No Foot Too Small Podcast

As the holiday season approaches, many families feel the growing tension between the world’s sparkle and their own heartbreak. In this tender and grounded conversation, we are joined by author, spiritual director, and caregiver coach Sherah-Leigh Gerber, whose Advent devotional Unhappy Holidays offers honest words, gentle practices, and blessings for anyone carrying grief into a season that’s “supposed” to feel joyful.
Together, we explore what it means to face Christmas with sorrow, longing, or unanswered prayers — and how to honor both grief and hope without forcing either one. Drawing from her own family’s story, her pastoral work, and her training in spiritual care, Sherah-Leigh offers language, perspective, and permission for those navigating infertility, loss, loneliness, or major life transitions this time of year.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Why holidays often intensify grief, longing, and emotional fatigue
• How Advent gives us a framework to name pain and look for hope
• What “marking time” and creating simple rituals can offer your heart
• How to set boundaries, honor your needs, and release unrealistic holiday expectations
• Blessings and practices for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss
Whether this season feels heavy, tender, or complicated, this conversation offers comfort, language, and light for the journey.
📚 Purchase Unhappy Holidays:  https://a.co/d/cDVcXyK 
🤍 Connect with Sherah-Leigh Gerber: https://shergerber.com/ or @SherGerber
🫶 Join our community: nofoottoosmall.org/families
🔗 Donate to support the mission: nofoottoosmall.org/donate
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these conversations.

Guest Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by guests on the No Foot Too Small Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.
Medical Disclaimer:
No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.

In this powerful conversation, we are joined by Dr. Kristen Sharp, OB-GYN at the University of Wisconsin and founder of the Hope After Loss Clinic — a groundbreaking model offering both medical and emotional care to families navigating pregnancy and infant loss.
A loss mom herself, Dr. Sharp shares the story of her son Caleb, how his brief life forever changed the way she practices medicine, and why she believes compassionate, individualized care should be the standard for every family experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, or pregnancy after loss.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Dr. Sharp’s personal journey from heartbreak to hope
• How the Hope After Loss Clinic is redefining care for bereaved families
• The emotional and physical realities of pregnancy after loss and why every parent deserves space to grieve and heal
• A message of hope for the future of compassionate healthcare

🤍 Learn more about the Hope After Loss Clinic:  Hope After Loss Clinic | UW Health
💬 Connect with No Foot Too Small families: nofoottoosmall.org/families
🔗 Donate to support the mission: nofoottoosmall.org/donate
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these stories.Guest Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on the No Foot Too Small Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.  Medical Disclaimer: No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.

As Halloween approaches, homes across the country begin to glow with orange — but among them, one color carries a different kind of meaning. In this special Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month episode, we sit down with Jennifer Giles, author of the viral poem “The White Pumpkin,” who found her words turning into an international tradition of remembrance and awareness.

Jennifer shares the story of her daughter Madelyn Grace, how one late-night moment of inspiration became a global movement, and how families everywhere now use a single white pumpkin to honor their angels each October. Together, Jennifer and Jessica reflect on friendship, faith, creativity, and how one act of love can connect thousands of families walking through loss.🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The story behind The White Pumpkin poem and how it became a symbol of remembrance
• How Jennifer has partnered with others to help families honor their babies in beautiful, tangible ways
• Creative ideas for raising awareness during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and beyond
• How faith, friendship, and storytelling can help turn grief into connection

🕯 Learn more about Jennifer’s work: ⁠⁠jennifergilesmusic.com⁠⁠🎃 

Explore Jessica’s shop: ⁠⁠https://www.jessicawatt.com/product/white-pumpkin/⁠⁠🤍 

Order a White Pumpkin on Etsy: ⁠⁠https://knitknotsbyjulieco.etsy.com/⁠⁠ 

🩷 Connect with NFTS families: ⁠⁠nofoottoosmall.org/families⁠⁠

🎧 Watch or listen now: ⁠⁠nofoottoosmall.org/podcast⁠⁠

⁠🔗 Donate to support the mission: ⁠⁠nofoottoosmall.org/donate⁠⁠S

pecial thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these stories.

The views and opinions expressed by guests on the No Foot Too Small Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization. Medical Disclaimer: No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.

As Halloween approaches, homes across the country begin to glow with orange — but among them, one color carries a different kind of meaning.
In this special Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month episode, we sit down with Jennifer Giles, author of the viral poem “The White Pumpkin,” who found her words turning into an international tradition of remembrance and awareness.
Jennifer shares the story of her daughter Madelyn Grace, how one late-night moment of inspiration became a global movement, and how families everywhere now use a single white pumpkin to honor their angels each October. Together, Jennifer and Jessica reflect on friendship, faith, creativity, and how one act of love can connect thousands of families walking through loss.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The story behind The White Pumpkin poem and how it became a symbol of remembrance
• How Jennifer has partnered with others to help families honor their babies in beautiful, tangible ways
• Creative ideas for raising awareness during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and beyond
• How faith, friendship, and storytelling can help turn grief into connection

🕯 Learn more about Jennifer’s work: jennifergilesmusic.com
🎃 Explore Jessica’s shop: https://www.jessicawatt.com/product/white-pumpkin/
🤍 Order a White Pumpkin on Etsy: https://knitknotsbyjulieco.etsy.com/ 
🩷 Connect with NFTS families: nofoottoosmall.org/families
🎧 Watch or listen now: nofoottoosmall.org/podcast
🔗 Donate to support the mission: nofoottoosmall.org/donate
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these stories.
The views and opinions expressed by guests on the No Foot Too Small Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.
Medical Disclaimer:
No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.

To kick off Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we’re turning the microphone over to some of the youngest voices in our community—siblings of angels.
Seven years ago, No Foot Too Small filmed a video with a group of kids bravely sharing what it was like to grow up with angel brothers or sisters. Now, seven years later, we invited them back to reflect on how life has unfolded since then.
In this special episode, you’ll hear:

• Honest reflections from siblings about love, loss, and what they imagine life would be like if their angels were here today.
• The creative and meaningful traditions families have built to honor their babies, from hospital donations to lantern releases and birthday celebrations.
• Why being surrounded by other NFTS families has helped these kids feel less alone and more connected.
• The wisdom of children who remind us that remembrance is not just for parents, but for siblings, too.

Through laughter, memories, and heartfelt stories, these special kids remind us that our angels’ siblings carry their memory forward in powerful ways.
🤍 Learn more and connect with us: nofoottoosmall.org/families
🎧 Watch or listen now: nofoottoosmall.org/podcast
🔗 Donate to the mission: nofoottoosmall.org/donate
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these conversations.
Medical Disclaimer:
No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.

In honor of Self-Care Month, we’re breaking down the stigma around what healing really looks like.
We’re joined by Laurel Wiers—licensed marriage and family therapist, trauma recovery expert, and creator of the MINT method—for a conversation about how grief and trauma imprint on our bodies, and how alternative therapies can help us reclaim peace and power after loss.
Laurel shares her personal journey into trauma work, explains the difference between grief and trauma, and introduces modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) that are helping families heal beyond traditional talk therapy.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why “negative life events” can live in our bodies as trauma, even without a PTSD diagnosis
• How grief triggers show up physically, and what healing looks like when we address them
• The role of alternative therapies like EMDR and ART in calming the nervous system and reducing painful triggers
• Practical advice for couples navigating loss and healing together
• Permission to grieve your way, without shame or “shoulds”

🌱 Learn more about Laurel and her work at laurelwiers.com
🤍 If you are navigating pregnancy or infant loss, connect with us at: nofoottoosmall.org/families
🎧 Watch or listen now on your favorite platform: nofoottoosmall.org/podcast
🔗 Donate to support the mission: nofoottoosmall.org/donate
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these important conversations.
Medical Disclaimer: No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.

September is National NICU and Infant Mortality Awareness Month and today on September 10th—Henry's birthday—we honor his life with this special episode of the NFTS Podcast.
Hosts Robin Boudreau and Ali Maahs are joined by Courtney Fitzpatrick, who opens her heart to share about her angel Henry’s birth, NICU journey, and the sacred hours she and her husband spent holding him, loving him, and saying goodbye.
Courtney reflects on the heartbreak of leaving the hospital without her firstborn, the ongoing journey of grief, and the hope that came with welcoming Henry’s little brother, Elliot. She also shares how she found connection and healing through No Foot Too Small's virtual support groups and a community of parents who choose to walk this road together.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The reality of NICU loss and the trauma families face
• Why remembrance matters for parents who don’t bring their babies home
• The role of support groups in helping families process grief and find connection
• How Courtney carries Henry’s story forward while parenting after loss

🤍 Learn more and connect with us: nofoottoosmall.org/families
🎧 Watch or listen now: nofoottoosmall.org/podcast
🔗 Donate to the mission: nofoottoosmall.org/donate
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these conversations.
Medical Disclaimer:
No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.

In honor of National Stillbirth Prevention & Awareness Day (September 19), we’re sharing an episode that brings legal insight and lived experience into one powerful conversation.
Ali Maahs sits down with Jill Wieber Lens—a law professor, loss mom, author and national advocate working to change how stillbirth is understood, researched, and talked about in this country.
Jill shares the story of her son, Caleb, and how her loss propelled her into a unique lane of advocacy—using her legal expertise to elevate the conversation around stillbirth as not just a personal tragedy, but a public health issue.
Together, we discuss:

• Stillbirth statistics and examples of global prevention efforts
• Why stillbirth is often overlooked in both public health and policy conversations
• The language we use around loss and why this matters
• The urgent need for better data, deeper research, and real change in how we support families experiencing pregnancy loss

Whether you're a grieving parent, a provider, or someone who wants to understand how to help—this episode is a call to listen, learn, and advocate.
🤍 Learn more and connect with us at: nofoottoosmall.org
🎧 Watch or listen now: nofoottoosmall.org/podcast
🔗 Donate to support the mission: nofoottoosmall.org/donate
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these conversations.
Medical Disclaimer
No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.

In honor of Rainbow Baby Day, we’re spotlighting one of our most meaningful partnerships—Owlet Cares.
In this episode, NFTS host Ali Maahs is joined by Amanda Nelson, Manager of Advocacy and Healthcare Marketing at Owlet, to explore the evolving partnership between our two organizations and how it’s helping support families through the complex journey of pregnancy after loss.
Amanda shares how the mission behind Owlet’s innovative baby-monitoring technology has always been rooted in compassion, and how that mission expanded to create programs like The Rainbow Project and Nursery of Hope in collaboration with No Foot Too Small.
🎧 Tune in to hear:

• The story behind The Rainbow Project and how it’s grown to support hundreds of families nationwide
• Why pregnancy after loss is a journey deserving of its own community and care
• How Owlet and NFTS are using partnership to fill gaps in support, provide peace of mind, and honor every parenting path
• Stories of connection, hope, and healing—including two moms who gave birth to their rainbow babies on the same day after meeting in our virtual group
• The impact of Nursery of Hope, a tree-planting initiative helping families create lasting legacies for their angels

🌈 Learn more or apply to The Rainbow Project: nofoottoosmall.org/families/the-rainbow-project.html🌱 Explore Owlet Cares: owletcare.com/pages/owletcares🤍 Share your story or join our community: nofoottoosmall.org/families
🎧 Watch or listen now on your favorite platform: nofoottoosmall.org/podcast
🔗 Donate to the mission: nofoottoosmall.orgThank you to our friends at Storyline Multimedia for making this episode possible, and special thanks to Owlet for sponsoring this episode and for helping us hold space for both grief and joy, especially today. Happy Rainbow Baby Day.

Medical Disclaimer: No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.  

August means back-to-school, and for many families, it also means navigating a new year with the weight of grief and the memory of a child who isn’t physically here.
In honor of Bereaved Parents Month, this special episode features public school educator Katie Gaffney and school mental health therapist Sally Wiley, who share their unique perspectives on how grief shows up in the classroom and how to better support children who have experienced the loss of a sibling.
Together, we explore how loss can impact learning and behavior, how to partner with teachers and counselors to create supportive environments, and simple, meaningful ways to include your angel baby in back-to-school traditions.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or school counselor, this conversation is full of practical advice and gentle reminders that you’re not alone—and that there’s no one right way to do this.
📚 Book recommendations from the episode:
• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
• Everywhere Still by M.H. Clark
• Memory Jars by Vera Brosgol
• I Miss You by Pat Thomas
🤍 If you’re a family navigating pregnancy or infant loss, we’d love to connect: nofoottoosmall.org/families
🎧 Listen, follow, and share our podcast: nofoottoosmall.org/podcast
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these conversations.

Medical Disclaimer:  No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.