Miscarriage Hope Desk Podcast

Miscarriage Hope Desk Podcast shares inspiring m real life stories from women who have walked the unexpected path of recurrent miscarriage. The episodes also include interviews with experts in the field of fertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, including doctors, physicians, therapists, acupuncturist, naturopaths, dietitians and more! These episodes are perfect for anyone who has experienced miscarriages, RPL, infertility or for those wanting to support friends and family with these experiences. Hosted by Laura Bauder. For more information on Miscarriage Hope Desk, please visit- MiscarriageHopeDesk.com

MHD Quick Update 01/01/2025

Future Self - A Word of Encouragement #164 01/08/2024

Miscarriage Grief - Can You Ever Fully Recover? | #163 12/18/2023

Emotions after Miscarriage - Feeling Like No One Understands| #162 12/11/2023

Finding a Mentor After Miscarriage | #161 12/04/2023

Healthy Lifestyle Practices - One Habit That Has Changed My Life | #160 11/27/2023

Lab Work after Miscarriage | #159 11/20/2023

Finding Your Support Team After Miscarriage | #158 11/13/2023

Managing Mental Health with Erin Iwanusa, LCSW, CDWF | #157 11/06/2023

Getting Away After Miscarriage & Making Plans | #156 10/30/2023

You Are Not Alone After Miscarriage | #155 10/23/2023

7 Ideas for Healing after Miscarriage + a Personal Announcement! | #154 10/16/2023

Grief is Seasonal Not Linear - Solo Episode with Allison Schaaf | #153 10/09/2023

Exciting News! Miscarriage Hope Desk Updates | #152 10/02/2023

Miscarriage Hope Desk Podcast Taking a Break | #151 08/07/2023

10 Questions to Ask for Medical Miscarriage vs Natural Miscarriage | #150 07/31/2023

Miscarriage Options - D&C vs Natural Miscarriage - 10 Questions to Ask | #149 07/24/2023

Adoption Process Steps, Considerations & Tips from Allison Schaaf | # 148 07/17/2023

Adoption Process Steps, Considerations & Tips from Allison Schaaf | # 148 In episode 148, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder Allison Schaaf shares her experience with the adoption process. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking of adopting: 1. Find someone in your local community to talk to. Adoption laws and procedures vary by area. Ask around to find someone local to talk to if you can. 2. Domestic versus International This is a big consideration but I don’t have a lot of expertise here as I’ve only experienced domestic adoption. 3. Who to work with You’ll have to complete a home study and profile book and then work with someone, an adoption agency or consultancy or attorney, to adopt. We’re working with FAC, Faithful Adoption Consultants, right now. 4. Home Study Process The entire home study process can take several months. Be prepared for a lot of paperwork and remember that this process is in place to protect children. I find that perspective helps. I try to get started right away on the more time consuming parts of the process, like the background check. Setting up a physical can also take awhile. You also need to consider that the home study paperwork needs to be completed for all adults living in the house. 5. Letters of Reference Start asking for reference letters early so people aren’t rushed. 6. Profile Book This is basically a photo book showing your family. It’s a way to present your family as an option to the birth mom. I recommend having a photo shoot because there are lots of specific photos required. There are photographers who specifically create profile books for adoption which can be really helpful. I recommend starting this as soon as possible because it can take awhile to get the photos back. 7. Applications After the home study, you’ll fill out applications with adoption agencies. 8. Speak up If you have questions, make sure to speak up. No one else is going to make sure that you’re doing everything you need to do so you have to take that on. TOPICS DISCUSSED: Adoption process, home study, adoption agencies LINKS IN THIS EPISODE Ep5 - Allison’s Adoption Story with Ivan Ep141 - Is adoption right for you? Trello project management software: Adoption Continuing Education: MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources- Library of Articles, found here- Instagram Community- Facebook Community- Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- Free Weekly Newsletter- FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, to get 2 weeks FREE! SHOW NOTES- Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- /episode/index/show/miscarriagehopedesk/id/27484137

Finding Joy During First Trimester After Miscarriage (How to Enjoy Pregnancy and Not Worry So Much) | #147 07/10/2023

Finding Joy During First Trimester After Miscarriage (How to Enjoy Pregnancy and Not Worry So Much) | #147 In episode 147, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder Allison Schaaf shares tips on how to find real joy in the first trimester after miscarriage. Allison’s 7 Tips for Finding Joy in the 1st Trimester After Loss: 1. Mantras: “Today I am pregnant” is a mantra that works well for me. 2. Journaling: I will sometimes write out my negative thoughts and then burn the paper. I also love journaling my mantras and affirmations, as well as gratitude journaling. The Pregnancy After Loss program includes journal prompts for the week. 3. Find Specific Ways to Add Joy: What would have filled you with joy if you hadn’t had a loss? Make a list and see if you can allow those joyful moments, whether it’s buying a new maternity dress or calling your sister to tell her you’re pregnant. Find ways to celebrate. 4. Find a Pregnancy Book that Speaks to You: There are so many out there, look for one that will inspire joy in you. 5. Work with a Therapist: I’ve worked with therapists during my first trimesters and they’ve given me so many tools that have helped me through the difficult moments of my fertility journey. 6. Meditation and Breathing Exercises: Specifically, Holosync meditations have been really relaxing and helpful. 7. Find a mentor: Having someone who has been through loss before who you can reach out to can make a huge difference. TOPICS DISCUSSED: Pregnancy After Loss, Pregnancy Journaling, Breathing Exercises for Pregnancy, Therapy for Pregnancy After Loss, Joy After Miscarriage LINKS IN THIS EPISODE Ep 132 - Pregnancy Journaling in Pregnancy After Loss: Ep 133 - A Second Pregnancy After Loss - Staying Positive and Finding Joy: Holosync Mediations: MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources- Library of Articles, found here- Instagram Community- Facebook Community- Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- Free Weekly Newsletter- FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, to get 2 weeks FREE! SHOW NOTES- Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- /episode/index/show/miscarriagehopedesk/id/27417687

Just Breathe - The Benefits of Including Breathwork Sessions in Your Fertility Journey | #146 07/03/2023

Dr. Julie Bindeman - Taking Leave From Work After a Miscarriage | #145 06/26/2023

Dr. Julie Bindeman - Taking Leave From Work After a Miscarriage | #145 In episode #145, Dr. Julie Bindeman shares her expertise on bereavement and workplace leave policies related to miscarriage. We talk about the current availability of leave allowed for pregnancy loss, how grief can impact us in the workplace, and what we can do to advocate for change. Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from the George Washington University and is the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland. Her specialty is in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents. She is an approved consultant in EMDR through EMDRIA. She has served on several committees within the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and was elected in 2021 to its Executive Committee. She served as a former Board Member of the Maryland Psychological Association for over 10 years. Dr. Bindeman is a member of multiple organizations focused on Maternal and Reproductive Mental Health and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on its Maternal Mental Health Task Force. She was recently awarded the Karl Heiser Award for her legislative efforts on behalf of psychology. Dr. Bindeman has published several chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology. Topics Discussed: Bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), short-term disability, effects of grief in the workplace, how to advocate for flexible leave policies, post-traumatic growth ‌ CONNECT WITH DR. BINDEMAN - ‌ MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources- Library of Articles, found here- Instagram Community- Facebook Community- Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- Free Weekly Newsletter- FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, to get 2 weeks FREE! SHOW NOTES- Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- /episode/index/show/miscarriagehopedesk/id/27270000

Danielle Nicole - Decreasing the Negative Effects of Pregnancy Loss Through Education, Support, and Advocacy | #144 06/19/2023

Hannah Clark - Pregnancy Loss, Embryo Loss, and Loss of a Twin | #143 06/12/2023

Tiffany Vakilian - Honoring Your Grief Story After Miscarriage | #142 06/05/2023

Moving forward 4 - Considering Adoption - Is Adoption Right for You? | #141 05/29/2023

Moving forward 3 - Exploring Potential Causes & Testing After Miscarriage | #140 05/22/2023

Moving forward 2 - The Knowing: Listening to Your Intuition | #139 05/15/2023

Mother's Day After Miscarriage | #138 05/08/2023

Mother's Day After Miscarriage | #138 Mother’s Day can be hard after experiencing pregnancy loss. Miscarriage Hope Desk founder, Allison Schaaf, shares her thoughts on Mother’s Day after miscarriage, including things you can do to prepare. Some things to consider: 1. You can always say “no”. If you're invited to an event you know will be triggering, give yourself permission to say “no”. If you feel relieved when you consider declining, it’s likely the right choice. 2. Consider staying home. At many places, like churches or some restaurants, on Mother’s Day, people will ask if you’re a mother to give you a flower. If that will be hard for you, consider skipping that day. 3. Think about a Social Media break. There will be a lot of focus on Mother’s Day on social media this week. If that will be hard for you, consider taking a digital break. 4. Rethink plans for the day. If you go out to brunch, know that the servers may ask you if you’re celebrating. What can you do instead? 1. Go for a walk. This is a big one for me and my mental health. Going for a drive or taking a long shower can be therapeutic as well. 2. Make a call. Plan a call, or in-person get together, with a friend or loved one who knows what you’ve been through. 3. Book a massage. Consider letting the massage therapist know ahead of time that you don’t wish to talk about Mother’s Day. 4. Make a special meal at your house. Take this opportunity to connect with your partner and plan something special at home. 5. Reach out to someone else. If you have a friend or loved one who is also struggling with loss, consider reaching out to support them. 6. Journal or visualize. In addition to making space for your emotions, you may be in a place where you can journal and visualize about your hopes for the future. Really consider what will be best and most healing for you and do that. ‌ Topics Discussed: Mother’s Day after miscarriage ‌ MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES-Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources- Pregnancy After Loss program- Pregnancy After Loss - Library of Articles, found here- Instagram Community- Facebook Community- Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- Free Weekly Newsletter- FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, to get 2 weeks FREE! SHOW NOTES- Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- /episode/index/show/miscarriagehopedesk/id/26775135

Moving forward - Processing Grief and Emotions After a Miscarriage | #137 05/01/2023

Explaining Miscarriage to a Child | #136 04/24/2023