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This is where we say the things we can't say anywhere else to anyone else. Join certified life coach and stillbirth mom Jennifer Senn as she shares stories and has conversations about what life is like after suffering the loss of your baby and of the future you dreamed of before you heard those awful four words. Grief lasts a lifetime but you don't have to struggle with guilt, fear, and the isolation that is so common for loss moms. Navigating Baby Loss will give you inspiration and hope fro ...
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Former U.S. Navy podcaster and communications professional Michelle Heaton, now shares her personal story about the loss of her teenage son and her subsequent search to find empathy, insight and counsel for the unique pain she was experiencing. Speaking with other bereaved parents who survived the pain and emerged stronger brought her comfort. She recalls a quote from a pastor years ago, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." Now ten years later, Michelle knows the truth ...
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Still Hopeful

Serena Zaicos

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Welcome to the Still Hopeful podcast! Navigating pregnancy after loss can be isolating and something I learned very early on in my rainbow pregnancy is that we all need PAL pal - a pregnancy after loss pal. I’ll be that for you, my name is Serena and my firstborn, my sweet Christopher Jonathan was stillborn at 38 weeks. I created this podcast as a come with me, let’s figure this out together kind of deal. We’re going to cry, we’re going to laugh, we’re going to honour our Angel babies and th ...
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What an honour to have Irma Prosser on the podcast! She is a mom to two living children and three gone too soon. She is also the author of the children's book, "I Miss the Baby". This beautiful book helps children understand that they are not alone in their grief as they navigate the loss of a baby in their family. We talk about Irma's motherhood, …
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Send Jen a Text Message In this heartfelt episode, Ashley shares her deeply personal story of loss, grief, and healing after losing her daughter, Willow, at nearly 37 weeks. She talks about the emotional rollercoaster of her pregnancy, the trauma of discovering Willow's heartbeat was gone, and the subsequent emergency C-section. Ashley discusses th…
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In this episode, we hear from Samantha who is an amazing mom and her story will inspire everyone who listens in. Despite everything she has gone through and continues to go through, she finds a way to shine her light and honour and celebrate all four of her children. Samantha has a young son, a toddler daughter who is kicking cancer’s butt, her thi…
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Send Jen a Text Message In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Heather Browne, the author of 'Speaking with the Heart,' to discuss the importance of self-love and releasing guilt. Dr. Browne shares profound insights and real-life stories about dealing with the past, the impact of guilt, and how to move forward with compassion for oneself. She also di…
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Is This Your First? How many kids do you have? When is your due date? These questions can be downright brutal to answer when Pregnant After Loss. I tackle how to answer these questions and more in today's episode. Topics covered: -answering tough questions -sharing the news with children -making a playlist for our Angels and another for our Rainbow…
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In the season three finale coinciding with Father's Day, Matt and Liam are joined by the incredible bereaved parents behind the Sad Dads Club. Chris, Rob and Jay dialling in from the USA share the story of their losses and the impactful work they are doing to support fathers across America (and the world) with their grief. The dads give their advic…
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Hi Moms! Welcome back to The Still Hopeful Podcast. In this episode, I talk about: -what’s been working for me to manage anxiety before ultrasounds -hypnobirthing with Anja meditations on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@HypnobirthingWithAnja -At a Total Loss Podcast: the latest PAL episode with Amanda https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pal-birt…
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Laura endured the adversity trifecta- cancer, infidelity, and divorce. Listen in as she opens up about her bi-lateral breast cancer diagnosis, ravaging chemotherapy, congestive heart failure, a heart transplant, and coping with infidelity and divorce after 27 years of marriage. Through it all, she not only regained her strength and recovered physic…
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Send Jen a Text Message Julie Shapiro's Journey: From Devastating Loss to New Purpose Julie Shapiro recounts her deeply personal and heartbreaking journey through stillbirth, grieving during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the steps she took to create Aubrey's Advocate, a non-profit organization providing support for parents who have experienced similar…
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Send Jen a Text Message Parijat Deshpande is the founder and CEO of Ruvelle, the only trauma-informed wellness company specifically dedicated to improving high-risk pregnancy outcomes, reducing preterm birth, and supporting parents on the entire high-risk pregnancy journey. On a mission to end the high-risk pregnancy crisis, she has served and supp…
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Pregnancy After Loss is so different from a regular pregnancy. A major difference that I have noted in my own experience is the anxiety leading up to ultrasound appointments. In this episode, I talk about: -ultrasound anxiety -finding out the sex of the baby -my latest signs from Christopher Apply today to share your story on the pod. Whether you a…
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How are you going to feel when your child leaves for college? Have you given it any thought in advance and how prepared are you to face an empty nest? In this episode I talk with Stacy Kaye, an award-winning journalist and source of encouragement for those facing the silence of an empty nest. Listen in and be inspired as we explore the depth of par…
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Send Jen a Text Message Losing a baby is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can go through. As a mother, the dreams you had for your child and the life you envisioned are shattered. It feels like a piece of your heart has been taken away, leaving you to navigate a world that suddenly feels unrecognizable. Life is different now, and the …
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In today's episode, I talk to Angelica who is pregnant with Baby #3 after the stillbirth of her sweet, beautiful boy, Maximiliano. We laugh, we cry, we talk about our babies and how we promise to show up for them each and everyday. 2:40 Shoutout to Katherine from the At a Total Loss Podcast 5:00 Angelica’s first pregnancy with her daughter 14:24 An…
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Bereaved Mother's Day and Mother's Day are a week a part and...we made it! If you're experiencing a grief hangover, you're not alone. It takes a lot out of us. In today's episode, I discuss: -Bereaved Mother's Day -Mother's Day -Validating our Motherhood -Signs from my sweet Christopher Apply today to share your story on the pod. Whether you are tr…
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Send Jen a Text Message I can never get enough of hearing other loss mom's stories and I love bringing their lives into the room because each one is so special and unique. Mary Matt bravely shares her incredible story of the birth of her twinless twin and how she carried him for many weeks knowing she would say hello and goodbye at the same time sh…
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Send Jen a Text Message My two favorite worlds came together when I got to interview Nikki Scott and talk about all things business, books, and how she navigated the loss of her sister and her husband and many dreams she had for her future along with them. Nikki is a salon owner and a loss mom who suffered one devastating loss after another. She wr…
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Just when you get the hang of things being pregnant after loss, you find yourself ready to start sharing your big news. But we all know it's not all happiness and rainbows. Announcing your pregnancy after loss is full of a range of emotions and I have some advice on how I navigated that. I also talk about ultrasound anxiety and a new book recommend…
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In this episode, the dads delve into the complex emotions that come with feeling happiness after experiencing a profound loss. Many of us grapple with guilt when moments of joy peek through our grief - wondering if it's okay to feel happy and questioning what it means about our mourning. We explore not only the personal dimension of this guilt but …
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Send Jen a Text Message When you lose a baby when you already have other children, your thoughts instantly go to how and when to tell the other children. Ariane Sroubek, PSY.D shares her unique story of the loss of her second child, and how she combined her clinical knowledge and experience with her parenting intuition to see her family through and…
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Welcome back to the Still Hopeful podcast! Today, I'm talking about how I survived the first trimester. I discuss helpful apps and Youtube channels, taking bump photos and how to continue honouring our Angel babies while we celebrate this new life. Oh, and I'm starting to sound like Darth Vader with being out of breath. Please bear with! Apply toda…
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Send Jen a Text Message We just finished a season of celebrating my son's joyful wedding one moment and then, in the blink of an eye, faced with the sorrow of my mother's health battles and eventual passing. It's within these contrasting experiences that this episode was born, sharing with you the raw and honest reflections on grief's profound impa…
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The loss of a dog, a cat, a horse, a bird, any pet can cause us to experience grief. The animals we share our homes and lives with are part of our families and when they are no longer there it can create a significant and painful void. Listen in as I interview Rachel Shirley, a compelling author and certified coach committed to guiding individuals …
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Every journey carries its storms, and today, I invite you into the heart of mine. My name is Serena and I am currently 12 weeks pregnant after the full-term stillbirth of my son, Christopher Jonathan. Christopher is by no means a storm, but losing him felt like my husband and I were in the middle of a tumultuous hurricane that we could not escape f…
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Navigating pregnancy after loss can be isolating and something I learned very early on in my rainbow pregnancy is that we all need pal pal - a pregnancy after loss pal. I’ll be that for you, my name is Serena and my firstborn, my sweet Christopher Jonathan was stillborn at 38 weeks. I created this podcast as a come with me, let’s figure this out to…
  continue reading
 
When Katherine and her husband learned of their baby’s fatal fetal diagnosis, they knew they had some hard decisions to make. Since their child had no kidneys he would most likely die in utero or shortly after birth, so doctors recommended termination of the pregnancy. Listen in as Katherine shares her story about carrying a baby she knew she could…
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When doctors diagnosed her father with mild cognitive disorder, a form of dementia that would likely progress to Alzheimer’s, Joycelyn was in denial. It was difficult to watch the decline of her superhero dad and she began to grieve the loss of the man he once was. Her personal story will resonate with anyone who has walked alongside a loved one wi…
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In this episode of the Dad Still Standing podcast, hosts Matt and Liam delve into the emotionally complex topic of pregnancy announcements and their impact on individuals who have experienced baby loss. They share their personal perspectives and reactions to such announcements, reflecting on their own experiences of grief and loss. The conversation…
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In this episode of Dad Still Standing, the dads explore the crucial roles of giving and receiving support within a partnership after the loss of a child. They have contributions from four listeners, each with their own insights into what it truly means to be a supportive partner during the most challenging times. Through their personal journies, th…
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Born with a severe cleft palate, Sue faced ridicule and harassment on daily basis due to the way she looked. In addition to having to endure multiple surgeries and physical pain, she would also be traumatized by her parent's divorce and an abusive encounter in college that resulted in rape. Today, Sue Corl is an international women’s conference spe…
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This episode starts with a strong focus and direction but loses it within the first three minutes - maybe less than that. However, the dads do talk about the complexities of grief; why you shouldn't avoid groups and social settings; tips on how to deal with the longer-term effects of loss; the challenges of rebuilding yourself mentally and much muc…
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At the age of 13, Katherine made the choice to exclude her father from her life. By going no contact with him, she hoped to rid herself of his toxic behavior and safeguard her own mental health. Listen in to our conversation as Katherine shares about her emotional journey of stepping away from her father for 13 years and the impact it had on her ad…
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While away from home on a business trip, Anne-Marie was informed that her husband suffered a brain aneurysm and died in their bedroom. Nothing could have prepared her for the pain and grief she was about to experience and no one seemed equipped to come alongside her emotionally. Listen in to this inspirational story of how one widow was determined …
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As another year comes to an end, the dads reflect on what Christmas is all about and what the New Year could bring for us all. As promised, Liam and Matt have taken the best of the questions sent in from listeners and have answered them in their candid style. The episode is packed full of laughs, advice, and reflections on how the past twelve month…
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Raising twin daughters with severe intellectual disabilities and autism, working full time and becoming an advocate for people with disabilities would keep Clay busy and challenged over the years. But when his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, he began to wonder why his family had been singled out for so much adversity in this life. Listen in…
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This episode focuses on medical negligence and legal action and the fraught conversations among families about whether to sue or not. The dads - with absolutely zero expertise in this - are thankfully joined by Guy Forster from the Irwin Mitchell legal firm. Guy is a partner there and heads up their Medical Negligence team. The episode dispels some…
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When a social media post informed her about a fatal shark attack at the very time and place her husband was surfing that day, Katie instinctively knew her worst fear had been realized. Now widowed at the age of 27, her life had been shattered into a million pieces launching her into the unknown, unwanted journey of grief. Listen in as I talk with K…
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The dads are joined by Sky Sports broadcaster, presenter, journalist, Gooner, and all-round top bloke James Green for this episode of the podcast. On the show, James shares his own experiences of loss with Matt & Liam, and while you would hope that the dads managed to structure this important topic in some kind of sensible way - they just go off do…
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Ten years after losing her mom to cancer, Ceci was still healing but feeling stronger, restored and more grounded. Then the news came that her father was ill and ultimately died in the hospital during the pandemic. By age 30, she had lost both parents and was struggling with PTSD, suicidal ideation and a variety of somatic issues stemming from her …
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Send Jen a Text Message Emotions were running high as I watched my son say "I do" and embark on his own life journey. This significant event sparked a whirlwind of emotions and personal growth, which I can't wait to share with you. From experiencing the immense joy of my son's wedding, to confronting the heartache of personal loss, I've learned to …
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In this episode, the dads get real about the emotional ups and downs that come with losing a baby. And the sometimes never-ending rut that feels impossible to escape. They explain that grief isn't just about feeling sad; it's a mix of emotions that can make you feel physically tired or mentally stuck. The dads then offer some practical advice for g…
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In this thought-provoking episode of 'Dad Still Standing,' the dads delve deep into a seldom-discussed aspect of grief—the profound impact on your career. From the immediate aftermath of loss to long-term job performance, they explore the challenges and adjustments grieving fathers and mothers face in the workplace. Whether you're struggling with c…
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Growing up in an alcoholic and abusive home made every day difficult for Suzy. She endured painful emotional and physical abuse and failed to receive the nurturing and parental guidance that is so critical to a child’s healthy development. But even after being raped at a very young age, and living in a home devoid of love, Suzy’s greatest loss woul…
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Following two miscarriages, Darrell and his wife were thrilled to learn that they would finally become parents. As they arrived at the hospital prepared to experience their greatest joy, they also received devasting news that would trigger a mix of emotions they were completely unprepared for. Listen in on my conversation with Darrell Williams, for…
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Send Jen a Text Message What if you found strength in the face of multiple miscarriages, a divorce, and the lengthy path to adoption? Our guest for this episode, Anna Maria de Dio, did just that. She takes us through her decade-long journey navigating the ups and downs of life, a testament to her resilience and determination. Not only did Anna Mari…
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Send Jen a Text Message Can you imagine experiencing an unimaginable loss and finding a way to turn it into a journey of self-discovery and wellness? Our guest, Erin Tennant, a certified health and wellness coach, takes us along on her life-altering journey. Erin experienced the heartbreaking loss of her son, Max, at seven months gestation. Instead…
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During a family vacation in Colorado, Tara's 13-year-old daughter Taylor died suddenly when she struck a tree while skiing. Still in shock, Tara and her husband were asked a question no parents ever think they will hear: "Would you be willing to donate Taylor's organs?" In our conversation, Tara opens up about the difficult journey of grief and how…
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Send Jen a Text Message Welcome to an intimate episode of Navigating Baby Loss, where we unravel the challenging emotion of jealousy following the loss of a baby. I'm Jennifer Senn, your host and a grief coach by profession, and also a bereaved mom of stillborn twins. Together, we'll face this tricky emotion head-on, acknowledging that it is a norm…
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The dads are back with an episode requested by one of their listeners, all about regrets following baby loss. It's hard to go through what we all have without thinking back to decisions we made or things we wished we'd done differently. For this episode, Liam & Matt try and recognise some of the classic regrets people will face and also delve a lit…
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Send Jen a Text Message What happens when the unimaginable takes place and heartache becomes your constant companion? Brave mom, Katie Bordelon, boldly shares her story of losing her twins, Scarlet and Jackson, just 19 weeks into pregnancy due to an infection. Katie details this traumatic experience – from the shocking premature birth to the afterm…
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