In this season finale, Teresa Reiniger reflects on the journey of her podcast, ‘Labor Pains’ to 'Resilient Moms,' which has provided a platform for women to share their stories of grief and resilience. Over the past four years, the podcast has evolved from focusing on infertility and pregnancy loss to encompassing a broader range of experiences related to loss.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Sound Bites:

Connect with Teresa:

EMAIL:

Facebook

Instagram:

Website:

click and schedule a complementary Hope Exploration call: https://livingaftergrief.com/calendar/hope-exploration-session

Podcast Guest: https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

Teresa Reiniger sits down with Michelle Cramer, founder of a nonprofit organization supporting grieving families, to explore the complexities of grief—particularly around pregnancy and infant loss. Together, they dive deep into society's struggles to offer meaningful support to families experiencing loss, and the crucial need for emotional intelligence in conversations about grief.

Michelle shares her personal experiences, including her work providing practical resources for grieving families and how she advocates for bereavement leave policies. The discussion shines a light on the emotional and societal challenges grieving families face, the importance of acknowledging their loss, and the need for greater awareness and education around grief.

Whether you're navigating your own grief or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into how we can show up for each other with empathy, compassion, and practical support.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Sound Bites:

"Grief doesn't go away; we learn to build our life around it

Michelle’s Book: Unshattered Grief by Michelle Cramer Grief Recovery Method: GriefRecoveryMethod.com

Connect with Michelle Cramer: Website: ⁠⁠https://oawphoto.org/⁠⁠ 

Instagram: @oaw_photo

Facebook: oawphoto

youtube: @oawphoto

Retreat Link:

https://livingaftergrief.com/emotional-freedom-after-loss-retreat

Connect with Teresa:

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/

Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope Exploration call: https://livingaftergrief.com/calendar/hope-exploration-session

Podcast Guest:  https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

Teresa Reiniger sits down with Michelle L. Cramer to discuss the transformative power of grief recovery. Michelle, the founder of On Angel's Wings, Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist, and Author of Unshattered Grief.

Michelle explains in this week’s episode the Grief Recovery Method, focusing on how it helps individuals process their grief by addressing unresolved past losses and emotional wounds. Together, Teresa and Michelle explore how verbalizing grief, building support systems, and finding strength in vulnerability are essential steps on the path to healing. This episode is a powerful reminder that while grief is deeply personal, there is hope, community, and support available for everyone navigating loss.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Sound Bites:

"We want to increase your capacity for happiness again."

"Grief is work, and it requires awareness."

"We need to create scar tissue instead of open wounds."

Michelle’s Book: Unshattered Grief by Michelle Cramer Grief Recovery Method: GriefRecoveryMethod.com

Connect with Michelle Cramer: Website: ⁠https://oawphoto.org/⁠ 

Instagram: @oaw_photo

Facebook: oawphoto

youtube: @oawphoto

Retreat Link:

https://livingaftergrief.com/emotional-freedom-after-loss-retreat

Connect with Teresa: EMAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/⁠ Instagram: @livingaftergrief Website: ⁠https://livingaftergrief.com/⁠ click and schedule a complementary Hope Exploration call: ⁠https://livingaftergrief.com/calendar/hope-exploration-session⁠ Podcast Guest: ⁠https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

In this episode of Resilient Moms I am joined by Michelle Cramer, the founder and executive director of On Angels' Wings, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support for families who have lost a child at birth or have a child with a terminal risk diagnosis. Michelle shares her personal journey and the story behind creating On Angels' Wings, a powerful organization that offers free therapeutic photography and grief recovery services to families in need.

As a Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist and author of Unshattered Grief: Helping Others Through Loss Without Breaking Them… Again, Michelle sharesher passion for improving the way our society handles grief, especially for families experiencing loss.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Michelle has been a photographer for over 18 years, and her deep empathy and personal experiences inspired her to create On Angels' Wings in 2013 to improve mental health and wellness for families dealing with child loss or medical fragility.​

On Angels' Wings offers free, professional photo sessions to grieving families, providing them with treasured memories of their children. These sessions serve as a therapeutic tool, helping families honor and remember their lost children.​

Michelle’s organization goes beyond photography, offering grief recovery programs that emphasize moving forward, not simply "moving on." The goal is to help families find strength, healing, and connection as they navigate their grief journey.​

What started in one location has now expanded to include out-of-state chapters, reaching more families and offering much-needed support on a broader scale.​

Michelle is also actively advocating for a statewide bereavement leave policy to ensure grieving families receive the support they need during their most difficult times.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Michelle’s Book: Unshattered Grief by Michelle Cramer Grief Recovery Method: GriefRecoveryMethod.com

Connect with Michelle Cramer: Website: https://oawphoto.org/ 

Instagram: @oaw_photo

Facebook: oawphoto

youtube: @oawphoto

Retreat Link:

https://livingaftergrief.com/emotional-freedom-after-loss-retreat

Connect with Teresa: EMAIL: [email protected] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/ Instagram: @livingaftergrief Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/ click and schedule a complementary Hope Exploration call: https://livingaftergrief.com/calendar/hope-exploration-session Podcast Guest: https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

In this episode, I aim to provide you with some clarity and understanding about managing grief, dealing with heightened emotions and brain fog, and recognizing the significant impact grief can have on physical health. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of self care practices that can support healing during the grieving process.

In this episode:

·       Acknowledging that heightened emotions and brain fog are normal.

·       The emotional rollercoaster of grief, with fluctuating emotions.

·       Naming your emotions as a crucial step toward understanding and managing them.

·       Mindfulness Body Scan Exercise.

·       Health Impact of Grief.

·       Practical ways to incorporate self-care into your routine.

Emotional Freedom After Loss Retreat. November 22-24, 2024 https://livingaftergrief.com/emotional-freedom-after-loss-retreat

Connect with Teresa:

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/

Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope

Podcast Guest: https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

In this heartfelt episode, Teresa Reiniger talks with Katie Schwarz about her personal journey through pregnancy loss and the complexities she faced along the way. Katie courageously shares the story of her son, Hudson, and the emotional and medical challenges she encountered during her pregnancy. Katie emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, trusting one's instincts, and finding a supportive community to navigate the profound grief that accompanies such a loss.

Topics within this episode:

·       Pregnancy loss is an emotionally challenging and life-altering experience.

·       Complications during pregnancy can lead to high-risk situations and necessitate medical interventions.

·       Finding a new path and purpose after loss is a personal journey that requires time and self-discovery.

·       Advocating for oneself and trusting one's instincts are crucial.

·       Building a supportive network of understanding individuals provides a safe space for open dialogue and shared experiences.

·       Each person's grief journey is unique; it's essential to find a path that feels right and comforting.

·       Continuous support from friends and family is vital as grief is an ongoing process.

"Advocate for yourself and trust your gut. Find your people, find the people who will be there for you. Take your own time and find what helps you keep going." ~~ Katie Schwarz

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/

Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope

Podcast Guest: https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

In this episode, I delve into the isolating experience of losing a child and explore ways to build a strong support network to aid in the healing process. I have shared 5 practical tips to communicate your needs, set boundaries, and connect with those who can genuinely support you.

Grief often leads to feelings of isolation, even when surrounded by others. It is crucial to recognize and address these feelings to promote healing and emotional well-being.

5 Practical Tips for Communicating Needs and Setting

1.       Use “I” Statements: Express your feelings and

2.       Be Clear and Direct: Communicate your needs

3.       Set Specific Boundaries: Define clear boundaries

4.       Ask for Help When Needed: Do not hesitate to ask

5.       Adjust Boundaries as Needed: Revisit and adjust

Building a Support Network

Connect with Others: It is beneficial to connect with those who have experienced similar losses and those who listen with compassion.

Support Network Mapping: Create a visual map of your support network by drawing three concentric circles. Place people who you can rely on any time in the inner circle and others in the outer circles based on their level of support.

Identify Gaps: Identify any gaps in your support network and think about ways to strengthen your connections or seek out new support avenues. Aim to have 3-4 people in your inner circle.

Your support network will change as you and your grief journey evolve, and that is okay. Expect changes in your relationships, with some people staying close and others distancing themselves.

If your inner circle feels empty or insufficient, reach out for support. If you are unsure how to communicate your needs or set boundaries, I am here to guide you through this challenging time.

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/

Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope Exploration call: https://livingaftergrief.com/calendar/hope-exploration-session

Podcast Guest: https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

Kayla Hollingshead and Jenni Koskela are two dedicated Labor and Delivery Nurses that work daily to find rays of sunshine by creating positive memories amid baby loss. Jenni shared that when a mom comes in and there is no heart beat the regular protocol goes out the window. It is about sharing love and compassion while guiding the family through their needs. We want to ensure the families have every opportunity to create beautiful memories with their baby.

Within this episode we discussed:

Kayla and Jenni, along with two other L&D nurses have started Butterfly Kisses Alliance, a nonprofit that provides education and support for families who have experienced pregnancy loss or the death of a newborn.  They believe that by offering resources and guidance, they can help families navigate the difficult journey of grief and find hope for the future. They provide Comfort Kits for Families and Standard of Care Guidelines for Healthcare Providers

For Bereaved Parents, reach out for support and take comfort in creating lasting memories with your child. You are not in this alone.

For Healthcare Workers, remember the significance of your role and strive to make each family's experience as positive as possible. They will remember.

For All Listeners, support initiatives like Butterfly Kisses Alliance and participate in fundraisers to help provide essential services to grieving families.

Connect with Kayla and Jenni:

Facebook: Butterfly Kisses Alliance

Instagram: @butterflykissesalliance

Connect with Teresa:

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/

Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope

Podcast Guest: https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

Join us in this special anniversary episode as we celebrate four years of podcasting, sharing stories, resources, information about infertility, pregnancy, and child loss and navigating grief. This episode features three very special guests: my granddaughters Blake and Harper, who share about themselves and why they are grandmom's little miracles, and my husband Tom, who has been a huge support over the last four years.

Blake and Harper introduce themselves and share why they are special and grandmom's little miracles. Blake was born through a gestational carrier after her mom experienced multiple miscarriages. Harper has two mommies and was conceived with the help of a sperm donor.

My husband, who has edited over 190 episodes show notes, provides invaluable support and insights about the podcast.

Topics we talked about:

   - Challenges with Editing:

   - Memorable Episode:

   - Insights Gained:

Tom talks about our daughters' losses and the sadness of realizing we could have had more grandchildren. He expresses his understanding and appreciation of the work being done to help women in this community.

Celebrating the journey of the past four years and expressing gratitude to all listeners and supporters. Encouraging listeners to continue sharing their stories and to stay tuned for more inspiring and supportive episodes in the future.

Tom referenced, Episode 142 with Traci Daniels about Microchimerism

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/

Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope Exploration call: https://livingaftergrief.com/calendar/hope-exploration-session

Podcast Guest: https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call

In this episode, Robbie Norris shares his deeply personal journey through grief and heartbreak following the loss of his daughter Indie. Robbie opens up about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way, offering valuable insights for others navigating similar experiences. He describes the intense anger and shares his struggles with directing his anger towards his wife, Molly.

In this Episode:

·       The difference in grieving styles initially caused tension but ultimately helped them understand and support each other better.

·       Turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism, which he regrets.

·       Reflecting on the importance of seeking professional help to manage his anger and wishes he had been more open to this earlier.

·       Despite their different grieving processes, Robbie and Molly decided to lean on each other, which strengthened their bond as a couple.

·       Societal pressure on men to be the strong, supportive "rock" and how challenging it was to accept that he could not fix the situation.

 You have to recognize that your partner, your wife, your girlfriend is likely going to take it harder than you do, and you have to recognize that their bond is greater, and I wish I would have recognized it sooner. I’m glad I do now. ~ Robbie Norris

Connect with Teresa:

EMAIL: [email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LivingAfterGrief/

Instagram: @livingaftergrief

Website: https://livingaftergrief.com/

click and schedule a complementary Hope Exploration call: https://livingaftergrief.com/calendar/hope-exploration-session

Podcast Guest: https://livingaftergrief.coachesconsole.com/calendar/podcast-interview-call