Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood Podcast, Vallen explores the complex relationship between grief and joy, particularly in the context of motherhood and loss. She emphasizes that feeling joy does not mean forgetting about a lost child and that grief is a natural response to loss that evolves over time. Vallen shares personal experiences and insights on navigating guilt, shame, and the duality of emotions, encouraging listeners to embrace both grief and joy as part of their healing journey. She also offers practical advice on finding moments of joy amidst grief and highlights the importance of support and community in the healing process.

Takeaways

You are not broken; you are hurting.

Grief and joy can coexist.

Grief doesn't have an expiration date.

It's okay to take a vacation from your grief.

Experiencing joy does not mean forgetting your loss.

Your love for your child does not disappear.

You can find ways to parent beyond the grave.

Grief evolves over time; it doesn't vanish.

Finding meaning in loss is a personal journey.

You are never alone in your grief.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Grief and Joy

02:05 The Nature of Grief

04:11 Finding Moments of Joy

06:18 The Complexity of Grief

08:17 Navigating Guilt and Shame

10:12 Duality of Emotions

12:27 Creating Meaning from Loss

14:57 Practicing Presence and Joy

17:08 Support and Resources for Healing

What You’ll Hear:

Links + Resources:

• 💌 Visit the Evelyn James Shop on Etsy!
• 🧡 Follow us on TikTok!! @pregnancyloss.motherhood

Episode Title: The In-Between Self: What Grief Teaches You About Who You Are Now

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood Podcast, Today I’m sharing three truths that changed me after losing my daughter Evelyn, truths that helped me breathe again, helped me make the choice to keep going, and helped me understand that identity after loss is not about going back—it’s about becoming.

In this episode, we explore:

• How motherhood doesn’t begin or end with a heartbeat
• Why your identity feels shattered after loss
• The quiet, invisible, misunderstood reality of life after baby loss
• The power of narrative (and how trauma forces us to rewrite our story)
• Why you're not broken—you’re becoming someone new
• How grief shapes you, but does not define you

This is for you if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I don’t know who I am anymore,” or if guilt, softness, anger, jealousy, or numbness has made you question who you’re becoming after your baby died.

Take a breath with me. You don’t have to have it all figured out.

You just have to be here.

Links + Resources:

• 💌 Visit the Evelyn James Shop on Etsy!
• 🧡 Follow us on TikTok!! @pregnancyloss.motherhood

Episode Title: Navigating Grief and Self-Discovery with Melissa Crook

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood podcast, Melissa Crook shares her journey of healing and self-discovery after experiencing a miscarriage and navigating the complexities of motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care, understanding grief, and breaking free from codependency. Melissa provides practical steps for women to embrace their emotions, set boundaries, and recognize self-abandonment in their daily lives. Through her framework, she encourages women to acknowledge their worth and make choices that align with their true selves.

What You’ll Hear:

• You are worth all the love and care you give yourself.
• Loss and grief are valid experiences, regardless of circumstances.
• It's essential to prioritize your wellness and not abandon yourself.
• Curiosity can replace judgment in understanding emotions.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for self-care and mental health.
• Self-abandonment often occurs in daily choices and responsibilities.
• Women often minimize their grief compared to others' experiences.
• Emotions should be acknowledged without judgment or stigma.
• You can choose how to respond to difficult situations.
• It's important to create a supportive community for healing.

Links + Resources:

• 💌 Join our grief + growth newsletter: Here
• 🎙️ Listen to more episodes: On Spotify or other favorite podcast platform!
• 🧡 Visit the Evelyn James Shop: https://evelynjames.shop

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Connect with Me:

Instagram → @evelynjamesandco

Shop & Resource Hub → https://evelynjames.shop

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