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

245 - Miscarriage and Adventures of Grief Girl with D. Anaya

Today’s guest has been on a journey of grief.  She experienced the loss of her first pregnancy with a miscarriage, the death of her eldest daughter, and in her final pregnancy another miscarriage.  Anaya shares in this episode how she has been on this journey of grief and tells her adventures exploring her grief as an artist, grief guide, and loss doula through adventures of grief girl. This episode is for you to listen to if you have experience a miscarriage and child loss. Listen to th...

244 - IVF, PCOS, and Blocked Fallopian Tubes with Tanerra Willis

243 - Surrogacy and Infertility and The Colorless Womb with Kimberly Gowdy

After a long journey with infertility, today's guest shares her early struggles to conceive and carry a child to term, her journey in search of alternative ways to have a family, and racial and societal pressures of parenthood and love.   Kimberly Gowdy experienced the loss of multiple pregnancies, and was in an unstable marriage peppered with spousal abuse and addiction.  In today’s episode she takes us back on her journey to motherhood that was filled with loss, tears, doubt, heartache, an...

242 – Double Uterus and Double Cervix and Hope Still Stands with La-Anna Douglass

Have you heard of having a double uterus or double cervix?  The term is Uterine didelphys is a rare condition that happens when you grow two uteruses instead of one. This happens when you are a developing baby. You are born with it. ‌ While developing as babies, girls typically grow a uterus from two channels called the Mullerian ducts. Today’s guest was born with a didelphys uterus after 3 laparoscopic surgeries it was confirmed she also had endometriosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovarian...

241 - Ectopic Pregnancy, Fallopian Tube Rupture, and “Why did this happen to me”? with Ashlee Epps

Have you heard of an Ectopic Pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy most often occurs in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy. Today’s guest experienced an ectopic pregnancy that was discovered during her first prenatal visit and would need surgery.  The morning of her surgery date her fallopian tube ...

240 - Endometriosis, Infertility, and Congenital Heart Disease and Infant Loss with Jamala Arland

Congenital heart disease is a general term for a range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works. The term "congenital" means the condition is present from birth.  Today’s guest was diagnosed with Endometriosis and after many years of fertility treatments including IVF her first child Jasper died in her arms 30 hours after he was born from congenital heart disease.  Coping with the grief of child loss at the onset of a global pandemic has made, Jamala Arland passionate about...

239 – Foster Care to Adoption after failed IVF with Juauna Lewis

Not all fertility treatments end in success.  Some end in undetermined infertility and unsuccessful IUI and IVF cycles. Today’s guest experienced unexplained infertility and underwent fertility treatments.  After going through an IUI and 2 IVF cycles that were unsuccessful, she and her husband decided to take a break from fertility treatments and decided to adopt.  The adoption process was an immediate success.  Juauna Lewis decided to try another IVF round, but that was also unsuccessful.  T...

238 - Micropreemies, Infertility, and Preparing for next round of IVF with Diane Olusada

Have you heard of the term micropreemie? A micropreemie is a baby that is born before the 26th week of pregnancy or weighs less than 28 ounces. Today’s guest is a mother of two an angel baby and rainbow baby both who were micropreemies born before 26 weeks.  Diane Olusado combatted infertility with professional help for 4 years.  After 7 failed IUIs and 1 failed IVF cycle she had a successful transfer and gave birth to her baby at 23 weeks and 5 days.  Alayo died in the NICU after living...

ep237 - “There is nothing we can do” Miscarriage and Elijah Broke the Gate with Jessica Jackson

There is nothing we can do” the 6 words us @sistersinloss dreads to hear. How many of us have heard “There is nothing we can do” after a doctor's appointment or emergency room visit? Today’s guest experienced a miscarriage at 7 weeks and was told “there is nothing we can do.” Elijah’s passing was traumatic.  Jessica Jackson could not comprehend that statement.  She saw Elijah in a dream and writing became her grief therapy. “Elijah Broke the Gate” is a book of performance pieces based on...

237 - “There is nothing we can do” Miscarriage and Elijah Broke the Gate with Jessica Jackson

There is nothing we can do” the 6 words us @sistersinloss dreads to hear. How many of us have heard “There is nothing we can do” after a doctor's appointment or emergency room visit? Today’s guest experienced a miscarriage at 7 weeks and was told “there is nothing we can do.” Elijah’s passing was traumatic.  Jessica Jackson could not comprehend that statement.  She saw Elijah in a dream and writing became her grief therapy. “Elijah Broke the Gate” is a book of performance pieces based on tru...

ep236 - From Miscarriages to Mobile App Poppy Seed Health with Simmone Taitt

After experiencing multiple miscarriages today's guest found herself on Dr. Google to find comfort.  She found exactly what she was seeking an online doula board which inspired her to become a birth doula.  Today's guest is one of the 100+ Black women founders that have raised over 1 million dollars in capital.  She has leveraged the power of technology to bring together womxn seeking emotional and mental health support during their pregnancy and postpartum journey together into a trusted an...

236 - From Miscarriages to Mobile App Poppy Seed Health with Simmone Taitt

After experiencing multiple miscarriages today's guest found herself on Dr. Google to find comfort.  She found exactly what she was seeking an online doula board which inspired her to become a birth doula.  Today's guest is one of the 100+ Black women founders that have raised over 1 million dollars in capital.  She has leveraged the power of technology to bring together womxn seeking emotional and mental health support during their pregnancy and postpartum journey together into a trusted and...

ep235 - Gestational Carriers and Surrogacy Miracles with Shadina Blunt

Shadina Blunt is a two-time gestational carrier, most notably for Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Kandi Burrus and her husband Todd Tucker of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Shadina came forward with her story along with the Tuckers, and is now known as the face of surrogacy. Shadina released her first book in December 2021, a children’s book entitled Miracle Motherhood: Mary’s Gift of Life. This self-published, beautifully illustrated book follows two families whose chance meeting ...

235 - Gestational Carriers and Surrogacy Miracles with Shadina Blunt

Shadina Blunt is a two-time gestational carrier, most notably for Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Kandi Burrus and her husband Todd Tucker of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Shadina came forward with her story along with the Tuckers, and is now known as the face of surrogacy. Shadina released her first book in December 2021, a children’s book entitled Miracle Motherhood: Mary’s Gift of Life. This self-published, beautifully illustrated book follows two families whose chance meeting le...

234 - All About Uterine Fibroids

Today's episode is another throwback episode talking about Uterine Fibroids. In today’s episode we have Fibroids Activist and Health Coach, Gessie Thompson who shares her Uterine Fibroid Journey and Eliminating Fibroids through Diet and Detox.  Gessie Thompson is one of the 90% of Black Women affected by fibroids by age 50. She personally battled the epidemic for 14 years and the resulting infertility for 10 of those years to have her miracle baby Nia. Her grueling journey included 10 surger...

ep234 - All About Uterine Fibroids

Today's episode is another throwback episode talking about Uterine Fibroids. In today’s episode we have Fibroids Activist and Health Coach, Gessie Thompson who shares her Uterine Fibroid Journey and Eliminating Fibroids through Diet and Detox.  Gessie Thompson is one of the 90% of Black Women affected by fibroids by age 50. She personally battled the epidemic for 14 years and the resulting infertility for 10 of those years to have her miracle baby Nia. Her grueling journey included 10 surg...

233 - IVF Success Story! How does IVF work?

For December we are throwing back to some of our favorite podcast episodes. Have you ever wondered how the IVF process works? Is IVF for you? In today’s episode we have Candace Farris who has been on her infertility journey for 10 years due to Uterine Fibroids. After a failed IVF in August 2017, having her mother pass away in the middle of her IVF cycle, she is currently 10 weeks pregnant from a successful 2nd round of IVF. In this episode Candace discusses her journey to motherhood, havin...

ep233 - IVF Success Story! How does IVF work?

For December we are throwing back to some of our favorite podcast episodes. Have you ever wondered how the IVF process works? Is IVF for you? In today’s episode we have Candace Farris who has been on her infertility journey for 10 years due to Uterine Fibroids. After a failed IVF in August 2017, having her mother pass away in the middle of her IVF cycle, she is currently 10 weeks pregnant from a successful 2nd round of IVF. In this episode Candace discusses her journey to motherhood, hav...

232 - How to move forward after Miscarriage?

All month long we will feature some of our favorite episodes around different topics. Today’s topic is all about how to move forward after miscarriage. Rana Campbell host of Dreams in Drive Podcast who shares her miscarriage story and the cost of miscarriage from her feature in Elle. After her miscarriage in 2016 Rana found the hospital bills quickly adding up to the thousands of dollars even with insurance. In this episode Rana takes us back to how she started Dreams in Drive while grieving...

ep232 - How to move forward after Miscarriage?

All month long we will feature some of our favorite episodes around different topics. Today’s topic is all about how to move forward after miscarriage. Rana Campbell host of Dreams in Drive Podcast who shares her miscarriage story and the cost of miscarriage from her feature in Elle. After her miscarriage in 2016 Rana found the hospital bills quickly adding up to the thousands of dollars even with insurance. In this episode Rana takes us back to how she started Dreams in Drive while grievi...

231 - How to Survive after Stillbirth?

For the rest of December long we will feature and throwback to some of our favorite Sisters in Loss podcast episodes. Today’s topic is all about how to survive after stillbirth. We are featuring two of my favorite episodes of the podcast, Episode 5 with Diana Sims who shares her stillbirth story of son King, born at 36 weeks gestation, and her journey to rainbow baby Anthony. In episode 162 of the podcast Shana Anderson takes us on the journey of birthing her rainbow baby and losing her ...

ep231 - How to Survive after Stillbirth?

For the rest of December long we will feature and throwback to some of our favorite Sisters in Loss podcast episodes. Today’s topic is all about how to survive after stillbirth. We are featuring two of my favorite episodes of the podcast, Episode 5 with Diana Sims who shares her stillbirth story of son King, born at 36 weeks gestation, and her journey to rainbow baby Anthony. In episode 162 of the podcast Shana Anderson takes us on the journey of birthing her rainbow baby and losing he...

230 - Twin Loss in the Military with Theresa Alexis

Today’s guest motherhood journey did not start out as planned. She conceived two months after getting married with twins. Her and her husband were both enlisted in the Marine Corps and he was stationed in California while she stayed in North Carolina.  Theresa Alexis woke up bleeding at 20 weeks pregnant and was rushed on base to the Naval hospital where they took their time to get her back and was told her twins had no heartbeat and hopefully, she wasn't as far along as they'd thought. In th...

Ep230 - Twin Loss in the Military with Theresa Alexis

Today’s guest motherhood journey did not start out as planned. She conceived two months after getting married with twins. Her and her husband were both enlisted in the Marine Corps and he was stationed in California while she stayed in North Carolina.  Theresa Alexis woke up bleeding at 20 weeks pregnant and was rushed on base to the Naval hospital where they took their time to get her back and was told her twins had no heartbeat and hopefully, she wasn't as far along as they'd thought. In t...

229 - Stillbirth, Incompetent Cervix and Transabdominal Cerclage with Amina Lively

Have you heard of the term transabdominal cerclage?    A transabdominal cerclage is a small, extremely strong, woven synthetic band stitched high on the cervix. This band supports the full length of the cervix and resists the pressure the growing fetus places on it. The band prevents the cervix from opening and losing the pregnancy.   Today’s guest experienced several miscarriages before giving birth to a stillborn son at 21 weeks due to an incompetent cervix.  She went on to experienc...

Ep229 - Stillbirth, Incompetent Cervix and Transabdominal Cerclage with Amina Lively

Have you heard of the term transabdominal cerclage?    A transabdominal cerclage is a small, extremely strong, woven synthetic band stitched high on the cervix. This band supports the full length of the cervix and resists the pressure the growing fetus places on it. The band prevents the cervix from opening and losing the pregnancy.   Today’s guest experienced several miscarriages before giving birth to a stillborn son at 21 weeks due to an incompetent cervix.  She went on to experie...

228 - My Body Betrayed Me: Overcoming Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Ovarian Cysts with Tamara Hunter

Today’s guest experienced her first loss of a blighted ovum that required surgery and then discovered she had fertility issues and began fertility treatments.  She then experienced another miscarriage and had the baby at home.  Tamara Hunter learned from her fertility specialist/reproductive endocrinologist that she had thrombophilia, a blood abnormality, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and ovarian cyst.  She decided to undergo surgery to strengthen her chances of conceiving with additional...

Ep228 - My Body Betrayed Me: Overcoming Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Ovarian Cysts with Tamara Hunter

Today’s guest experienced her first loss of a blighted ovum that required surgery and then discovered she had fertility issues and began fertility treatments.  She then experienced another miscarriage and had the baby at home.  Tamara Hunter learned from her fertility specialist/reproductive endocrinologist that she had thrombophilia, a blood abnormality, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and ovarian cyst.  She decided to undergo surgery to strengthen her chances of conceiving with addition...

Ep227 - Surviving Infertility, Mental Illness, and Involuntary Hysterectomy with Vanessa Goodar

Today’s guest had a daughter right after college then was married and struggled with infertility both female and male factor infertility.  Vanessa Goodar experienced two failed IVF rounds, a failed insemination, and had an involuntary hysterectomy at age 37.  These experiences caused severe psychological and emotional distress and she struggled with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.  Her ex-husband placed her in a psychiatric facility for the homeless and uninsured due to systemic rac...

227 - Surviving Infertility, Mental Illness, and Involuntary Hysterectomy with Vanessa Goodar

Today’s guest had a daughter right after college then was married and struggled with infertility both female and male factor infertility.  Vanessa Goodar experienced two failed IVF rounds, a failed insemination, and had an involuntary hysterectomy at age 37.  These experiences caused severe psychological and emotional distress and she struggled with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.  Her ex-husband placed her in a psychiatric facility for the homeless and uninsured due to systemic raci...

226 – Endometriosis, IVF Journey, and She Experienced with Sherelle Gilbert

Have you heard of the term hydrosalpinx? Hydrosalpinx is the blockage of a woman's fallopian tube caused by a fluid buildup and dilation of the tube at its end. Most often it occurs at the fimbrial end of the tube next to the ovary, but it can also occur at the other end of the tube that attaches to the uterus. Today’s guest was diagnosed with infertility after trying to conceive for a year.  She underwent surgery for hydrosalpinx and possible endometriosis which resulted in removal of bot...

EP226 – Endometriosis, IVF Journey, and She Experienced with Sherelle Gilbert

Have you heard of the term hydrosalpinx? Hydrosalpinx is the blockage of a woman's fallopian tube caused by a fluid buildup and dilation of the tube at its end. Most often it occurs at the fimbrial end of the tube next to the ovary, but it can also occur at the other end of the tube that attaches to the uterus. Today’s guest was diagnosed with infertility after trying to conceive for a year.  She underwent surgery for hydrosalpinx and possible endometriosis which resulted in removal of b...

225 - Cervical Insufficency and Second Trimester Miscarriage with Nae Watson

Have you heard of the term Cervical Insufficiency? Cervical insufficiency (also called incompetent cervix) means your cervix opens (dilates) too early during pregnancy, usually without pain or contractions. Contractions are when the muscles of your uterus get tight and then relax. They help push your baby out of your uterus during labor and birth. Today’s guest experienced 3 second trimester losses due to cervical insufficiency or cervical incompetence.  She experienced her first loss at 6...

EP225 - Cervical Insufficency and Second Trimester Miscarriage with Nae Watson

Have you heard of the term Cervical Insufficiency? Cervical insufficiency (also called incompetent cervix) means your cervix opens (dilates) too early during pregnancy, usually without pain or contractions. Contractions are when the muscles of your uterus get tight and then relax. They help push your baby out of your uterus during labor and birth. Today’s guest experienced 3 second trimester losses due to cervical insufficiency or cervical incompetence.  She experienced her first loss at...

224 - Birth of Twins and Losing one Twin during Covid pandemic with Dominique Timmons

COVID-19 has brought about a loneliness in pregnancy that has yet to be measured. Going to doctors appointments alone, via Zoom, and not receiving the same care priorto COVID has made navigating pregnancy difficult. Today’s guest got pregnant with twins in Summer 2019 and had a healthy pregnancy until the 3rd trimester. They began telling her that Baby B was smaller than Baby A, but nothing to be concerned about as they were in two separate placentas and not sharing nutrition. Dominique Tim...

Ep224 - Birth of Twins and Losing one Twin during Covid pandemic with Dominique Timmons

COVID-19 has brought about a loneliness in pregnancy that has yet to be measured. Going to doctors appointments alone, via Zoom, and not receiving the same care priorto COVID has made navigating pregnancy difficult. Today’s guest got pregnant with twins in Summer 2019 and had a healthy pregnancy until the 3rd trimester. They began telling her that Baby B was smaller than Baby A, but nothing to be concerned about as they were in two separate placentas and not sharing nutrition. Dominique Ti...

Ep223 - Uterine Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Hysterectomy with Dr. Katashia Partee Kendrick

Do you know what a hysterectomy is? A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb (uterus). You'll no longer be able to get pregnant after the operation. If you have not already gone through the menopause, you'll no longer have periods, regardless of your age. Many women have a hysterectomy. It's more common for women aged 40 to 50.   Today’s guest struggled with fibroids in her early 20s and had her first myomectomy, the removal of fibroids at 26.  Dr. Katashia Kendrick qui...

223 - Uterine Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Hysterectomy with Dr. Katashia Partee Kendrick

Do you know what a hysterectomy is? A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb (uterus). You'll no longer be able to get pregnant after the operation. If you have not already gone through the menopause, you'll no longer have periods, regardless of your age. Many women have a hysterectomy. It's more common for women aged 40 to 50.   Today’s guest struggled with fibroids in her early 20s and had her first myomectomy, the removal of fibroids at 26.  Dr. Katashia Kendrick qui...

222 - Stillbirth, Postpartum Depression, Preeclampsia, and Serving in Pregnancy After Loss with Shanna Williams

Do you know what Stillbirth is? A stillbirth is the death or loss of a baby before or during delivery. Both miscarriage and stillbirth describe pregnancy loss, but they differ according to when the loss occurs. Today’s guest experienced a stillbirth at 21 weeks followed by a missed miscarriage at 9 weeks.  She became pregnant again and experienced anxiety, had an upsetting birth experience with her son and developed postpartum depression.  Shanna Williams continued to grow her family by ha...

Ep222 - Stillbirth, Postpartum Depression, Preeclampsia, and Serving in Pregnancy After Loss with Shanna Williams

Do you know what Stillbirth is? A stillbirth is the death or loss of a baby before or during delivery. Both miscarriage and stillbirth describe pregnancy loss, but they differ according to when the loss occurs. Today’s guest experienced a stillbirth at 21 weeks followed by a missed miscarriage at 9 weeks.  She became pregnant again and experienced anxiety, had an upsetting birth experience with her son and developed postpartum depression.  Shanna Williams continued to grow her family by ...

Ep221 - Maternal Action Project in Memory of Dr. Shalon Irving with Bianca Pryor

Have you heard of Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project? Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project (DSMAP) is an Atlanta-based nonprofit created in honor of Dr. Shalon Irving, who passed away from complications due to childbirth and was a fierce health equity advocate. Our mission is to increase awareness of the Black maternal health crisis and develop and promote evidence-based strategies that improve health outcomes for Black birthing people and families. Today’s podcast episode is in honor o...

221 - Maternal Action Project in Memory of Dr. Shalon Irving with Bianca Pryor

Have you heard of Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project? Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project (DSMAP) is an Atlanta-based nonprofit created in honor of Dr. Shalon Irving, who passed away from complications due to childbirth and was a fierce health equity advocate. Our mission is to increase awareness of the Black maternal health crisis and develop and promote evidence-based strategies that improve health outcomes for Black birthing people and families. Today’s podcast episode is in honor of...

220 - Endometriosis, Failed IVF, Miscarriages, to Adoption with Candace Trinchieri

Today’s guest feels like she has faced it all.  From being diagnosed with Endometriosis and Fibroids.  To battling this infertility with fertility treatments including 9 failed IVF cycles, two surgeries, multiple miscarriages, a failed attempt at surrogacy, one egg donor, and a successful adoption of a son.  Candace Clark Trinicheri had many setbacks on her journey to motherhood, but she kept persevering. In this episode she takes us on her motherhood journey including surgical set backs, fi...

Ep220 - Endometriosis, Failed IVF, Miscarriages, to Adoption with Candace Trinchieri

Today’s guest feels like she has faced it all.  From being diagnosed with Endometriosis and Fibroids.  To battling this infertility with fertility treatments including 9 failed IVF cycles, two surgeries, multiple miscarriages, a failed attempt at surrogacy, one egg donor, and a successful adoption of a son.  Candace Clark Trinicheri had many setbacks on her journey to motherhood, but she kept persevering. In this episode she takes us on her motherhood journey including surgical set backs, f...

Ep219 - From Ectopic Pregnancy Loss to Breast Cancer Diagnosis to Mended Hope with Tiana Rogers

After experiencing a spontaneous abortion and six months later being faced with another loss that resulted from a ectopic pregnancy and one less fallopian tube today’s guest was shattered and disappointed.  Tiana Rogers grieved her losses and five months later after her ectopic loss she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.  There were no words to describe the utter devastation of being met with a cancer diagnosis in her early 30s with no family history and she continuously prayed and ho...

Ep218 - Missed Miscarriage of Twins with Sibyl Lilly

Do you know what a missed miscarriage is? A missed (or silent) miscarriage is one where the baby has died or not developed, but has not been physically miscarried.  In many cases, there has been no sign that anything was wrong, so the news can come as a complete shock. Today’s guest experienced a missed miscarriage with twins after having three daughters.  Sibyl Lilly has 6 children here on earth and 4 angels in heaven.  After losing her twins to a missed miscarriage she became pregnant ...

Ep217 - Stillbirth and Living Healthy and Abundantly with Angela Hampton

Do you know the symptoms of stillbirth? Stopping of fetal movement and kicks. Spotting or bleeding. No fetal heartbeat heard with a stethoscope or Doppler. No fetal movement or heartbeat seen on ultrasound, which makes the definitive diagnosis that a baby is stillborn.  Today’s guest experienced some of these symptoms going into her 7 month of pregnancy.  Angela Hampton found out she was pregnant and that she needed to take supplements.  She then started to celebrate her pregnancy by...

Ep216 - Placental Abruption and Overcoming Fear with Leslie Damper

Do you know what a placental abruption is? Placental Abruption is a serious pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the womb (uterus). Placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the inner wall of the womb before delivery. The condition can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, belly pain, and back pain in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Depending on the degree of placental separation and how close the baby is to full...

Ep215 - Male Factor Infertility and Donor Sperm

Fertility is not just a birthing factor, sometimes it is male factor.  Male infertility can be caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors may contribute to male infertility. Today’s guest shares her story with male factor infertility, going through IUI which resulted in a miscarriage, and having her rainbow baby.  She knew her partner had a high pr...

Ep214 - Fibroids, Myomectomy, and Miscarriage with Kima Tozay

Have you heard of the term myomectomy? Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. It allows the uterus to be left in place and, for some women, makes pregnancy more likely than before.  Myomectomy is the preferred fibroid treatment for women who want to become pregnant. Today’s guest experienced infertility and gave birth to her stillborn son at 28 weeks.  Kima Tozay was diagnosed with Fibroids and endured a myomectomy surgery to remove her fibroids.  She explored IV...