Episode #007: Unexpecting: What to Expect When You’re No Longer Expecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss (with Rachel Lewis)
Lindsay Blair Lindsay Blair

Episode #007: Unexpecting: What to Expect When You’re No Longer Expecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss (with Rachel Lewis)

This week I was able to finally meet with Rachel Lewis, grief coach, published author, and founder of Brava Mamas. I have felt drawn to Rachel ever since I found her book last year, and I am so excited to have finally been able to connect with her after taking a break from the podcast over the summer. Rachel has such a gift with words and connecting with others on a genuine and personal level and I love her candor and passion for sharing her story and the legacy of her babies in heaven in a way that is inspiring, encouraging, honest and authentic. In this episode, Rachel and I talk about the reality of the experience of “unexpecting” and what that shift and process looks like when you go from “expecting” a baby to “unexpecting”. Rachel shares practical tips to help listeners prepare for and navigate triggers after experiencing a loss, how to move forward “with” your life alongside your grief, and how loss, lament, love, and legacy can all intertwine in a really beautiful and authentic way throughout this lifelong healing process. I hope this episode sparks courage and ignites hope for you in the week ahead. Let’s dive in.

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Episode #006: What to Look for in a Therapist (with Licensed Professional Counselor Molly Dalva, LPC)
Lindsay Blair Lindsay Blair

Episode #006: What to Look for in a Therapist (with Licensed Professional Counselor Molly Dalva, LPC)

This week I have the pleasure of inviting back Molly Dalva, LPC. Molly joined us for episode 3 and talked about all things trauma and the way we may experience trauma through our journey with infertility or pregnancy & infant loss. Molly is the owner of Resilience LLC, a healing space offering compassionate and connected psychotherapy to those overcoming chronic stress and trauma. Molly has held designation as a certified clinical trauma professional, a certified clinical trauma specialist in the area of sexual exploitation and trafficking and has completed advanced trainings in somatic and attachment focused trauma therapies. Molly is passionate about being with clients who have experienced trauma, and I think one thing that makes her so great at what she does is her ability to provide a human-to-human connection in which clients can come to experience safety within themselves and in relationship with others. In this episode, we are talking about the process of therapy and how we truly believe EVERYONE can benefit from therapy. Molly explains what the therapy process is like from start to finish and identifies different types of therapy and how they each might benefit you, and she also shares some really practical information on what to look for in a therapist and ways to know if your therapist is the right fit for you. Molly also shares with us a little bit of inside scoop on what your therapist may be thinking, and how your therapist can partner with you when you face barriers in therapy.

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Episode #003: The Trauma of Infertility and Pregnancy Loss: What It Is, How to Heal, and How to Support Someone Experiencing It (with Licensed Professional Counselor Molly Dalva)
Lindsay Blair Lindsay Blair

Episode #003: The Trauma of Infertility and Pregnancy Loss: What It Is, How to Heal, and How to Support Someone Experiencing It (with Licensed Professional Counselor Molly Dalva)

This week I have the pleasure of interviewing one of my closest friends- who also happens to be a Licensed Professional Counselor and expert on all things trauma- Molly Dalva. Molly is passionate about being with clients who have experienced trauma, and I think one thing that makes her so great at what she does is her ability to provide a human-to-human connection in which clients can come to experience safety within themselves and in relationship with others. In this episode, Molly breaks down the difference between traumatic stress and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), how trauma relates to infertility and pregnancy loss and what how different people may respond to this type of trauma (think fight, flight, or freeze.. plus a fourth response you may not have heard of!). Molly also shares what is happening in our brains and bodies when we experience trauma and when we are triggered, provides steps we can take to begin the healing process, and helps those of us who may love someone who has experienced trauma better understand their experience and know how to support them. Molly shared so much wisdom and hope, but I think my favorite thing she said was, “Your pain matters, your story matters, and you are deserving of support no matter what stage of healing you’re in.” Thank you for being here, friend. I hope this episode sparks courage and ignites hope for you in the week ahead.

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