmares, March of Dimes, LEEP procedure (Loop electrosurgical excision procedure), burst cyst, fibroids, memorializing miscarriage

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CONNECT WITH DANIELLE - www.tinyheartsrememberedinc.org instagram.com/tinyheartsrememberedinc

https://www.facebook.com/TinyHeartsRememberedInc

Tiny Hearts Remembered has a Facebook group and hosts a support group once/month.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2063146947143423

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MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/library/understanding-why/
• Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk
• Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs
• Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE!

SHOW NOTES- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/

Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- http://MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs

In episode #143, Hannah shares her personal story of loss. After experiencing a miscarriage in 2016, Hannah and her husband were unable to get pregnant. Specialist visits revealed a "double whammy": Hannah had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and they were also dealing with severe male factor infertility. They were told that they were unlikely to ever have a biological child.

When they eventually sought a second opinion, they decided to try IVF. Hannah talks about the grief associated with losing embryos during this process, and she also shares her experiences with a blighted ovum and the loss of one of her twins following IVF. Through it all, she found prayer and participation in a support group to be beneficial for both herself and her husband.

Topics Discussed: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Clomid, reproductive endocrinology, severe male factor infertility, low motility, low sperm count, in vitro fertilization (IVF), lost embryos before IVF, blighted ovum, loss of one twin during pregnancy

CONNECT WITH HANNAH -

instagram.com/hannahclark_podcastmanager

instagram.com/hannahclark512

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MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/library/understanding-why/
• Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk
• Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs
• Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE!

SHOW NOTES- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/

Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- http://MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs

In episode #142, Tiffany shares her personal story of loss. After losing her son, Moses, around 16 weeks gestation, it took years for her to tell her story. Once she did, she began to finally breathe. Tiffany became curious about that freedom, and she wrote a book honoring her grief related to her pregnancy loss.

Tiffany shares the importance of honoring your grief and finding ways to lean on a community. Her book, The Cry: Poems of Mourning Sickness, helped her to process her emotions and she hopes it can do the same for others. We talk about using coping strategies, working through your emotions, and memorializing your loss(es) in ways that feel the most aligned for you.

Topics Discussed: community after miscarriage, the importance of not feeling alone, mourning pregnancy loss, honoring grief, memorials of loss, fibroids, rainbow children

CONNECT WITH TIFFANY - www.speakfire.today instagram.com/tiffanyvakilian facebook.com/tiffanyvakilian

BOOK - The Cry: Poems of Mourning Sickness (available on Tiffany's website and wherever books are sold) https://a.co/d/2frlmv2

MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/library/understanding-why/
• Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk
• Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs
• Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE!

SHOW NOTES- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/

Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs

In episode 141, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder, Allison Schaaf, is here to discuss adoption. She shares her own story of feeling called to adopts, as well as questions to explore when considering adoption.

Topics Discussed: Considering adoption, Feeling called to adopt, International versus domestic adoption

LINKS IN THIS EPISODE:

Allison's Personal Story:

• Part I: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/ep2/
• Part II: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/ep3/
• Part III: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/ep4/
• Part IV: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/ep5/
• Allison's Written Story: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/about/allison-schaaf/

MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES-Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Pregnancy After Loss program- Pregnancy After Loss - https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/pal
• Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/understanding-why
• Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk
• Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs
• Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE!

SHOW NOTES-https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/ Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist-MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs

This page contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Miscarriage Hope Desk.

In episode 140, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder talks about steps you can take to explore the causes of your pregnancy loss. From taking ownership over your lab work and testing after miscarriage to finding the right practitioner, these are tangible steps you can take.

Topics Discussed: Testing after miscarriage, lab work, finding the right doctor

LINKS IN THIS EPISODE:

Proof: https://proovtest.com/?wly=62068 (

Oova: https://oova.life/?ref=MiscarriageHopeDesk (

MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES-Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Pregnancy After Loss program- Pregnancy After Loss - https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/pal
• Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/understanding-why
• Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk
• Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs
• Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE!

SHOW NOTES-https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/ Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist-MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs

"Don't do, just be."

In episode 139, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder Allison Schaaf talks about the importance of this phrase in the time following a pregnancy loss. As important as research and seeking expert advice are, listening to your own intuition is essential when deciding how to move forward. Journaling and meditation can be very helpful for this.

Topics Discussed: Intuition, Journaling, Meditation

LINKS IN THIS EPISODE:

Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682589256&sr=8-1

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MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES-Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Pregnancy After Loss program- Pregnancy After Loss - https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/pal
• Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/understanding-why
• Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk
• Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs
• Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE!

SHOW NOTES-https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/ Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist-MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs

Mother's Day can be hard after experiencing pregnancy loss. Miscarriage Hope Desk founder, Allison Schaaf, shares her thoughts on Mother's Day after miscarriage, including things you can do to prepare.

Some things to consider:

1. You can always say "no".

If you're invited to an event you know will be triggering, give yourself permission to say "no". If you feel relieved when you consider declining, it's likely the right choice.

2. Consider staying home.

At many places, like churches or some restaurants, on Mother's Day, people will ask if you're a mother to give you a flower. If that will be hard for you, consider skipping that day.

3. Think about a Social Media break.

There will be a lot of focus on Mother's Day on social media this week. If that will be hard for you, consider taking a digital break.

4. Rethink plans for the day.

If you go out to brunch, know that the servers may ask you if you're celebrating.

What can you do instead?

1. Go for a walk.

This is a big one for me and my mental health. Going for a drive or taking a long shower can be therapeutic as well.

2. Make a call.

Plan a call, or in-person get together, with a friend or loved one who knows what you've been through.

3. Book a massage.

Consider letting the massage therapist know ahead of time that you don't wish to talk about Mother's Day.

4. Make a special meal at your house.

Take this opportunity to connect with your partner and plan something special at home.

5. Reach out to someone else.

If you have a friend or loved one who is also struggling with loss, consider reaching out to support them.

6. Journal or visualize.

In addition to making space for your emotions, you may be in a place where you can journal and visualize about your hopes for the future.

Really consider what will be best and most healing for you and do that.

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Topics Discussed: Mother's Day after miscarriage

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MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES-Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Pregnancy After Loss program- Pregnancy After Loss - https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/pal
• Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/understanding-why
• Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk
• Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs
• Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE!

SHOW NOTES-https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/ Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist-MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs

In episode 137, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder, Allison Schaaf, talks about the importance of processing grief after miscarriage. She also shares specific things that have helped her through her grief journey.

Topics Discussed: Grieving miscarriage, Processing grief, Resources for grief

LINKS IN THIS EPISODE

Devotional - Grieving the Child I Never Knew: https://www.christianbook.com/grieving-never-devotional-comfort-unborn-newly/kathe-wunnenberg/9780310350651/pd/350650?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=family-0-20%7C350650&p=1179710&utm_source=google&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=14238751190&cb_adg=126639518358&cb_kyw=&gclid=CjwKCAjwl6OiBhA2EiwAuUwWZXayyQucSFo_mvteM0H0_43vSRipTKXhA7NDvIIW1L_6fAUHWxh1iBoC4ocQAvD_BwE

Healing through Words Journal, by Rupi Kaur: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Through-Words-Rupi-Kaur/dp/1524873268

MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES-Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Pregnancy After Loss program- Pregnancy After Loss - https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/pal
• Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/understanding-why
• Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk
• Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs
• Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE!

SHOW NOTES-https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/ Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist-MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs

In episode 136, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder, Allison Schaaf, shares how she helped her two sons understand and process her recent miscarriage.

What's helped Allison:

1. Be honest. 2. Letting them know I'm sad and it's okay to be sad. 3. Use books. 4. Encourage closure. 5. Be prepared for your child to bring it up unexpectedly.

Topics Discussed: Miscarriage with kids, grieving miscarriage, explaining miscarriage to a child, books explaining miscarriage, closure after miscarriage

LINKS IN THIS EPISODE

Books About Miscarriage - Explaining Miscarriage to a Child: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/books-about-miscarriage-explaining-miscarriage-to-a-child/

13 Ways to Memorialize Your Miscarriage: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/memorialize-your-miscarriage/

MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling with miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-

• Pregnancy After Loss program
• Moving Forward Program
• Library of Articles, found here
• Instagram Community
• Facebook Community
• Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist
• Free Weekly Newsletter

FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, to get 2 weeks FREE!

Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklis