The Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood Podcast

Episode Title: The Essential Role of Perinatal Bereavement Doulas

In this episode, Vallen Webb discusses the vital role of bereavement doulas in supporting families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. She explains what bereavement doulas do, the importance of their presence during such difficult times, and how they help families navigate grief. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional support, the significance of memory-making, and the impact of having a trained professional by one's side during the grieving process. Vallen also addresses how to find and afford a bereavement doula, advocating for the integration of this support into healthcare systems.

Takeaways

A bereavement doula provides emotional, physical, and spiritual support.

Their role is to honor grief without rushing or trying to fix it.

Support from bereavement doulas can lead to better mental health outcomes.

Perinatal grief is distinct and often leads to isolation and disenfranchisement.

Presence and compassion are crucial in the grieving process.

Families deserve support not just during loss, but also after.

Bereavement doulas can help with memory-making and rituals.

Finding a bereavement doula can be done through directories and local hospitals.

Support should be accessible and not a luxury.

Grief is a journey that requires community and understanding.

Mentioned in the episode:

Launch of Evelyn James Shop

www.evelynjames.shop

Evelyn James and Company

www.evelynjamesandco.com

Dr. Alan Wolfelt Healing a parent's Grieving Heart

Megan Devine- It's Ok That Your Not Ok.

Imbodhi Jumper- The ultimate Mom easy luxury outfit! Try and get $15.00 off with my code!!!

https://www.imbodhi.co/VALLEN31986

✨ Follow me on Instagram: @evelynjamesandco

✨ Visit the Evelyn James Shop: evelynjames.shop – beautiful, intentional items for grief, healing, and motherhood

✨ Explore our trainings + support resources: evelynjamesandco.com

✨ Grab your Bōdhi Jumper from IMBŌDHI: imbodhi.co/VALLEN31986 – $15 OFF!

Thank you for being here. You’re still here. And that’s everything. 💛

Links are affiliate links and earn me commissions at no extra cost to you. This supports the podcast which will always be free!

Mentioned in this episode:

Imbodhi INC

Imbodhi Jumpers- Get $15.00 OFF with my link! https://www.imbodhi.co/VALLEN31986

Todays episode

In this episode, Vallen Webb shares her journey through grief after losing her child, discussing the complexities of healing, the absence of a timeline for grief, and the importance of self-acceptance. She emphasizes the need for resilience, the role of medication, and the significance of creating a supportive community for grieving families. Vallen also introduces her upcoming resource platform aimed at helping those who have experienced loss.

Takeaways

• Grief has no set timeline; it's a personal journey.
• Finding joy amidst grief is possible and important.
• You are your own best tool for healing.
• It's okay to sit in your feelings and process them.
• Resilience helps us manage our grief better over time.
• Medication can be a valid part of the healing process.
• No one can dictate how you should heal or how long it should take.
• Creating a supportive community is essential for healing.
• Embrace every emotion, both good and bad.
• Building resources for grieving families can provide much-needed support.

Link to Billy Bob Thornton's Interview about grief

Check out the soft launch for our marketplace for bereaved families! evelynjames.shop

Follow us on Instagram @evelynjamesandco

Love,

Vallen

Join our newsletter! Whether you’re in the early days of loss or rebuilding your identity after stillbirth, this weekly newsletter is your safe space for real talk, reflection, and support.

✨ When you join, you’ll receive:

• Weekly love letters from Vallen—grief tools, mindset shifts, healing practices
• First access to podcast episodes, courses, and new resources
• Free guides and tools to support your motherhood after loss journey
• Words that see you, hold you, and help you breathe again

Because you deserve a space that speaks your language—loss, love, rage, hope, all of it.

Join Here. If you end up hating it and it isn't your vibe you can just unsubscribe, there is no judgment here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Imbodhi INC

Imbodhi Jumpers- Get $15.00 OFF with my link! https://www.imbodhi.co/VALLEN31986

Make sure you check out the Bereaved Parents Marketplace!

We created a shop and resource hub just for you.

Check it out HERE. Evelynjames.shop

In this episode of the Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood podcast, host Vallen Webb delves into the often-overlooked grief experienced by fathers, particularly in the context of pregnancy and infant loss. She introduces the concept of the 'protector's paradox,' where fathers feel guilt and shame for not being able to protect their children, despite the fact that these feelings are often unfounded. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and validating men's grief, providing them with the necessary support, and creating safe spaces for emotional expression. Through personal anecdotes and research, Vallen highlights the need for society to better understand and support grieving fathers, allowing them to heal and process their emotions in a healthy way.

Takeaways

• Dads often feel a heavy burden of guilt after loss.
• Men's grief is frequently overlooked and unsupported.
• The protector's paradox describes the guilt fathers feel.
• Role-based guilt can lead to emotional shutdown in dads.
• Grieving fathers need validation and permission to grieve.
• Support groups are crucial for grieving dads.
• Men process grief differently than women.
• Creating legacy projects can help in healing.
• Physical outlets are important for grieving men.
• Grief is not a competition; it's about mutual understanding.

Join our newsletter! Whether you’re in the early days of loss or rebuilding your identity after stillbirth, this weekly newsletter is your safe space for real talk, reflection, and support.

✨ When you join, you’ll receive:

• Weekly love letters from Vallen—grief tools, mindset shifts, healing practices
• First access to podcast episodes, courses, and new resources
• Free guides and tools to support your motherhood after loss journey
• Words that see you, hold you, and help you breathe again

Because you deserve a space that speaks your language—loss, love, rage, hope, all of it.

Join Here. If you end up hating it and it isn't your vibe you can just unsubscribe, there is no judgment here.

So much love,

Vallen

LINKS

White Elm- The best mom, personal, doula, work bag out there. Every time you use my link to purchase a bag you support this podcast at NO extra cost to you. Thank you!

Check it out HERE. Evelynjames.shop

In this episode of the Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood podcast, host Vallen Webb delves into the often unspoken emotion of rage experienced by grieving mothers. She discusses the biological and emotional aspects of rage, its validity as a response to trauma, and the importance of expressing it in healthy ways. Vallen emphasizes that rage is a natural part of the grieving process and encourages listeners to honor their feelings rather than suppress them. She also highlights the significance of community support in navigating grief and rage, providing practical tips for safe expression and healing.

Takeaways

• Rage is a natural, biological response to trauma.
• Many grieving mothers feel shame around their rage.
• Expressing rage can be a crucial part of healing.
• Rage can manifest physically and emotionally.
• It's important to honor and acknowledge feelings of rage.
• Women have been taught to suppress their emotions for centuries.
• Community support is essential in the grieving process.
• Healthy expressions of rage can include somatic movement and vocal release.
• Rage can fuel change and reclaiming one's story.
• You are not alone in your feelings of rage.

LINKS

White Elm, Or use discount code, VALLENWEBB, at checkout.

Evelynjames.shop

Stories of Friends and Families Lost

Follow us on Instagram @vallenwebb.official

Love,

Vallen

Join our newsletter! Whether you’re in the early days of loss or rebuilding your identity after stillbirth, this weekly newsletter is your safe space for real talk, reflection, and support.

✨ When you join, you’ll receive:

• Weekly love letters from Vallen—grief tools, mindset shifts, healing practices
• First access to podcast episodes, courses, and new resources
• Free guides and tools to support your motherhood after loss journey
• Words that see you, hold you, and help you breathe again

Because you deserve a space that speaks your language—loss, love, rage, hope, all of it.

Join Here. If you end up hating it and it isn't your vibe, you can just unsubscribe; there is no judgment here.

White Elm: https://shopwhiteelm.com/VALLENWEBB

Todays episode

In this episode, Vallen Webb explores the journey from emotional fog to clarity after experiencing grief, particularly in the context of stillbirth. She discusses the concept of 'grief fog', its effects on cognitive function, and how to navigate through it using practical tools and insights. The conversation emphasizes the importance of energy alignment, community support, and gentle self-care practices to aid in the healing process.

Takeaways

Grief fog is a real and documented response to trauma.

Your brain is trying to protect you during grief.

Grief is an energy that needs to be processed.

Awareness of grief fog can help alleviate pressure.

Micro movements can help shift your energy.

Intuition can guide you through grief.

Reading calming materials can help lift your energy.

Community support is essential in the grieving process.

Time is a crucial factor in healing from grief.

Gentle self-care practices can aid in finding clarity.

Follow us on Instagram @vallenwebb.official

Love,

Vallen

Join our newsletter! Whether you’re in the early days of loss or rebuilding your identity after stillbirth, this weekly newsletter is your safe space for real talk, reflection, and support.

✨ When you join, you’ll receive:

• Weekly love letters from Vallen—grief tools, mindset shifts, healing practices
• First access to podcast episodes, courses, and new resources
• Free guides and tools to support your motherhood after loss journey
• Words that see you, hold you, and help you breathe again

Because you deserve a space that speaks your language—loss, love, rage, hope, all of it.

Join Here. If you end up hating it and it isn't your vibe you can just unsubscribe, there is no judgment here.

White Elm Link: https://shopwhiteelm.com/VALLENWEBB

Todays episode

In this deeply personal episode, Vallen Webb explores the profound identity shifts that accompany motherhood, particularly in the face of loss. She shares her journey of transformation from a carefree individual to a mother who has experienced the devastating loss of a child. Through her narrative, Vallen emphasizes the importance of radical personal responsibility, the complexities of grief, and the necessity of embracing every version of oneself. The conversation highlights the resilience that emerges from pain and the journey of healing and self-discovery that follows.

Takeaways

Motherhood brings significant identity changes.

Experiencing loss can lead to profound personal transformation.

Grief can serve as a catalyst for growth and resilience.

It's important to honor the memory of lost loved ones.

Pregnancy after loss is filled with complex emotions.

Self-love and acceptance are crucial in the healing process.

You are allowed to grieve the person you were before loss.

Finding purpose in pain can lead to meaningful change.

Every version of yourself deserves love and recognition.

Small steps can lead to significant healing over time.

Follow us on Instagram @vallenwebb.official

Love,

Vallen

Join our newsletter! Whether you’re in the early days of loss or rebuilding your identity after stillbirth, this weekly newsletter is your safe space for real talk, reflection, and support.

✨ When you join, you’ll receive:

• Weekly love letters from Vallen—grief tools, mindset shifts, healing practices
• First access to podcast episodes, courses, and new resources
• Free guides and tools to support your motherhood after loss journey
• Words that see you, hold you, and help you breathe again

Because you deserve a space that speaks your language—loss, love, rage, hope, all of it.

Join Here. If you end up hating it and it isn't your vibe you can just unsubscribe, there is no judgment here.

Todays episode

In this episode, Melissa Lafsky Saleh shares her profound journey through pregnancy loss, grief, and the eventual path to motherhood. She recounts her experiences with multiple miscarriages, the devastating loss of her first child, and the impact of these events on her life and relationships. Melissa discusses the importance of community support, the challenges of navigating motherhood after trauma, and the journey towards healing through alternative methods. She emphasizes the significance of personal responsibility and the transformative power of grief, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of herself and her purpose. In this conversation, Melissa Lafsky Saleh shares her journey of healing and resilience after experiencing profound loss. She discusses the importance of intuitive living, the challenges of motherhood, and the strength gained from overcoming trauma. Melissa emphasizes the power of choice in shaping one's life and the significance of transcending grief while cherishing the love for her children. Her insights offer a perspective on personal growth, empowerment, and the ongoing journey of navigating anxiety and rebuilding life after loss.

Takeaways

Melissa had two daughters after a long and painful journey.

She experienced multiple miscarriages and a stillbirth.

The loss of her first child changed her life completely.

Community support is crucial during times of grief.

Many women face invalidation regarding their losses.

Anger can be a powerful motivator for change.

Melissa explored alternative healing methods after traditional medicine failed her.

She emphasizes the importance of making decisions based on what feels right.

Grief can lead to personal transformation and growth.

Melissa believes her loss has allowed her to impact many lives positively. Intuitive living enhances both inner and outer well-being.

Healing is a journey filled with ups and downs.

Resilience is built through facing and overcoming trauma.

Empowering children to take up space is crucial.

Freedom from judgment allows for authentic living.

Anxiety can linger as a residual effect of trauma.

Transcending trauma is possible, but grief remains.

Personal strength is a choice and a journey.

The journey of healing can reveal deeper self-awareness.

Finding joy and meaning in motherhood after loss is transformative.

Follow us on Instagram @vallenwebb.official

Love,

Vallen

Join our newsletter! Whether you’re in the early days of loss or rebuilding your identity after stillbirth, this weekly newsletter is your safe space for real talk, reflection, and support.

✨ When you join, you’ll receive:

• Weekly love letters from Vallen—grief tools, mindset shifts, healing practices
• First access to podcast episodes, courses, and new resources
• Free guides and tools to support your motherhood after loss journey
• Words that see you, hold you, and help you breathe again

Because you deserve a space that speaks your language—loss, love, rage, hope, all of it.

Join Here. If you end up hating it and it isn't your vibe, you can just unsubscribe, there is no judgment here.

Todays episode

In this episode of the Pregnancy, Loss, and Motherhood podcast, host Vallen Webb explores the profound impact of stillbirth on a mother's identity. She discusses the emotional journey of reclaiming oneself after loss, the struggle to trust one's body again, and the unique experience of mothering a child who is no longer here. Vallen emphasizes the importance of building a new identity with intention and the pressure many feel to return to their pre-loss selves. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she encourages listeners to honor their past selves while embracing the transformation that comes with grief and motherhood.

Takeaways

• Motherhood changes identity drastically, especially after loss.
• It's common to feel erased after becoming a mother.
• Trust in one's body can be shattered by stillbirth.
• Mothering a baby that is not here is a unique challenge.
• The pressure to bounce back after loss is overwhelming.
• The version of you before loss may not exist anymore.
• You can decide who you want to be after loss.
• Mindset work is crucial for rebuilding identity.
• Every choice contributes to building a new self.
• You are not broken; you are becoming.

Follow us on Instagram @vallenwebb.official

Love,

Vallen

Join our newsletter! Whether you’re in the early days of loss or rebuilding your identity after stillbirth, this weekly newsletter is your safe space for real talk, reflection, and support.

✨ When you join, you’ll receive:

• Weekly love letters from Vallen—grief tools, mindset shifts, healing practices
• First access to podcast episodes, courses, and new resources
• Free guides and tools to support your motherhood after loss journey
• Words that see you, hold you, and help you breathe again

Because you deserve a space that speaks your language—loss, love, rage, hope, all of it.

Join Here. If you end up hating it and it isn't your vibe you can just unsubscribe, there is no judgment here.

In this episode of the Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood podcast, Vallen Webb shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her baby, Evelyn. She discusses the importance of personal development in healing, the distinction between moving on and moving forward, and the concept of post-traumatic growth. Vallen emphasizes that grief is not linear and that it can lead to profound personal growth and resilience. She encourages listeners to embrace their new selves and recognize the strength that comes from navigating loss.

Make sure to join our FB group, Empowered Millenial Moms, to continue conversations but also to meet other badass moms like yourself who are committed to be better, do better and live better.

Follow us on Instagram @vallenwebb.official

Check Out White Elm and make sure to use my discount code VALLENWEBB,

**The money I make from my affiliate link allows me to write, record, produce, and share this podcast for FREE, at no extra cost to you.

Love,

Vallen

Join our newsletter full of inspiration, bestie energy and laughs for days. I live to make new friends, especially new millennial mom friends-- our energy is unmatched! Join Here. If you end up hating it and it isn't your vibe you can just unsubscribe, there is no judgment here.

This episode is a trailer for what is coming! We are going back to our original podcast title, Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood Podcast! We are so excited! We will still be talking about motherhood, mindset and pregnancy loss. Just in a more aligned way!

Can't wait!

Make sure to join our FB group, Empowered Millenial Moms, to continue conversations but also to meet other badass moms like yourself who are committed to be better, do better and live better.

Follow us on Instagram @vallenwebb.official

Love,

Vallen

Join our newsletter full of inspiration, bestie energy and laughs for days. I live to make new friends, especially new millennial mom friends-- our energy is unmatched! Join Here. If you end up hating it and it isn't your vibe you can just unsubscribe, there is no judgment here.