summary

In this heartfelt conversation, Jen and Lindsey Henke discuss the profound journey of grief and healing following the loss of Lindsey's daughter, Nora. Lindsey shares her experiences of writing her book, 'When Skies Are Gray,' as a means of processing her grief and maintaining a connection with her daughter. They explore the importance of storytelling, the concept of continued bonds with lost loved ones, and the therapeutic power of writing. Lindsey emphasizes the validation of grief and the significance of love that persists beyond loss, offering insights and support for others navigating similar experiences.

• Lindsey's book is a way to connect with her daughter, Nora.
• Writing became a therapeutic tool for processing grief.
• The concept of continued bonds allows for ongoing relationships with lost loved ones.
• Storytelling helps others feel less alone in their grief.
• Grief is intuitive and varies for each individual.
• The importance of validating one's own grief experience.
• Lullabies often carry dark themes, reflecting the complexities of love and loss.
• Choosing what to include in the book was guided by community sayings and personal significance.
• Books and stories can serve as lifelines for those in grief.
• It's essential to honor and process grief in one's own time.

Links: PALS - Pregnancy After Loss Support - Pregnancy After Loss Support

When Skies Are Gray: A Grieving Mother's Lullaby by Lindsey M. Henke | Goodreads

Watch the episode on YouTube: Navigating Grief through Writing with Lindsey Henke

Summary

Jessi Michel shares her heartbreaking story of stillbirth and her advocacy work to prevent stillbirths. She recounts the day her daughter Freya was born still and the emotional journey that followed. Jessi emphasizes the need for better education and awareness about stillbirth, as well as improved data collection and research. She discusses two bills in Congress, the Maternal and Child Health and Stillbirth Prevention Act and the Shine for Autumn Act, which aim to address these issues. Jessi encourages listeners to support these bills by contacting their congressional leaders.

Takeaways

Stillbirth is a devastating experience that affects thousands of families each year.

Improved education and awareness about stillbirth are crucial in preventing future cases.

There are two bills in Congress, the Maternal and Child Health and Stillbirth Prevention Act and the Shine for Autumn Act, that aim to address stillbirth prevention through enhanced data collection, research, education, and awareness.

Supporting these bills by contacting congressional leaders can make a difference in advancing stillbirth prevention efforts.

More funding and resources are needed to train pathologists in stillbirth autopsies and to provide better support for families who have experienced stillbirth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

21:33 Living with Loss and Finding Purpose

32:46 Advocacy for Stillbirth Prevention

43:00 The Urgent Need for Education and Awareness

48:15 Improving Research and Data Collection

51:26 Taking Action to Support Stillbirth Prevention

Links in this Episode:

*Stillbirth Support link to message congressional leaders: bit.ly/StopStillbirth

*To join Minnesota’s Stillbirth prevention advocacy groups: mnstillbirthlegislation@gmail.com or facebook group: Minnesota Stillbirth Prevention Advocacy

*SHINE for Autumn Act on socials: Instagram; Facebook, website

*Healthy Birthday, Inc on socials: Instagram; Facebook; website

*Measure the Placenta on socials: Instagram; Facebook; website

*Freya’s Hospital Library Wish list: tinyurl.com/FreyaLibrary

Childbirth is more than just that precious moment when a baby takes its first breath; it’s also about being fully prepared for everything that comes before. In today’s episode, we are thrilled to be joined by the Childbirth Advocate and Author of A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth, Gina Mundy. In over 21 years as an attorney who specializes in childbirth cases, Gina has spent countless hours meticulously scrutinizing childbirth cases, conducting interviews with delivery teams, and thoroughly examining medical records to gain an in-depth understanding of every decision made during labor and delivery. These experiences paved the way for her writings, and her recently released guide is loaded with vital information that you probably won’t find in any other pregnancy book. Our conversation begins with Gina explaining her unique background in law and how it influenced her book. Then, we get a glimpse at the dangers of Pitocin misadministration before comparing the infant mortality rate and other statistics between America and other countries. We also learn why fetal monitors are important, why and how Gina made her book less “scary” than other pregnancy books, how childbirth attorneys engage with stillborn cases, and the role of baby advocates. To end, our guest highlights the most important things for expecting mothers to be aware of, and she explains in detail why and how her book is going to positively impact the future of childbirth.

Key Points from This Episode:

• Introducing the Attorney and Author, Gina Mundy.
• Exploring Gina’s unique background in childbirth law and how it influenced her writing.
• A closer look at her book, A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth, and why she wrote it.
• The Pitocin dilemma.
• How statistics (like infant mortality rate) differ in America versus in other countries, and why.
• Advocating for fetal monitors.
• Why Gina prioritized making her book less scary for expecting parents to read.
• How she and other childbirth attorneys engage with stillborn cases.
• The top 5 things that every pregnant mom must know, including how to find the right doctor.
• Assessing the role of a baby advocate.
• Why Gina believes that her book, when read, will positively impact the future of childbirths.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Gia Mundy

Gina Mundy on LinkedIn

Gina Mundy on Instagram

Gina Mundy on Facebook

Gina Mundy Email

A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth

A Parent’s Guide to a Safer Childbirth Chapter One

TNMD Law

Haven

Tellwell