78: Navigating Pregnancy After Loss with Humor and Healing

Navigating Baby Loss

Send Jen a Text Message

In this episode, we speak with Aspen, a clinical social worker who shares her personal and professional insights on pregnancy after infant loss. Aspen discusses her journey from losing her first child, Otis, to pregnancy with her rainbow baby, Lenara, offering both emotional support and practical advice for those on a similar path.

Key Points

- Aspen's background in clinical social work and linguistics

- The loss of her first child, Otis, shortly after birth

- The decision to try for another pregnancy

- Coping strategies during subsequent pregnancy

- The role of dark humor in grief

- Balancing fear and hope during pregnancy after loss

- Professional insights on therapy and self-care

- Starting a specialized private practice for pregnancy and infant loss

Notable Quotes

[00:15:30] "I don't think I'm done. I don't think that I can walk away from this and not try again."

[00:27:45] "It's okay to do that. Human life... we all have our own stories and part of it is learning how to deal with other people's stories."

[00:38:20] "What you're doing in those moments is taking the power back rather than letting the thoughts and emotions control you."

[00:52:10] "There's no right or wrong way to grieve or navigate pregnancy after loss. Your journey is unique, and it's okay to approach it in whatever way feels right for you."

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Introduction and Aspen's background

00:05:30 - The story of Otis's birth and loss

00:15:30 - Decision to try for another pregnancy

00:22:45 - Navigating pregnancy after loss

00:30:15 - Coping strategies and the role of dark humor

00:38:20 - Managing anxiety and intrusive thoughts

00:45:30 - Bonding with rainbow baby Lenara

00:52:10 - Professional insights and starting a specialized practice

01:00:00 - Closing thoughts and resources

Resources Mentioned

- Instagram: @thetherapistinmyhead

- Instagram: @keepgoingmentalhealth

- Yoga

If you’ve ever wished for a safe space to connect with other moms who truly understand life after stillbirth, this is for you. Held every Thursday at 7 PM EST join us for a free, private meet-up where we start with a short, encouraging topic and then open the floor for discussion, questions, and real connection.
Register now at jennifersenn.com/meetup, and I’ll send the link straight to your email. I can’t wait to see you this Thursday.

"Why No One Understands Your Grief After Stillbirth"
Download this free 3-part video series with a bonus PDF download to understand why others struggle to support you after stillbirth and how to communicate your needs effectively. Gain confidence, find meaningful support, and start healing with insights from someone who’s been there

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE VIDEO SERIES: "Why No One Understands Your Pain After Stillbirth"

WHERE TO FIND AND FOLLOW ME!

• Website- https://www.jennifersenn.com
• Tik Tok-https://www.tiktok.com/@navigatingbabyloss
• Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/navigatingbabyloss/
• You Tube-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-2MCEY5PRiF6p6VB_2lxA