Baby Loss, Grief and Love: Recent Episodes
Kelly Wells
Baby Loss, Grief and Love is hosted by Kelly Wells MBACP, Founder and CEO of Making Miracles Charity. A counselling specialist in pregnancy, birth trauma and baby loss at all stages. Kelly also provides training for NHS staff working in this field. Making Miracles Registered Charity provides trauma and bereavement care through a number of services including professional counselling, a baby memorial garden, support groups, a published children’s book “The Baby", home therapy Care Boxes and so much more! The UK’s only Charity providing counselling support to the whole family, parents, siblings and grandparents. The podcast discusses all things related to trauma and loss. Making Miracles will be the first Baby Loss Support Charity in England to do this and will help people access self help or therapy who may live out of the area we facilitate and discuss relevant emotions, conditions, concerns and anxieties whilst navigating the pathway through the journey that is grief. Contact: kelly@makingmiracles.org.uk. Visit: www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes MM counsellor Sarah to the podcast.
Sarah shares her story of baby loss, trauma and infertility.
Sarah discusses how she feels about not being able to have children, what this means for her as a women, how it has affected her past relationships and how now she uses her own experiences to help others.
Trigger warning - Sarah very bravely also opens up about the guilt and feelings she carries following a very upsetting personal experience which led to her having to end a pregnancy when she was just 18 years old. She discusses how things that happen in our past can deeply affect us many years on.
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Ellie to the podcast.
Ellie is from Essex and found ‘Baby Loss, Grief & Love’ through searching the internet for extra support.
Ellie is a childhood cancer survivor and talks about the links between her cancer and the loss of her son Noah. Ellie bravely talks about her traumatic birth as she had Noah before making it safely to the hospital.
Kelly and Ellie talk about the benefits of counselling, how she has lost relationships but also how she has gained some new amazing people in her life.
Ellie shares how she is navigating her way through her grief and holds in her heart that she will become a Mum one day. Ellie opens up about feeling she had no purpose after loosing Noah however surrogacy is giving her a new found hope in becoming a Mum.
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly continues the theme around death and how it affects us as individuals as well as a wider family.
Kelly is joined by a Making Miracles counsellor, Alison. Together Kelly and Alison discuss how we deal with grief as a Nation and how extremely important it is not to suppress your emotions while grieving as those feelings will eventually come out it different ways.
Alison also shares experiences of cultural differences in death and how she was moved by the people in the Caribbean and their mass community support through grief. She saw how a whole new strength in people and families that we can all learn from.
Alison also reflects on her own losses and how she dealt with the loss of her Mum and then welcoming her first grandchild into the world.
Kelly opens up about the important work and services MM provide grieving families and this has all come from listening to those in grief.
Information Link for Making Miracles Support Services: https://makingmiracles.org.uk/services/
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks podcast Kelly dicusses the 'D' word.
Kelly starts season 6 with the hard hitting subject of ‘Death'.
Kelly talks about how we all deal with death in so many different ways and generally this is due to how we've been brought up around death, culturally and also the age in which it changed our lives.
Kelly talks about the difference between baby loss and loosing another person close to us. “When you grieve someone in which you've shared memories with is different to greiving a life that sadly didn't have that chance to begin”
Understanding this and being self aware is a power tool to help you understand and support yourself through your baby loss journey and grief as a whole.
Some who have recently lost a baby or close loved one may find this episode triggering so please bare this in mind when listening
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks podcast Kelly welcomes Team MM members (Becci & Hayley) to the podcast.
10 years on Making Miracles is still going strong and Kelly, Becci & Hayley share the reason behind why Making Miracles started, each of their own journeys and the importance of the podcast.
They all talk about the importance of emotions, validation and even many years on how much their grief and others grief affects them.
Baby Loss, Grief and Love has touched and supported so many people around the globe and we want to continue sharing stories, saying our babies names and supporting anyone that feels alone in their grief.
Making Miracles is campaigning for 50K in their 10th year to enable their vital support services to continue including the podcast.
Thank you for your support.
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Chris, Founder & CEO of fundraising platform GoodHub to the podcast.
Making Miracle's use GoodHub for all online donations and ticketed events.
We have recently got to know Chris through the partnership and found out that Chris has personal experience of baby bereavement, trauma and loss. Chris was so brave and kind enough to share his story with us.
Back in 2006 Chris and his then partner experienced an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, near loss of his partner's life and failed IVF.
Chris explains about the differences between their emotions. Chris felt a strong sense of relief and happiness once his partner came round from surgery, where as, his partner felt sad and filled with grief of loosing their baby.After a few rounds of failed IVF Chris describes how their relationship broke down. He talks about how they lost sight of each other and was consumed with their grief.
Years after Chris met his current wife and sadly they have also experienced failed IVF. With his past relationship breakdown they decided to stop trying and accept they will not have any children together this side of life. Even though they are very happy they still can’t help but feel like a sense of missing out or consider the “what if’s”.
Kelly and Chris speak openly about validation and the importance of the small charities like MM that provide massive support to mums and dads like Chris.
Chris sadly never received any professional support and is very passionate about helping all small charities that have an immense impact on families with the work
they do.
Every charity and non-profit is welcome to be a part of the GoodHub community – not just those with deep pockets and lots of professional resource.
Check out the fab work they do at www.goodhub.com
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Natalie to the Podcast.
Natalie wanted to come on a share her story in memory of her son Alfie. Alfie was born at 28 weeks premature and sadly died in hospital, at only 5 months old.
Natalie relives her traumatic time living within the NICU walls but also shares her happy memories with Alfie. Tragically, behind Alfies smiles he was extremely poorly and sadly could not surrive with out life support.
Natalie and Kelly talk about the horrific decisions Natalie and her family faced leading unto and after Alfie's death. She explains how she needed and wanted, as Alfie's Mum, to be brave just as he was.
Kelly and Natalie also touch upon pregnancy after loss.5
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www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes, service user, Bec to the podcast.
Bec opens up about her missed miscarriage and how isolated she felt after her loss. Bec describes how she felt like a complete failure and believed it was all her fault.
After having counselling with Making Miracles she worked through her trauma, loss and was able to process her feelings differently and eventually, after a long time, say the words "it wasn't my fault".
Kelly and Bec talk about validation and how talking about her loss and being surrounded by people who have also experienced baby loss, surprisingly comforting.
When Bec returned to work, she felt she was supported by her direct management but was so surprised on the lack of community support for baby loss. There were many support groups within the company but a baby loss support group didn't exist. Bec proudly shares how she took it upon herself to make sure there's now a baby loss group. Well done Bec.
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Sarah to the podcast.
January is an extremely trigging month for Sarah and it was important for her to come on and share her story. One, to show she is still here and still standing but also for her son, Mylo.
This January marks the 4th year of loosing her son Mylo, the 3rd year loosing her Mum to Covid, as well as, her daughters 3rd birthday.
Sarah really opens up and discusses how she struggles with the acceptance of all her grief. Sarah explains 'The Baby Loss Club' is the one club you don't have a choice to be a part of, and that's tough.
Kelly and Sarah talk about how difficult pregnancy after loss was but it was heightened even more during The Covid months. Sarah shares she suffered with extreme aniexty through out the whole pregnancy and struggled to bond. After months of worry Sarah's daughter Hope was born safely. However, only days later, Sarah's Mum become extremely ill and then sadly passed. Her happiness turned into a nightmare.
After everything Sarah's been through she speaks of hope and moving forward, not moving on, but just moving forward. One day at a time.
TRIGGER WARNING*
1. Loss of a parent 2. Pregnancy after loss
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes service user Megan to the podcast.
Megan shares her journey of pregnancy trauma, premature birth and the loss of her daughter Grace.
Grace had a heart condition and Megan bravely speaks about her emotional experience of constant medical appointments which lead to her feeling extremely isolated and alone. Whilst Grace was in NICU, at just 3 days old, she had heart surgery but sadly there was nothing else they could do for her.
Absolutely heart broken and trying to process her daughter’s death, Megan discusses the language and lack of support she received by medical professionals and also at times; her employers. She opens up about the impact this had on her. Megan wanted to share some of the insensitivity shown around her daughter’s death leaving her lacking in confidence and worrying about how she behaves or what she says to others.
Kelly and Megan talk about writing letters to everyone that she feels affected her experience for her own education as well as others.
Megan touches upon the desires and feelings around wanting to instantly get pregnant after a loss. She wanted to let everyone know these feelings are natural and it's nothing to be ashamed off. Megan is happy to receive emails from anyone who feels they need some support.
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes, service user, Chantelle to the podcast.
Chantelle shares her 5 year IVF journey, experience of postnatal depression and the loss of her twins. Chantelle explains she felt very isolated and alone through her journey especially when her and her partner dealt with their situation so differently.
Chantelle speaks about the pressures and strains IVF caused on their daily lives, work and relationships. After the loss of her twins Chantelle decided she wasn't mentally or physically ready to continue with IVF. After some counselling with Making Miracles and a year on, Chantelle felt ready to start again.
After a long wait Chantelle was delighted of the birth of her daughter Hope. However, her dream turned into battle as she was then faced with postnatal depression.
Chantelle is extremely thankful for the support she received and urges people to seek help if they are struggling.
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Vicki Harmer from Long Reach Nutrition Clinic to the Podcast.
Vicki shares her 5 year journey of IVF & fertility struggles. She opens up about having counselling and explains how it benefited her massively but wishes she had taken it up sooner.
After a long 5 years, Vicki finally got her daughter and decided to make some big life changes. Vicki was searching and trying everything to give herself the best chance of a positive pregnancy test and received the most amazing care from her nutritionist. She was totally inspired by this and left her job in the city, spent 4 years re-training as a nutritionist and set up her own company "Long Reach Nutrition Clinic".
Vicki also runs a health and nutritional session at our Baby Loss Retreat "Wellness, Self Care & Love & Self"
(For more information on our retreat please find details via our website www.makingmiracles.org.uk or please email becci@makingmiracles.org.uk to book your place)
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes team member Becci to the Podcast. Becci joined Team MM back in 2015 to support families after her journey of IVF & loss.
Over 16 years ago Becci experienced multiple ectopic pregnancies which sadly resulted in the removal of both her Fallopian tubes. This lead to the start of her IVF journey as she shares the emotional, physical and financial burden that comes with it.
After her first NHS free IVF round sadly, wasn't successful, Becci bravely explains how she felt like a failure, feeling extremely anxious & alone. Their journey continued and Bec and her husband decided to try again, but this time it will be financially on them.
Becci talks about all the therapies that helped her through this time which includes Reflexology and Reiki. She felt like they gave her back a sense of control, some self love and overall care for her mental clarity.
If you would like to speak to Becci, about any stage of your IVF, please contact her on becci@makingmiracles.org.uk
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Holistic Therapies:
Reflexology is a technique that applies gentle pressure to your feet or hands. It aims to bring about a state of relaxation and help the body's own healing process. Reflexology works in a similar way to acupressure and acupuncture.
Reiki gives your body a break from the stresses of daily life, potentially helping relieve tension and return you to a state of relaxation.
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this episode Kelly welcomes 'service user' Katy to the podcast. Katy has used our counselling service, joined our support group and has a plaque at our Baby Memorial Garden.
Katy shares her heartbreaking loss of daughter Freya, at 22 weeks through TFMR. She explains how difficult the decision was and she just didn't want Freya in any pain.
One of the main reasons for Katy coming on was to open up about her relationship breakdown after losing Freya. She shares how on top her grief for Freya she was grieving her relationship and her future. She felt scared and extremely isolated, the life she knew had completed changed and found herself navigating this new world on her own.
Katy explains that it is so important to find the positives in such an awful situation otherwise it destroys you. Katy shares that every day is still hurtful but she is so proud of herself for making tough yet brave decisions. Over a year on Katy found herself travelling to Canada on her own and loved every moment. This is something she thought she could never do.
It was important for Katy to send a message "If anyone is struggling, please reach out. I understand the devastation around relation breakdowns after loss and I'm here if you need someone to listen"
If you would like to get in contact with Katy, please email kelly@makingmiracles.org.uk.
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Rachel, from sunny Devon, to the podcast.
Rachel explains how isolated she felt after the loss of her daughter Isla and wants
to raise awareness of the affects of Hydrops
(NHS definition of Hydrops Fetalis . Foetal hydrops is a rare but very serious condition in which an unborn baby accumulates excessive fluid within their body. Six out of ten babies with foetal hydrops die, and those that survive often have very severe complications. )
Rachel talks about her birth trauma and the whole experience of having to deal with the reality of giving birth to her baby that will not survive. She also explains how she struggled to hear, understand and deal with the fact that Isla's death was medically classed as a miscarriage, not a stillbirth, due to her birth being a few days under 24 weeks. This also affected their maternity/paternity leave, the right to a free funeral service and legal rights to register her birth & death.
(In the UK a baby born at 24weeks and over is classed as a stillbirth and able to register their birth/death. Any baby born under 24th is classed as a miscarriage)
Donate: https://app.goodhub.com/mm10years
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Lisa to the podcast.
Lisa opens up and relives the traumatic birth of her premature son George, her heartbreaking loss of her son Henry through TFMR and the loss of Baby W. Lisa describes the devastating affect this had on her, how she struggled to cope with everyday life and how she and her husband processed their trauma very differently.
Lisa also shares with us her experience of a 'complete molar pregnancy' which sadly lead to cancer which required chemotherapy.
( In very rare cases, molar pregnancy causes a type of cancer called choriocarcinoma. Choriocarcinoma forms within your uterus and may spread to other parts of your body and requires cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.)
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www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Carmen Grover, our first International family, to the podcast.
Carmen joins us all the way from Canada and shares her experience of multi loss, TFMR and supporting others. Carmen explains how her grief has given her a different perspective and now aims to be a voice of hope.
Carmen shares that 'always looking back' was a good healing process for her. She started to write down all her experiences, how she felt, how she suppressed the ugly feeling 'which resulted in out out character behaviours' and her relationships. As a result, her diary entries turned into a published book called 'A Diary to My Babies: Journeying Through Pregnancy Loss.
@adiarytoourbabies
TRIGGER WARNINGS • Pregnancy Announcement
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www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this week episode Kelly welcomes, service user, Tania to the podcast.
Tania shares her journey of stillbirth, pregnancy after loss and the support she received from Making Miracles.
Tania talks about the loss of her son Thomas at 26 weeks, and how it affected them as a whole family. Tania's daughter was 6 years old at the time of Thomas's death and she explains how 'Play Therapy' really helped her daughter process what happened. Tania also attended our Support Group, has a plaque at our Baby Memorial Garden, has our Memorial Bear (for Thomas's ashes).
Tania shares that she is currently 26 weeks pregnant and explains her feelings about pregnancy after loss. Tania is very grateful for the support she has received and how much it's helped her understand this amazing yet extremely emotional and difficult time.
This episode was pre-recorded on zoom.TRIGGER WARNINGS • Pregnancy announcement
As this episode was pre-recorded we can announce the safe arrival of Tania's daughter Esme.*
Donate: https://app.investmycommunity.com/making-miracles-2729
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this week episode Kelly welcomes Lorna to the podcast.
Lorna shares and relives her experience of birth trauma, stillbirth and how this affected her relationships.
Lorna wanted to share her story to tackle her own isolation, spread awareness but also share her positive, experience of love and support among all her relationship groups.
Lorna and Kelly discuss and normalise the feelings of jealous towards friends, family members and anyone that was or became pregnant.
'I am happy for you, I'm just sad for me'
*This episode was recorded on zoom.
Donate: https://app.investmycommunity.com/making-miracles-2729
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Mandi to the podcast.
Mandi talks about what it is like to be 15 years on from the loss of her son Kaian. Kaian sadly died 2 weeks after birth due to Edwards' syndrome (also know as trisomy 18).
Mandi shares her experience of loss, birth trauma, near loss of her own life, the birth of her rainbow baby Tia and the feeling of isolation (which she still feels today).
Mandi touches upon her Indian culture, the lack of emotional and physical support from friends and family, as well as, the importance of social awareness around baby loss.
Kelly and Mandi talk about Mandi's new and positive level of acceptance and how her experience shaped her to be the strong and open minded person she is today.
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Edwards' syndrome (also known as trisomy 18) is a genetic condition that begins to affect babies when they're in the womb, and continues to impact their health throughout their life. It's a rare but serious condition. In the UK, around 3 in every 10,000 births are affected by Edwards' syndrome.
Sadly, most babies with Edwards' syndrome will die before or shortly after being born. A small number (about 13 in 100) babies born alive with Edwards' syndrome will live past their 1st birthday.
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www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kellys focuses on men’s mental health, Dads and Father’s Day.
Kelly talks about the importance of men’s mental health, the role of a dad/man and the grief differences between men and women.
Kelly talks about acknowledging dads and how important it is to see them. They are part of it and they also grieving, maybe not physically but emotionally, mentally and even financially.
Donate: https://app.investmycommunity.com/making-miracles-2729
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kellys welcomes Michelle Burke-Hunter, from Lavender Heath, to the podcast.
Michelle specialises in pregnancy and postnatal recovery, is a Certified Womens Wellness Coach' and will be the Lead Wellness Coach for our new service, The Making Miracles “Wellness, Self Care & Love” Baby Loss Retreat.
Michelle talks about the importance of self care, postnatal recovery and taking control of our bodies through exercise, nutrition and sleep.
Michelle shares her own experience of birth trauma and how she become in contact with Kelly and Making Miracles.
Kelly and Michelle discuss The Making Miracles “Wellness, Self Care & Love” Baby Loss Retreat, what the day in tells and the physical and mental health benefits.
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The Making Miracles “Wellness, Self Care & Love” Baby Loss Retreat.
The Retreat is an opportunity for parents to review every day habits such as eating, sleeping as well as addressing their own self care and self love awareness. Which is vital to healing whilst grieving.
We believe that taking time to reflect and recharge will help improve mental and physical well being. A chance for parents to gain empowerment and give themselves permission to feel happiness alongside their sadness.
To have space to re-evaluate their lives and take time for themselves as well as to rest and revitalise both body and soul.
The Making Miracles Retreat is a practical learning tool for parents to unwind and nurture themselves; whilst meeting other families in similar situations and plan to move towards their own “new normal”
Activities will include:
Various forms of Yoga
Chi Gong Sound Bath Therapy
Forest Bathing
Nutritional guidance whilst in grief
A sleep workshop
Meditations
Baby Loss session with Kelly, Trained Counsellor.
Venue: Exclusive 5* Nurstead Court in Meopham, Kent UK. http://nursteadcourt.co.uk Lunch and drinks included.
*Various dates throughout the year*** (FIRST DATE - Sunday 25th June 2023)
This retreat is for Women, Men and Couples.
To book your place please email Becci@makingmiracles.org.uk
(Part funded & limited spaces available)http://www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kellys welcomes Amy, one of our counsellors, to the podcast.
Amy also used to work for the NHS and talks about very useful techniques and brings her expertise on postnatal depression, anxiety, trauma and recognising signs of ‘Postnatal Depression’.
Amy explains the term ‘Postnatal Depression’ and the understanding around depression after a loss or birth.
Amy also shares her own experience about becoming a new mum and talks about the overwhelming feelings that many experience but never share.
- Mental Health Awareness Week -
Making Miracles Charity
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
Donate Here: https://app.investmycommunity.com/making-miracles-2729https://app.investmycommunity.com/making-miracles-2729
On this weeks episode Kellys welcomes Catrina to the podcast.
Catriona opens up about her early miscarriages, birth trauma, fertility issues, secondary infertility and shares awareness about Asherman's syndrome.
Asherman's syndrome (AS) is an acquired uterine condition that occurs when scar tissue forms inside the uterus and/or the cervix. AS can be the cause of menstrual disturbances, infertility, and placental abnormalities.
Catriona speaks about the importance of sharing awareness of AS, including signs and symptoms, causes, how to get a diagnosis and the fact that it may not be as rare as medical professionals believe it to be.
Lastly, Catriona shares how grateful she is to have 3 beautiful living daughters but not a day goes by where she doesn't think about her babies that sadly died.
Tanya is one of our service users who has massively benefited from our specialist counselling, baby memorial garden and support group. Tanya shares her story of trauma, loss of all her pregnancies, her stillborn son Aiden and her relationships with friends, family and soon to be husband, Chris.
Tanya bravely talks about the termination she had at 18 years old and how this greatly affected her mental health and how she sadly saw her futures losses (including ectopic) as a punishment for her decision.
Tanya lost Aiden in 2020 and explained how COVID had a massive impact on her pregnancy, understanding and left her feeling very isolated. Tanya also talks about the importance of having good people around you and the affects of peoples choices, words and lack of presences.
Lastly, Tanya touches upon positivity and shares how their love for Aiden has brought them even stronger together.
On the first episode of Season 4 Team MM Kelly, Becci and Hayley come together to celebrate 9 years of Making Miracles.
Making Miracles officially became a registered charity on 04/04/2014!
The team talk about Making Miracle's achievements, how MM's vital support services have touched and helped so many individuals/families and discussed & celebrated so many of our services 1st birthdays.
The team also touches upon how excited they are to be launching a NEW service on 11th April 2023 and discuss what April Awareness means to the charity and the community.
Happy 1st Birthday to:1. Baby Loss, Grief and Love Podcast.
2. Handmade with Love Charity store, Maidstone Kent.
3. Sent with Love Care Boxes.
10 Challenges for 10 Years
Kelly, Becci and Hayley also spoke about the up and coming (BIG 10 YEARS) next year and accept, any challenges you throw their way. Please email Kelly@makingmiracles.org.uk if you have a challenge no matter how big or small for Team MM to get stuck into to raise funds and awareness for the baby loss community.
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Josh to the podcast.
Josh joins us from North London and shares his story of the loss of his daughter Leonie and son Clark. (Leonie was born at 32 weeks and died 6 weeks old and Clark was born at 34 weeks and died only 4 days old) Josh opens up about his feelings, the struggles they faced during Covid and the importance of mens mental health.
Josh talks about how he and his partner Steph grieved so very differently, how it's changed them as individuals and how they are now looking to find themselves again. Josh describes that his new focus his supporting and helping bereaved families in any way he can.
(This episode was recored on zoom)
On this episode Kelly talks about what Mother’s Day means for bereaved mothers. How important our feelings are and validation of being a mother. Choosing how to spend the day is very individual and you need to do what’s best for you and let your loved ones know what you need from them.
"I am a MUM"
'A MOTHER IS NOT DEFINED BY THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN YOU CAN SEE, BUT BY THE LOVE SHE HOLDS IN HER HEART'
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes, service user, Kelsey to the podcast.
Kelsey talks about her missed miscarriage, the loss of her daughter Ivy and the mental struggles she faced with her pregnancy after loss. Kelsey speaks about how negative thoughts became more natural than positive ones.
Kelsey touches upon how differently her whole family grieved and how very grateful she is to her daughter Ivy, for making her the resilient person she is today.
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes, service user, Vicky to the podcast.
Vicky talks about her mental and psychical struggles following her recurrent miscarriages. Kelly and Vicky discuss how this affected her as a women, mum and wife. Vicky shares with us that after her traumatic experiences and fear of her own life, she and her husband made the toughest decision to stop trying for their second child.
Vicky explains about her daily struggles and the guilt she feels for not being able to give her daughter a sibling, but Vicky, also touches upon happiness for their future.
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes couple Lizzie and Andrew to the podcast.
Lizzie and Andrew are both service users that attend our first face to face support group and they talk about their journey of loosing their daughter, Penelope, to rare condition Polocystic Kidney Disease.
They discuss the difficult decisions they both had to make, how they dealt with everything as a couple and how their faith brought them peace and comfort in a very challenging situation.
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes counsellor, Alison Hopkins to the podcast.
Ally has been a counselling for Making Miracles for six years and been an integrative therapist for the past fourteen years. She has her own practice, as well as, works in schools with children going through the foster care system, who have suffered abuse or any form of loss.
Kelly and Ally discuss the importance of clear communication and choosing the right words when it comes to children and loss. They discuss what 'Play Therapy' is and techniques used for children going through counselling.
www.makingmiracles.org.uk
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Matt to the podcast.
Matt is representing the dads. He talks about how birth trauma and baby loss effected him as a husband, a man and a dad. Matt talks about the terrifying effects of eclampsia and how his quick thinking saved his wife.
Matt also touches on their couple counselling and how he learnt a lot about himself and how it provided him with self care tools that strengthen their relationship.
In todays podcast Kelly discusses triggering milestones and the approaching festive period. She discussed how to address key dates and anxieties that result from these special or memorable dates and how important self love and care is at these times of year.
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes couple Kirstie & Matt to the podcast.
Kirstie and Matt talk about the loss of their son Robin, birth trauma, their journey to becoming parents and the effects of pre-eclampsia / eclampsia (a life-threatening hypertensive disorder that occurs during and after pregnancy).
They also talk about the benefits of counselling and how it helped them as individuals and as a couple.
In this first episode of season 3 Kelly is joined by Rose. Rose is in quite an unusual position as a GP and women's health specialist so she has experience with baby loss from both a professional and personal level following her stillbirth with her son Henry. Rose is passionate about empowering women to get their voices heard.
In this episode we reflect on Baby Loss Awareness Week and conclude Season 2.
Hayley and Becci join Kelly to discuss the week, any feelings that may come up as result and what’s coming up for the charity and the podcast in Season 3.
In this episode mum Nilufa discusses her journey through infertility and multiple loss. She specifically talks around the ideology of how pregnancy and life in general is “like a fairytale”
and that is not always the case. Nilufa opens up about the invasive process of IVF and a hope cycle that was destroyed by monthly periods. She talks about relationships and insensitive comments as a Muslim woman struggling with infertility and loss.
Children and grief
In this episode Amy joins Kelly to discuss how play therapy has helped her daughter Poppy following losing her sibling at 4 months old.
Amy also reflects on her own personal journey and some milestones around loss
In this episode Kelly welcomes back dad Samir from season 1. Samir is also joined by Leanne his fiancé and this is our first couple interview.
They discuss how they both grieved very differently for the loss of their daughter and how they made it through such a horrific time- working together.
In this episode mum Tasha joins Kelly to discuss her journey through loss. She talks about what happened but also how it has changed her as a person. No one is ever the same again and Tasha gives hope that things can get better and shares how she found herself again.
In this episode Jenny joins Kelly to discuss how it felt for her and her family when she lost her precious grandson. Jenny explains how this affected her, her daughter, her son in law and them as a family. Jenny also reflects on thinking positively and her own counselling journey.
In this episode Kelly welcomes Nathan… who is a vicar like no other! discuss what BLAW means to him, why he wanted to be involved with us and his own story as a dad, about the loss of his daughter Bethany.
In this episode Kelly discusses what will be going on during BLAW (Baby Loss Awareness Week) We let you know about what’s happening locally, nationally and even internationally and why. For a very triggering week we are making sure support is available everyday to everyone who needs it.
Episode 1: About BLAW - Welcome to BLAW Sunday 9th October
In this episode Kelly discusses what will be going on during BLAW (Baby Loss Awareness Week) We let you know about what’s happening locally, nationally and even internationally and why. For a very triggering week we are making sure support is available everyday to everyone who needs it.
Episode 2: Kelly & Nathan discuss the beautiful umbrella display
Title - More tea Vicar - Monday 10th October
In this episode Kelly welcomes Nathan… who is a vicar like no other! We discuss what BLAW means to him, why he wanted to be involved with us and his own story as a dad, about the loss of his daughter Bethany.
Episode 3: Jenny our first Grandparent
A Nan’s loss - Tuesday 11th October
In this episode Jenny joins Kelly to discuss how it felt for her and her family when she lost her precious grandson. Jenny explains how this affected her, her daughter and son in law and them as a family. Jenny also reflects on thinking positively and her own counselling journey.
Episode 4: Tasha, funding herself again after her loss
Finding yourself after loss - Wednesday 12th October
In this episode mum Tasha joins Kelly to discuss her journey through loss. She talks about what happened but also how it has changed her as a person. No one is ever the same again and Tasha gives hope that things can get better and shares how she found herself again.
Episode 5: Leanne and Samir our first couple
Working together through loss - Thursday 13th October
In this episode Kelly welcomes back dad Samir from season 1. Samir is also joined by Leanne his fiancé and this is our first couple interview.
They discuss how they both grieved very differently for the loss of their daughter and how they made it through such a horrific time- working together.
Episode 6: Amy discuss siblings and loss
Children and grief - Friday 14th October
In this episode Amy joins Kelly to discuss how play therapy has helped her daughter Poppy following losing her sibling at 4 months old.
Amy also reflects on her own personal journey and some milestones around loss.
Episode 7: Nilufa talking IVF and ethnic / cultural differences
Fertility and loss - Saturday 15th October
Episode 8: Recap and Q&A’s
BLAW is over - what's next
In this episode we review the week, we answer any questions and we let you know about what’s coming up in season 3!
On this weeks episode Kelly wraps up season one with Hayley - the other half of our podcast team and MM Support Services Manager.
We talk about the podcast, our listeners, give feedback and look to the future. We discuss Baby Loss Awareness Week and how this may leave people feeling triggered and anxious as the week gets closer. Hayley also touches upon her experience of trauma and loss.
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Katie to the podcast.
Katie talks about her traumatic birth experience and the loss of her son Harry neonatally. Katie talks about her grief, a subsequent miscarriage, finding out she was pregnant again and her journey to her baby this side of life.
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes Jasmine to the podcast.
Jasmine was still very early on in her grief at the time of recording but was determined to share her story in memory of her son Archie. They discuss the importance of monitoring movements, trusting your gut instinct and how counselling and the support group have helped her and her mental health at such a traumatic time.
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes fellow MM team member Jodie to the Podcast.
They discuss the loss of Jodie's daughter Matilda and the heartbreaking decision Jodie and her husband made for a TFMR (termination for medical reasons) and their thoughts and feelings around this.
On this weeks episode Kelly welcomes fellow counsellor Jodie Sturges to the podcast.
They discuss all elements of trauma ranging from disassociation through to triggers and being left with high level anxiety to try again. A good introduction to trauma and techniques that can help in the moment but also about when to access therapy at the right time following birth trauma and loss.
This weeks podcast continues with the theme of grief differences between men and women.
Imogen and Kelly discuss Imogen’s journey through a molar pregnancy, miscarriage, pregnancy following loss and then the loss of her daughter Isla following a traumatic 20 week scan. Imogen talks about the effects of this on her as a person, a mother and a wife when her husband grieved very differently to the way she did.
This weeks podcast from Kelly is about grief differences between men and women.
Following Samir’s interview last time it is important to recognise and be aware of the fact that men and women grieve very differently. Next time on the podcast we also have Imogen and she too discusses this from her view so this is the right time to open the topic.
Kelly also touches upon communication in same sex couples.
In this episode we welcome Samir to the podcast. This is our first dad to take part and with Father's Day this week we feel it is important for our dads to be represented. Samir discusses his grief around the loss of his daughter, his triggers, counselling and how this has affected him as a person.
Trigger Warnings: Samir is 4 years on after loosing his daughter Melia. Stillbirth.
On today's podcast Kelly discusses the grief cycle. There are lots of versions out there for grief but these differ somewhat to the cycle where baby loss is concerned.
In 2020 Kelly developed her own version of this and today she talks us through thoughts and experiences around it whilst welcoming feedback and discussion.
On today’s podcast we welcome Sarah who talks to Kelly about the loss of her son Gabriel. Gabriel passed due to twin to twin transfusion Syndrome whilst in the womb and Sarah talks openly about her journey through grief, effects on relationships and the pure love of saying her sons name out loud.
Trigger Warnings: Sarah is 3 years on after losing Gabriel
This weeks podcast is focused on self care and love. Kelly discusses the importance of discovering who you are and finding yourself again after loss and whilst 'in grief'. Kelly also explains what to expect from your first counselling session if you choose to have it.
Kelly welcomes Beckii Woodhouse to the podcast - Making Miracles very first service user.
Beckii talks about her journey through grief with multiple losses, carrying the gene Polycystic Kidney Disease, miscarriage, termination for medical reasons (TFMR) neonatal loss, the effects on her 3 year old son and our professional counselling services.
Kelly will host her first podcast flying solo! She will be introducing herself, setting the scene by discussing her own journey and how that became Making Miracles registered charity.
Welcome to our new podcast Baby Loss, Grief and Love. Kelly welcomes you to join her on our first episode on Tuesday 12th April 2022