Advertise on podcast: Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories

Black women deserve more than just survival. We deserve a system rooted in justice, and a healing journey that leaves room for joy. 🤎✨ If you missed our powerful Black Maternal Health Week live event, we've brought the entire conversation straight to the podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, I sit down with a dream team of world-changers to discuss the realities of systemic failure, the invisible weight of maternal mental health, and the radical act of finding healing in community. Prepare to take notes as these powerhouses drop absolute gems: ✨ Shivonne Odom-Chase (@akomacounseling) breaks down why Black mothers are so often misdiagnosed and how to fiercely protect our mental peace. ✨ Jaye Wilson (@melianatedmoms) shares what it really looks like when a community steps up to support a grieving family beyond the initial condolences. ✨ Vanessa Hanible (@doula.vanessa) takes us inside the delivery room to show how doulas bridge the trust gap and act as shields for Black birthing people. We are answering the hard questions: What does safe care look like? How do we hold both profound grief and unexpected joy? And what does the future of maternal health actually need to look like? Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store or  ​Bookshop.org for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook

Introducing Start with Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life with Emma Grede and Oprah from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Emma Grede has become one of the most influential voices in modern business. She is best known as a founding partner of SKIMS, co-founder and CEO of the clothing brand Good American, her podcast Aspire with Emma Grede and as the first Black female investor on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank. She is helping redefine what success looks like for a new generation of women. In this conversation with Oprah, Emma dives into her first book Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work and Life sharing the mindset behind her rise from a young girl in East London to a global business leader. Drawing on the lessons in her book, Emma opens up about radical self-accountability, the power of discipline and why success starts from within. She also shares her bold perspectives on work-life balance, motherhood without guilt and why women must get comfortable putting money and ambition at the forefront. Plus, we hear from twin sisters who turned a simple idea into a hundred-million-dollar business after making a deal with Emma on Shark Tank. BUY THE BOOK! Emma Grede "Start with Yourself" https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Start-With-Yourself/Emma-Grede/9781668085486 00:00:00 - Welcome Emma Grede author of “Start with Yourself” 00:04:18 - Emma knew she needed to change 00:06:10 - Realizing what you don’t want 00:08:35 - How Emma changed her life 00:13:45 - Radical ownership and real barriers 00:15:10 - We need more women in power 00:19:00 - Career and motherhood 00:20:20 - We put too much pressure on moms 00:22:50 - Truth vs. emotions in business 00:24:22 - Mistakes Emma made 00:27:00 - Emma and Skims 00:27:50 - Building from purpose vs. ego 00:31:00 - Emma funded this on Shark Tank 00:36:00 - Importance of mentorship 00:38:20 - When to scale a small business 00:39:30 - The most important question 00:42:20 - What does self-care look like? 00:43:30 - Meditation practice 00:46:00 - Emma on life being magic 00:49:30 - Overcoming comparison 00:51:00 - Why she wrote the book 00:52:40 - Dyslexia is a superpower 00:54:30 - Is every woman meant for business? 00:56:30 - A well-lived life Cakes Body https://cakesbody.com/ Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

What happens when the life you've meticulously built—the six-figure corporate career, the high-achieving title, the constant striving—is shattered by a loss you never saw coming? This week, we are joined by the incredible Rebecca Muriuki, a Corporate Exit Strategist and Human Design Wealth Coach who experienced this exact collision. Rebecca spent her career mastering the art of performance, climbing the ladder to become an Associate Director at Deloitte. But in 2019, an ectopic pregnancy forced a sudden, painful pause. It was a devastating loss that became a profound awakening, making her question the very foundation of the life she had built. She realized that her relentless pursuit of success had disconnected her from her own body, her natural rhythm, and the kind of present mother she truly wanted to be. In this powerful conversation, Rebecca shares how that moment of grief became the catalyst for her own revolution. She walks us through her journey of leaving her corporate career, healing her relationship with perfectionism, and creating a life—and a business—rooted in presence, sovereignty, and joy. This episode is a must-listen for any high-achieving woman who has felt the pull to slow down and is ready to build a life that feels as good as it looks. Tune in to hear: How an ectopic pregnancy became the turning point in Rebecca's life and career. The link between high-performance culture, perfectionism, and the grief journey. Actionable steps for reconnecting with your body and your own pace after loss. How Rebecca replaced her six-figure income in under five months, on her own terms. An introduction to Human Design and building wealth that doesn't require you to perform. In this powerful episode, Erica sits down with Rebecca Muriuki, a Corporate Exit Strategist and Human Design Wealth Coach who shares how her journey through an ectopic pregnancy completely redefined her approach to life, motherhood, and her career. Rebecca opens up about the "deep reckoning with performance, perfectionism, and pressure" that defined her early career and how the grief of her loss forced her to confront a life that was no longer aligned with her soul. This conversation is a masterclass in turning a moment of profound pain into a catalyst for a more present and prosperous life. Connect with our Guest: Website: The elevateHER Company Limited Instagram: Follow Rebecca @the_elevateherco Free Gift for the Sisters in Loss Community: Rebecca has generously gifted our listeners access to her private audio series, "The New Economy," where she shares some of her biggest learnings on mindset and abundance. Access the free audio series here: https://richwomanrevolution.com/podcast Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Book: A Pocket Full of Money by David Cameron Gikandi Tool: Human Design (Visit the IHDSchool or search for a certified analyst to learn more about your own design) Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store or  ​Bookshop.org for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook

In this deeply personal and courageous episode, we are honored to welcome Kamara Kennedy, who shares her story of navigating a year of unimaginable heartbreak. While celebrating her second year of marriage, Kamara, an educational assistant who dedicates her days to children with special needs, privately endured four miscarriages. For the first time publicly, Kamara opens up about the shame and silence that led her to hide two of those losses, and the profound emotional turmoil of grieving alone. She bravely pulls back the curtain on the grueling reality of fertility treatments—the endless cycle of blood work, ultrasounds, and medication—and the flicker of hope that keeps her going. This conversation is a powerful testament to the quiet strength it takes to keep fighting for your dream. It's for anyone who has felt the sting of shame, the exhaustion of medical procedures, and the unwavering faith required to pray for a rainbow baby. Tune in to hear: Kamara's story of navigating four miscarriages in a single year. The raw and honest truth about the shame and isolation that often accompany loss. How her faith and returning to therapy are anchoring her through the storm. Her journey through fertility treatments and the fight to have her 2025 rainbow baby. Kamara, your willingness to share your story is an incredible act of service. You are breaking the silence for so many who are suffering alone. Thank you for your trust and your courage. We are holding you and your journey in our hearts and praying with you for your rainbow baby.   Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store or  ​Bookshop.org for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook  

Selecting the right healthcare team is critical on our journey's to motherhood especially after loss or infertility diagnosis. In today's episode, Dr. Eboni January a physician, author, and maternal health expert shares her journey dedicated to helping women reclaim power over their bodies and their stories. We discuss the maternal health crisis and why its critical that Black women chose healthcare providers who listen to you, support you, and make you feel seen clinically and holistically.  Dr. Eboni's mission is to educate, empower, and equip women to navigate every stage of their reproductive and maternal journey with confidence and care. We discuss the importance of listening to women, to centering their voices, and to make sure they feel seen and supported... not just clinically, but holistically. In her book, Empowered Motherhood, Dr. Eboni discusses her personal journey being a resource for other women navigating theirs motherhood journey. The book is about taking back ownership of your body, your health, and your story. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store or  ​Bookshop.org for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook  

Have you ever suffered from painful periods? Today's guest Bria Burrell has always had painful periods, and in 2015 she found out there was an cyst on her left ovarian. Her OB/GYN monitored the cyst for a couple of months, until it started to grow. In order to prevent the cyst from rupturing the OB/GYN performed a laparoscopic procedure in January 2016. The cyst dominated the left part of Bria's pelvic cavity, and therefore, they had to remove her left ovarian and Fallopian tube, and during this procedure it was determined she had endometriosis. She had many complications from that surgery that left her bowel perforated resulting in her wearing a temporary colostomy bag. Bria takes us on the next steps of her journey to motherhood in this podcast where she undergoes fertility treatments and 2 rounds of IVF, that has resulted in two miscarriages. This episode is for you to listen to if you have been diagnosed with endometriosis or have lost a Fallopian tube or ovary. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook Erica's Twitter    

Today's episode is about miscarriage and pregnancy loss back to back, and the mental health concerns that come from these traumatic losses. Today's guest Ijeamaka Ogbonna shares her journey to motherhood through two early micarriages and a loss at 24 weeks due to hydrops fetalis. She almost gave up on having more children after the back to back losses, but God had other plans. Ijemaka has 3 children who she adores.  In this episode she shares her journey to motherhood with us and why its important to continue to trust God on this journey.   Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook Erica's Twitter

Congenital heart disease is a general term for a range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works. The term "congenital" means the condition is present from birth.  Today's guest was diagnosed with Endometriosis and after many years of fertility treatments including IVF her first child Jasper died in her arms 30 hours after he was born from congenital heart disease.  Coping with the grief of child loss at the onset of a global pandemic has made, Jamala Arland passionate about supporting the community for bereaved mothers and normalizing grief through writing and speaking engagements.  In todays episode, Jamala shares her journey through endometriosis, infertility, and finding out how her son had congenital heart disease. This episode is for you to listen to if you have battled infertility and infant loss. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook Erica's Twitter

In today's episode we are discussing polycystic ovarian syndrome and incompetent cervix. Theresa Brown has been on her journey to motherhood since September 2018. She went off birth control and struggle to conceive due to her diagnosis with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome that caused her to miss periods, have unwanted facial hair, and difficulty losing weight. Theresa wanted to conceive naturally but it hadn't happened for years. She found out she was pregnant in February 2022 as a complete shock.  She ended up losing the baby at 21.5 weeks due to incompetent cervix. In today's episode Theresa takes us on her journey to conceiving with PCOS, having an incompetent cervix, and how therapy has helped her navigate continuing on her journey to become a mother.    Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook

For years, Sisters in Loss has been a sacred space for storytelling, healing, and honoring life after pregnancy and infant loss. Today, I'm sharing something new. In this episode, I introduce you to Held Here — my new Substack publication — a space for deeper reflection, cultural commentary, faith, justice, womanhood, and what it means to navigate grief while living in a world that often refuses to see or hold Black women fully. I'll share: Why I created Held Here How it expands (not replaces) Sisters in Loss A personal excerpt from my latest Black History Month issue How you can subscribe and support this next chapter If you've ever needed a place to process what's happening in your personal life and in the world around you — this is for you. Because healing doesn't only happen in therapy rooms. It happens in community. It happens in truth-telling. It happens when we are held. Subscribe to Held Here here: ericamichellefree.substack.com   Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook

Today's guest experienced premature rupture of the membranes with her first pregnancy at 20 weeks gestation and was bedridden/hospitalized for 6 weeks to keep the pregnancy viable. Tabitha Pazmino delivered her daughter Gabriela Grace at 26 weeks and 2 days gestation. A week later Gabriela passed away due to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).  This is a devastating intestional disease that primarily effects premature babies and has no cure. It disproporiationately effects Black and Brown babies. In this episode, Tabitha shares her journey to motherhood, what it was like to be hospitalized bedridden, her NICU stay, and then burying her daughter. She discusses her why in starting a non-profit in honor of her daughter Gabriela and her rainbow baby pregnancy with cerclage. This episode is for you to listen to if you have experienced PPROM, infant loss, or are wanting hope as you try again for your rainbow baby. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook    

On today's episode we discuss recurrent pregnancy loss and listening and trusting your body. Today's guest Rachell Dumas, shares her journey to motherhood after experiencing nine pregnancy losses. Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Rachell created the nonprofit called A Light After Nine to provide families navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and maternal trauma with the emotional, financial, and mental health resources they need.  Rachell takes us on her journey through her own advocacy to help ensure other families receive holistic, compassionate support from the bedside to the clinic and into their homes. Her goal is to bring light, hope, and resilience to families facing their darkest moments. This episode is for your to listen to if you have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss and are looking for hope and healing. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook

Black mothers in America often navigate a path layered with anxiety, fear, and concerns for their own wellness in a system that has too often failed them. This book captures that complex reality—where the intersection of race, gender, and motherhood brings both obstacles and profound moments of joy. Yet, amid every challenge, these mothers find strength, beauty, and grace as they push through to the other side. With images from past and present and heartfelt stories, Moms In Focus reveals the diversity of Black motherhood, shattering stereotypes and showing that it is anything but a monolith. Each mother's journey is a story of transformation, whether through navigating infertility, enduring grief, altering generational curses, adjusting to change or embracing mental health support. Just as a lotus blooms from the mud, these mothers rise, reminding us that even during trying times, there is an extraordinary beauty in Pushing Thru. In today's episode I sit down with Keisha and RaQuita who are phenomenal women in their own right, trailblazers in their respective fields. We discuss how they met, came together, and combine their expertise in storytelling and visual execution to bring the Moms in Focus Project to life—a powerful masterpiece that captures the essence of motherhood with intention and artistry. Bios Keisha Reaves is the clinical director and owner of Push Thru Therapy. She is a licensed mental health therapist who is also certified in perinatal mental health. Keisha Reaves, specializes in assisting birthing parents navigating diverse challenges, from fertility issues to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. In 2023 she completed her fellowship at Emory University's Psychoanalytic Institute. She also served on the Georgia Department of Public Health Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Keisha has also co-authored the published research study, Enhancing Obstetric Healthcare Providers' Knowledge of Black Maternal Mental Health: A Feasibility Study. RaQuita Weathers is a professional photographer and creative strategist based in Atlanta, GA, celebrated for her expertise in personal branding and portrait photography. As the founder of Belle Rouge Photography, Flarehaus Creative Agency, and co-founder of Photography BAE Studios, RaQuita has dedicated her career to helping women of color tell their stories boldly and authentically through dynamic visual storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for empowering others, she creates visual narratives that resonate with authenticity and purpose. With a Master's degree in Business Administration and a background in Corporate Finance, RaQuita seamlessly combines her analytical expertise with artistic vision. https://www.momsinfocusproject.com/ Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook

Today's episode is a solo episode where I am sharing my new publication date for Never Healing Alone. All the things happening with Sisters in Loss and Sisters in Loss Foundation. My personal hobbies I'm exploring for 2026 and stepping into who I am becoming. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook  

After experiencing three losses today's guest felt ashamed and guilty of her grief as she experienced secondary infertility with already having two children. Jessica Hortman had a spontaneous miscarriage in 2015 at 6 weeks, a miscarriage due to a submucosal fibroid at 10 weeks in 2016, two years years of not getting pregnant, and then finding out she had a fibroid in 50 percent of my uterus. After having the fibroid removed, Jessica had an ectopic pregnancy in 2018. In today's episode Jessica takes us back on how she navigated her emotions of grief while still being a mother, and how she is overcoming secondary infertility. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook Erica's Twitter