Childless And Moving Onward

Exploring the harmful impact of 'at least' statements on women who are childless not by choice. In this episode, Host Gail Miller explains how these well-meaning but misguided attempts at comfort dismiss and trivialize people's pain. Tune in to learn better ways to validate and support those experiencing pain without minimizing their feelings. Gail advocates for genuine empathy and support for wom...

Discover how everyday tasks like recycling can trigger deeper feelings of futility and pain when contemplating a future without biological children. Host Gail Miller explores the "legacy void" and reminds childless women that they are not alone in their experiences. Gain practical insights on creating a meaningful legacy through volunteering, mentoring, and supporting others. Tune in to learn ways...

Join host Gail Miller, a childless by circumstance not by choice woman, as she addresses the painful belittlement and invalidation of childlessness. She discusses how painful dismissive comments can be and the deep impact of emotional isolation. Discover practical strategies like boundary-setting and finding support systems. Remember, your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. Tune in for a h...

Today, we are discussing the effects that comparing personal suffering to others can have on us. I want to validate that all pain is valid and personal, and advocate for a shift towards empathy and self-compassion.  Tune in for practical advice on finding fulfillment and forming supportive networks, from redefining success to channeling maternal instincts into hobbies, thereby discovering meaningf...

Today, we are addressing the sensitive topic of pregnancy announcements and their emotional impact on childless women. We'll explore the complex emotions these moments can evoke, while acknowledging feelings of envy and hurt. In these situations, I encourage you to shift your perspective and celebrate all kinds of achievements, not just those related to marriage and motherhood. It's crucial to rec...

Today, we are addressing different societal perceptions and pressures faced by women who are childless not by choice. Spurred by a recent political comment, we explore feelings of worth and self-compassion, urging women to redefine their value beyond motherhood. Offering strategies to combat societal pressures, I encourage you to embrace your own unique journey and lead a fulfilling life. Your val...

The fall season is upon us, and with this season comes a lot of exciting and fun events and traditions. It can also be the perfect storm for women who are childless not by choice, as we can be bombarded with reminders of what we are missing out on. Today, we explore how to navigate the fall season as a woman who is childless by circumstance, not by choice. I offer some practical tips on embracing...

When we hear the phrase “starting a family”, most people are referring to having children.  Which is why in this episode we explore the true meaning of family for women who are childless not by choice and why we need to expand our view of how we define family. Relationships with friends, loved ones, and even pets can constitute a family. We get to have the definition of family be what we want it t...

Unexpected breaks from the internet can feel isolating and unsettling. Social media and online forums, while they have their negatives, they can also be a lifeline where we can find others who understand this unique grief we face.  Today, I am discussing how a recent unexpected digital detox highlighted the importance of online connections, yet also provided a surprising opportunity for self-refle...

Today we welcome Elizabeth Tiglao-Guss, host of the By Chance Podcast, sacred conversations with women who don’t have kids by chance and not by choice. Elizabeth is a social entrepreneur, personal coach and founder of Link of Hearts, a lifestyle brand raising awareness for mental health.  Together we discuss Elizabeth's journey through infertility and mental health struggles. We talk about the imp...

In this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, I am joined by Niki Allinson, a creator, coach and childless woman. In our discussion, Niki shares her personal journey with endometriosis, infertility, and ultimately, acceptance of childlessness. She describes how creativity, particularly doodling, has kept her strong through childless grief and reminds her that she is more than her childlessness....

When people hear the word "legacy," they often think of passing down things to children. However, legacy extends far beyond that. It’s found in the lives you impact, the passions you pursue, and the work you do. Today, I want to discuss how we can redefine legacy beyond traditional norms. I'll share a few ways to redefine your legacy, such as through acts of kindness and taking on mentorship roles...

Coming to terms with the fact that you won't become a mother can be difficult and may leave you feeling like you've lost a part of your identity. You may not recognize yourself anymore. Today we are diving into the complex and difficult journey of rediscovering yourself and creating a fulfilling life for yourself.  In this episode, I'll share practical steps to help you redefine your purpose and i...

Many of us have felt the isolating sense of invisibility as women who are childless not by choice. Conversations often revolve around children, making us feel excluded and out of place. Today, I’m sharing some personal experiences and insights around that feeling of invisibility. I’ll discuss various strategies to combat isolation, such as acknowledging your emotions, nurturing positive relationsh...

Women who are childless not by choice often face endless stereotypes and judgments. A recent example of this was when a politician made hurtful remarks regarding childless women. The negative and hurtful reactions to this comment highlighted the ongoing challenges these women face. In this episode, my main goal is to start conversations with women without children in a safe and supportive environm...

People use various terms to describe childlessness because no single term resonates with everyone. In this episode, we explore the term "childless by circumstance" and the many different situations that can lead to this beyond infertility. It's essential to recognize that pain is valid, no matter the cause of childlessness. It is critical to acknowledge your own experience without comparing your j...

We hear about triggers all the time, but what are they really and how can we effectively manage our responses to them? In this episode, we explore effective strategies for dealing with unavoidable emotional triggers. We also discuss what are some common triggers that women who are childless not by choice face.  One important way to manage triggers is to set both emotional and physical boundaries....

Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, a dear friend of mine and a Physician turned relationship and intimacy coach. After spending twelve years in medicine helping others heal their bodies, Alexandra chose to study the science and art of emotional and sensual connection to help her patients heal their relationships. In our conversation, we explore the significance of prioritizi...

Self-love can be a challenging concept for women today, particularly for those who are childless not by choice. Societal pressure to become parents can make it difficult to recognize one's self-worth. However, it's crucial to understand that your worth isn't defined by whether or not you are a parent.  In this discussion, I explore three fundamental components of self-love: self-acceptance, self-c...

Today’s discussion centers on the concept of acceptance for women who are childless not by choice. I share my personal journey of redefining acceptance, explaining that it doesn’t mean giving up, but rather acknowledging your reality with self-compassion and honesty. Through acceptance, you can discover new meaning and dreams beyond motherhood. This path allows you to find inner peace and a new pu...

Just like with many aspects of life, having too much of a good thing can be detrimental. This applies to positivity as well, often referred to as toxic positivity. Today we are exploring this concept and its impact on women who are childless not by choice. Excessively positive statements can minimize grief, create isolation, and hinder emotional healing. I offer listeners tips on identifying and m...

Many of us feel uneasy or anxious about visiting the doctor, but this discomfort is often worsened by the insensitivity and lack of awareness about involuntary childlessness. Today, we will be discussing some personal experiences and observations of how women without children encounter insensitivity and misconceptions from healthcare providers. Unfortunately there is a significant lack of understa...

In this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, I delve into the social exclusion faced by childless women, sharing my own personal experiences. Childless women frequently find themselves treated as outsiders in both social and professional settings, leading to feelings of isolation and judgment. The pervasive societal belief that motherhood is integral to womanhood often results in childless wome...

Today we are discussing the tendency people have to ask intrusive and personal questions about women’s fertility status. Such questions can cause people significant pain and awkwardness. Often, people asking these questions are completely oblivious to the discomfort they are causing. Questions like this cross personal boundaries in so many ways. Therefore, I am giving you some tips and strategies...

Navigating life without children has its own unique challenges, including facing stereotypes and negative assumptions from society. One such misconception, which I came across on social media, is the belief that women without children are less capable than those with children. However, empathy, problem-solving, and other positive attributes are not exclusive to mothers. It is important that we rec...