For some people, the path to parenthood doesn’t go as planned. In fact, roughly 20 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.
In today’s episode, we discuss miscarriage, infertility, and mental health with author Kirsten Hopfensperger. Her book of poetry entitled "Rearranged" explores her personal journey to motherhood, including celebration, grief, isolation, depression, authentic support, and healing. Despite this weighty and difficult subject matter, Kirsten's book -- and our conversation -- are both beautiful and inspirational.
If you happen to be part of this sisterhood – or love and support someone else who is dealing with these issues – then we want you to know…you are not alone. We’ve got you.
Follow/Connect with Kirsten:
Website: www.kirstenhopfensperger.com
Facebook page: facebook.com/kirstenhopfenspergerauthor/
Instagram: instagram.com/kirstenhopfensperger_
Favorite Things:
Jody's applesauce recipe (Courtesy of Mrs. Rochelle Heider)
6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup of water
2 Tbsp. red hot cinnamon candies
3 Tbsp. sugar
Bring apples and water to a boil in a saucepan. Once they reach a boil, cover and cook slowly for 10-15 minutes or until the apples are tender.
Add sugar and cinnamon candy and simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
Serve hot or chilled (or as I like it, over oatmeal)
Kirsten: Song - Beam Me Up by Pink
Kirsten's tips for supporting someone or getting through miscarriage:
Validate their feelings
Do not say "At least..."
Do some research to understand
Let them/yourself grieve
Look for growth opportunities to help others
Practice mindfullness and gratitude
Thank you to our sponsor: LearningRx Visit www.thegibsontest.org/sisterhood/
Thank you for sharing your own experiences, acknowledging that women respond differently to miscarriage and the importance of checking in with them to ascertain their needs. As hard as it may be to imagine, pregnancy isn’t the dream of every woman. Even though a woman may have reconciled with her pregnancy and feel initial disappointment when miscarrying, eventually she may feel relief. She shouldn’t be made to feel guilty about her relief anymore than a woman who longed for pregnancy should have her feelings of loss marginalized.
My personal miscarriage experience was sad and disappointing. However, had my second pregnancy not ended in miscarriage I never would’ve given birth to my second daughter who is a complete joy. Biology shows…