Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories

Have you heard of the prolactin hormone? This hormone comes from your pituitary gland and is what causes your body to produce breast milk. When this hormone's levels are elevated it causes your body to think it is pregnant and is producing milk. This was the case for today's guest Courtney Shorter. In June 2015, Courtney delivered twin girls Ryan and Morgan 4 months early, both weighing one pound each. Three days later Morgan received her angel wings, and three weeks later Ryan joined her sister in heaven. Courtney shares in this episode how high prolactin hormone levels caused her infertility due to a brain tumor on her pituitary gland. How she took medicine to reduce her prolactin levels, her IVF journey with her rainbow baby boy Hendrix, and her inspiration for starting Ryan Morgan Events. This episode is for you to listen to if you have been diagnosed infertile due to high prolactin levels.

Courtney Shorter's BioLife can be funny or cruel, depending on how you view it. You make elaborate plans, envision how perfect things will be and then somewhere along the journey, those plans change. Just a few years ago, life was great. I had a career in human resources, and a part-time position working in my passion, event planning. To add icing to the cake, my husband Mike and I were expecting twin girls, due to arrive in October 2015. In June 2015, we delivered our beautiful girls, 4 months early. Ryan was born at 1:45 pm and Morgan arrived one minute later, both weighing one pound each. Our "Tinymights" put up an intense fight. Yet, after three days, Morgan received her baby angel wings. We were blessed to spend the next three weeks with Ryan before she joined her baby sister receiving wings of own. After the passing of my girls, I learned a few life lessons…. Live your life to the fullest; you only get one Celebrate the ones you love always; and Follow your passion. I felt an urge and realized my dreams of planning events full time which brings me to you and your celebrations of life, family, and careers. I'm here to serve you and help you celebrate your life to the fullest. My company, named after my daughters, Ryan and Morgan, is built on a bedrock of love, a passion for what's possible and a commitment to be an unstoppable force for good. We look forward to working with you.

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Have you heard of blocked fallopian tubes?

In today's episode we have Chanay Bank's who share's her secondary infertility diagnosis due to blocked fallopian tubes and her IVF journey. Chanay was diagnosed with secondary infertility at 26 years old after already having a child from a previous relationship. She ended up having both her tubes removed resulting in IVF being the option for her and her husband to grow their family. She is currently going through her second round of IVF and is documenting her journey on instagram. This episode is for you if you have experienced secondary infertility or have been diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes.

Chanay Bank's Bio

My name is Chanay Banks. I was diagnosed with second Infertility in 2014. Currently reside in Maryland. Close to Washington DC. Married for almost a year to my husband we a son and a daughter both from previous relationships. After being diagnosed I under went surgery and had to get both of my tubes removed. At the time I wasn't honest with myself about how I felt. Since, I was blessed with one child I never wanted to feel ungrateful. Deep down I did long for another child with my husband but didn't know if I had the courage to go through IVF. Also, IVF isn't talked about in the young black community. I was diagnosed at 26. Now at 30, We will now be completing our first IVF cycle in July 2018. I want to continue to share and connect with woman. I feel it's important and no woman should be ashamed.

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Have you experienced cervical incompetence or an incompetent cervix? In today's episode we have Jamillah Miller who shares her multiple miscarriage story due to an incompetent cervix, and finding out her 16 year old daughter was pregnant right after she had her rainbow baby, and right before her grandchild was born experienced another loss. Jamillah is the founder and host of The Girl Named Boom Podcast and in this episode she shares how she overcame post partum depression, marriage being tested, and how she overcame obstacles of fear, doubt, uncertainty and timidness. This episode is for you to listen to if you have experienced recurrent losses due to incompetent cervix.

Jamillah Miller's BioI am a 35 year old mother of two (17 & 2) and a grandmother. I currently host a Podcast That Girl Named Boom and I work full time (currently on leave). I love to coupon, journal, meditate (with crystals), travel, read and the beach. I try to practice a holistic lifestyle and eat as healthy as possible. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My husband and I also own a handyman business in our local area which keeps us very busy.

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In today's episode we have Chasity Womack who shares her stillbirth story of daughter Kierstin on Sept. 26, 2009, and her 2nd trimester miscarriage of twins on January 2, 2012 and March 6, 2012. She then went on to have twin rainbow baby girls. In this episode we talk about her losses and how it inspired her to start Angel Babyzzz to support parents with Angel Babies with memory boxes at local hospitals. Their mission is to raise money and donate memory boxes to local hospitals for bereaved parents as it is extremely important to have something to remember angel babies during the grieving and healing process. We all know that leaving the hospital without a baby is one of the hardest things a parent will have to do. Angel Babyzzz goal is to keep the angel babies memory alive.

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Chasity Womack's Bio

My name is Chasity Womack and my first born, my daughter, Kierstin Ariana was stillborn on Sept. 26, 2009. Every year since then my family, close friends, and I have celebrated her short life with gatherings and dinners on her birthday and October 15th. (The day that is set aside to recognize Pregnancy and Infant Loss.) I also miscarried twins in the second trimester. One twin Jan. 2, 2012, and the other twin March 6, 2012. Unfortunately, these types of losses are so common and shoved in silence as taboo, I felt the need to BREAK THE SILENCE. My babies existed, this pain is real, these types of losses are rarely discussed, but Kierstin Ariana and the Indiocito Twins gave me a reason to let the world know that OUR JOURNEY MATTERS TOO. In addition, we donate reading material to the Parent Bereaved Support Groups at the local hospitals to help begin the healing process, and to bring all parents, families, and friends together that has experienced losing a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. By coming together, we can to talk with others that know exactly what we are going through, to help each other adjust to the new norm, and to let the world know OUR JOURNEY MATTERS TOO.

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Have you heard of Endometriosis? Do you know of someone with this diagnosis? In today's episode Nicole Clark shares her infertility journey due endometriosis, miscarriage healing journey, and what led her to start her non profit organization called Twelve 12 Ministries. Twelve 12 Ministries is a non-profit organization created to support women who are struggling to conceive with infertility being barren, or suffering a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. The name is Inspired by Romans 12:12 "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer". Nicole shares in this episode how she struggled with infertility due to endometriosis for years, how her miscarriage empowered her to help other women, and how she believed God for her rainbow baby girl after months of hope, prayers, tears, surgeries, supplements, and remedies.

Nicole Clark's Bio My name is Nicole Hill Clark and I would like to introduce you to Twelve 12 Ministries. I have been blessed with a beautiful and spunky 5-year old daughter but have spent the last few years on a journey that has led me to this destination.

This non-profit women's ministry was created to support women who are struggling to conceive, with infertility or barren. Including anyone who has suffered a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. Inspired by Romans 12:12 "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer". Twelve 12 Ministries will focus on biblical teachings to help any woman through their tough season.

For the past 3 years I have been struggling with infertility due to endometriosis and healing from a miscarriage. After months of hope, prayers, tears, surgeries, supplements, and remedies, conceiving our 2nd child was not in God's plan. If I did not have Jesus in my life, a community to surround me, and the truth of the bible, I would not have made it through. This is my story; and through my pain and hurt God helped me break free. The strength I was given from this trial is now my way to help others who are struggling with the same issue.

This ministry is ready to take on the world one community at a time. Reminding women of Gods grace and faithfulness. No matter what your circumstance, no matter what you are going through, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay close to God, be in His word, surround yourself with like-minded people and always have hope. Your pain has a purpose and if you move through that storm, you will be stronger, wiser and prepared for the next task at hand.

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Have you ever questioned God why? Did you feel like God let you down after your loss? In today's episode Geneen Fitchett shares her SIDS story of daughter Madison and how to trust God when you don't understand why. Geneen is an angel mother, college biology professor, daughter, friend and child of God. She became a mother on December 4, 2016 to a beautiful baby girl Madison Michelle Jones at the age of 31. She had a perfect pregnancy and created a home for Madison. Unexpectedly when she went to wake up her perfect little girl from a nap in her swing so peacefully on January 11, 2017 she was unresponsive. In this episode Geneen takes us back to that day and how she felt when she left the hospital without her baby. She shares how to trust God even when you don't understand why and I know this episode is for you because we all have felt this way before.

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In today's episode we have Ashley K. Pittman who shares her multiple loss story including losing twins and how to save your marriage after loss. Ashley is the founder of Ashes to Beauty and the wife and mom to two amazing boys. Her mission is to help women protect their marriages after pregnancy loss. Before her boys Ashley loss a set of twins a boy and a girl at 7 months pregnant. Eights months after having them, she then ended up having a miscarriage at 8 weeks. After such a loss, her marriage started to suffer, and they were close to separating permanently. Ashley and her husband learned the hard way that men and women grieve differently and in this episode she shares what she has learned and how she is helping other women and couples save their marriages.

Ashley K. Pittman BioI am Ashley Pittman, wife, mother, and author. I married my high school sweetheart and quickly started a family. After our loss, we could have easily fallen apart. Well, we did fall apart, but with faith, prayer, and life tools, we rebuilt our relationship and grew our family. Everyday, I am thankful for my husband and my children. I reside in Indianapolis, Indiana. I always wanted a family, and almost as soon as my family was given to me, it was taken away. For a a long time, I held on to my pain. I shut out the person who loved me the most, my husband. And even after we were blessed with more children, I still wasn't free to live my life, to love freely, and be there for my children. I was simply existing through the shame and guilt I felt from the loss of my babies. I had to learn how to fight for my freedom. Now that I am free, I'm helping others fight for theirs.

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As many of my US listeners know tomorrow, November 6, 2018 is Election Day and Midterm elections, and we have the power to change and shift the paradigm of maternal and infant mortality in America with our vote. In today's episode I sit down with March of Dimes President Stacey D. Stewart to discuss their Blanket Change Campaign launched on October 10th, and why our vote matters in this election, why the maternal death rate is getting worse as technology advances, and how working together with March of Dimes gives all new moms a better chance to be there for their babies.

Stacey D. Stewart joined March of Dimes as its fifth President on January 1, 2017, and first African American President. In this role, Stewart heads the organization leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies. She is responsible for all aspects of the organization's strategy, vision and operations.

The maternal death rate in America has doubled in just twenty five years, and it's only getting worse. More than 700 moms died due to pregnancy-related causes this year alone, making the United States the most dangerous developed nation to have a newborn baby. Women of color are most at risk of facing life-threatening complications, and black women are three times as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related causes. Working together for #BlanketChange, we can give all new moms a better chance to be there for their babies.

Stacey Stewart Full Bio

• Former U.S. President of United Way Worldwide and senior officer at the Office of Community and Charitable Giving at Fannie Mae

• Accomplished leader with a master's of business administration from the University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree in economics from Georgetown University

• Honorary degrees from Alabama A&M, Morgan State University, Texas Southern University and Trinity University

Stewart came to March of Dimes from United Way Worldwide, where she held several positions, most recently serving as U.S. President of United Way, the nation's largest nonprofit organization. There she provided strategic direction for more than 1,000 local United Ways. Stewart was also responsible for United Way's national efforts in education, financial stability and health as well as guiding efforts to enhance the brand and grow revenue. Stewart spearheaded the transformation of United Way from a pass-through fundraiser to a leading organization for local community impact. Prior to becoming U.S. President, Stewart served as Executive Vice President, Community Impact Leadership and Learning. In this role, Stewart developed global partnerships to advance community impact in more than 40 countries.

A business veteran, Stewart has also held a number of senior roles, including Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President for the Office of Community and Charitable Giving at Fannie Mae, as well as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Fannie Mae Foundation. Additionally, Stewart has an extensive background in finance and investment banking, having served as Vice President for Pryor, McClendon, Counts & Co., and as a senior associate for Merrill Lynch, specializing in financings for state and local governments.

Stewart has a master's of business administration in finance from the University of Michigan and a bachelor of arts in economics from Georgetown University. She also holds honorary degrees from Trinity University, Morgan State University, Texas Southern University, Lincoln University and Alabama A&M University. She currently serves on several boards nationally and in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Stewart is married to Jarvis C. Stewart, the Chairman and Managing Partner of I + R Media, LLC, a strategic communications firm based in Washington, D.C. The Stewart's have two children, Madeleine and Savannah.

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The last episode for the Life After Loss series for October which is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and we are talking about Parenting After Loss. In August 2014 Tiffany found out she was expecting her second child. Shortly after finding out that they were blessed with a little girl, she experienced Premature Preterm Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) at 22 weeks. After a brief stay in the hospital Tiffany's body could no longer hold her baby girl. She delivered Chloe before viability and in this episode we talk about her journey to her rainbow baby and how she is parenting after loss.

Tiffany Cunningham's Bio

Tiffany Cunningham is a wife and mother to a sunshine son, angel daughter, and rainbow daughter. She founded Chloe's Treasure Inc. to help support families healing from pregnancy and infant loss. She also spreads hope every Monday by feature a Miracle Baby Monday that highlights the joy that comes from pregnancy after loss or infertility.

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October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss awareness month. All month long we are discussing Life After Loss. In today's episode we have Tarinna Olley who shares on how impactful therapy was for her after her loss. At 28 weeks pregnant she gave birth to her stillborn son Gabriel who was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 a rare genetic defect that was tested while in the womb. When the doctors pushed for her to abort her son she held onto hope that God would perform a miracle. Tarinna had Gabriel 3 days after she was married and in this episode talks about the incredible aching pain of grieving her baby boy and how therapy helped her on her journey. This episode is for you to listen to if you have had a stillbirth or if have experienced a genetic diagnosis of your baby in the womb.

Tarinna's Bio

I am independent consultant who provides services in the social services arena.

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