S6 Ep 14 - Healing from Miscarriage Through Writing with Shani Rogers, Author of Blue & Pink Balloons
Release Date: 04/02/2024
Fertility Freedom - Host Julia Explores Family Today
Stork'd
In this bonus episode, Julia took a moment on the 4th of July to reflect on the importance of reproductive freedom. She appreciates living in Massachusetts, where mandatory insurance coverage allowed her to undergo IVF treatments. However, she expresses concerns about potential changes to these laws due to the current political climate, noting that some states already have restrictions. Julia emphasizes the need to cherish our freedoms to build families in ways that feel right to us. She also reflectes on the diverse stories shared on the Stork'd podcast—some heartbreaking, others showcasing...
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Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 19 - Finding Peace After Six Years of Infertility Treatment Without Answers with Abbe Feder
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In this Stork’d Munchkin, Abbe Feder shares how she found peace after six years of infertility treatment and still has no answers to why IVF didn’t work for her. If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts! Resources:
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Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 19 - The Emotional Rollercoaster When IVF Doesn't Work With Abbe Feder
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In this Stork’d Munchkin, Abbe Feder shares that when she started IVF, she automatically thought that it would work and she would have a baby. Listen as she shares the emotional rollercoaster she felt when she started IVF and it didn’t work. If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts! Resources:
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S6 Ep. 19 - Leaning on Levity To Break the Grief: 6 Years of Unexplained Infertility With Abbe Feder, InCircle Fertility
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Abbe Feder is the founder of InCircle Fertility and host of the Fertility Chic. In this episode, Abbe shares her own six-year journey through unexplained infertility, including her initial reluctance to turn to assisted reproductive technology. Ultimately, Abbe and her husband tried IUI and then IVF with multiple failed transfers and loss. After a traumatic birth experience and emergency hysterectomy, Abbe is the proud mom of twins. Abbe leans on her experience and a deep well of empathy and tools to guide hopeful parents through the infertility experience. InCircle Fertility is...
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Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 18 - I Felt Erased - Maintaining Your Own Individuality While Balancing Parenthood
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In this Stork’d Munchkin, Brittany Ross discusses how during her first pregnancy she didn’t want to lose her identity and become “just a mom.” If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts! Resources:
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Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 18 - Embracing Parenthood on Your Own Terms with Brittany Ross
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In this Stork’d Munchkin, Brittany Ross shares advice to those who find out they are pregnant and may not feel the expected emotional reaction to finding out you are and that you are allowed to feel however you want to feel. If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts! Resources:
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S6 Ep. 18 - Can’t I Be More Than Just “Mom”? - Retaining Identity in Parenthood with Brittany Ross, Comedian
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Brittany Ross, a Los Angeles-based actor and stand up comedian opens up with refreshing authenticity about her journey into motherhood. She candidly shares her experiences of feeling like she lost her identity during her first pregnancy, as others only saw her as a mom-to-be and, after giving birth, felt defined solely by motherhood. Now pregnant again, Brittany reflects on navigating this journey differently, realizing she can embrace her role as a caring mom and her identity as a professional and individual woman. Join us as Brittany shares her insights and experiences in this honest and...
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Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 17 - Leaning on Your Village: Ronit and Vida’s Advice for Those Experiencing a Miscarriage
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In this Stork’d Munchkin, Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, co-founders of WeNatal, give advice to those who are experiencing a miscarriage. They emphasize leaning on your “village” and encourage listeners that it’s not the end of the story. If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts! Resources: WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
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Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 17 - Why Doesn’t Anyone Know This? Sperm Quality and Conception
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In this Stork’d Munchkin, Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, co-founders of WeNatal, discuss this shocking vital revelation: the quality of sperm can significantly affect fertility, contributing up to half of the reason for miscarriage. They banded together to address this and created a men’s prenatal vitamin. If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts! Resources: WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
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S6 Ep 17 - We Need to Talk About Sperm Quality - With WeNatal Founders Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim
Stork'd
Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, the founders of WeNatal, join Julia on a poignant episode of the podcast to share their journeys to expand their respective families and create WeNatal. As close friends who endured miscarriages within days of each other, their bond grew even stronger. Together, they uncovered a vital revelation: the quality of sperm can significantly affect fertility, contributing up to half of the reason for miscarriage. In response, they developed specialized supplements for both men and women to boost fertility before trying to conceive. They delve into the potential...
info_outline*Trigger warning for miscarriage*
Shani Rogers, the author of the book "Blue and Pink Balloons," a narrative crafted for her daughter that addresses the sensitive topic of miscarriage. Shani shares her story of trying for a second and healing from miscarriage. Together, Shani and Julia, who also shares her journey through miscarriage, shed light on the prevalence of this experience among women.
Often, amidst the turmoil of miscarriage within a family, the experiences of siblings can be overlooked. Yet, they, too, undergo a profound sense of loss. Collaborating with her four-year-old daughter, Shani found therapeutic value in writing this book for herself and her daughter. "Blue and Pink Balloons" serves as a valuable tool for initiating discussions about miscarriage with children. Consider sharing this episode with a friend or family member grappling with similar experiences.
IN THIS EPISODE:
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[2:10] Shani shares her story about her miscarriage and how frequently it had happened among her peers
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[5:16] Julia discusses her own miscarriage experience
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[6:56] Shani walks through learning she has had a miscarriage
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[12:14] Shani and her husband share the news with their daughter
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[15:12] How her daughter dealt with the miscarriage
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[19:37] Shani talks about how she walked her daughter through the loss and how the book came about
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[23:19] Shani advises mothers who have lost a baby or those who are pregnant and are experiencing fear
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[27:48] Shani discusses how her husband comforted her and took care of their daughter
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[31:41] Trying again to have another child and how Shani defines family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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Losing a child through miscarriage not only affects the parents but has a profound effect on children at home.
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Talking about the miscarriage with their sibling is healthy. It allows them to express their feelings in a way that’s comfortable with them.
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People can be insensitive to the loss of a baby through miscarriage. Better to say nothing than, “ Oh well, you can get pregnant again.”
RESOURCE LINKS:
BIOGRAPHY:
Shani Rogers is, first and foremost, a devoted wife and mother to two incredible children. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, she spends her free time working, volunteering at her kids' school, attending her daughter's dance practices, or watching her son at the baseball field. When she gets some downtime, she enjoys relaxing and spending time with family and friends, often with an iced coffee in hand.
Shani's children's book, "Blue & Pink Balloons," is a real-life story based on the miscarriage their family experienced when their daughter was on the brink of her fourth birthday. It narrates the story from the perspective of their daughter, detailing her wishes for a sibling, the excitement of becoming one, and the sadness of losing the baby. This book validates children's feelings in times of loss and assures them they are loved, regardless of the circumstances.