Confessions of a Grieving Mother

In this Mother’s Day episode, Tracy and Julie read heartfelt letters written by loss moms to their babies. These personal reflections offer a glimpse into the enduring love, grief, and hope carried by mothers every day—especially on Mother's Day. From tender memories and imagined milestones to promises of reunion, each letter honors a life gone too soon and the unbreakable bond between a mother an...

Type of loss: early term loss, twin loss More about Valerie's story: Valerie as she reflects on the raw moments of saying hello and goodbye to her boys. Newly married and full of joy, Valerie and her husband were thrilled to learn they were expecting twins—a dream come true. For four months, they envisioned life as twin parents, filled with excitement and hope. But their joy turned to grief wh...

Type of loss: Infant loss, medical negligence More about Kayla's story: Kayla shares the devastating details of her son's preventable death, how she fought through her medical case to prove negligence, and what it means to finally speak his story out loud. Kayla honors Onyx’s life by sharing the depth of her grief and the strength she’s found in the aftermath—showing us how love, advocacy, and res...

Type of loss: Infant-loss More about Rebecca's story: Rebecca shares the devastating story of her twin son's passing—born prematurely at 31 weeks with underdeveloped organs, her son Jacob experienced severe breathing issues and was placed on a ventilator. Without her knowledge, he passed away on his third day of life. More about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠www. EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Type of loss: SIDS More about Griscelle's story: Griscelle shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 10-month-old daughter, Evangeline, to SIDS. On December 8, 2022, while away on a work trip for the first time in over two years, Griscelle’s world shattered. Her husband met her at the Nashville airport with the devastating news—Evangeline had passed away unexpectedly, and she never had the chan...

Type of Loss: Early-term loss, multiple loss, stillbirth, selective reduction, Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome More about Millie's story: Millie discusses her journey through multiple pregnancy losses, fertility struggles, and the heartbreaking loss of her twin sons, Landon and Emerson. After experiencing several traumatic first-trimester miscarriages between 2019 and 2022 and enduring unsuccess...

In this episode, we explore the heart behind hosting a family fundraiser—what it is, where to start, and how it can make an impact. We’ll discuss the steps to planning an event, the personal significance for loss families, and how fundraisers support the mission of Emma’s Footprints. Whether you’re looking for ways to give back or create a lasting tribute, this episode will help you navigate the p...

Type of Loss: Stillbirth More about Andrea's Story: Andrea and her husband, Cam, were eagerly anticipating their baby girl’s arrival when their world was shattered at a routine OB appointment. On September 13, 2023, Andrea heard the words no parent ever wants to hear—her doctor couldn’t find a heartbeat. Sent for an emergency ultrasound, their worst fears were confirmed: their daughter had died. L...

Type of Loss: Stillbirth More about Stormi's Story: Stormi was estastic when she found out she was expecting with her highschool sweetheart, Jimmy. With a due date just two days after Stormi’s birthday, she dreamed of sharing a special bond with her daughter. Mayci was a strong and active baby, which is why Stormi knew something was wrong when her movements changed. She and Jimmie rushed to the ho...

Type of Loss: Stillbirth More about Zach & Jalissa's Story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother , hosts Tracy and Julie sit down with Zach and Jalissa Tauscher as they share the heartbreaking story of losing their daughter, Brynlee. At 26 weeks, Jalissa went in for a routine appointment, only to receive the devastating news that there was no heartbeat. What was supposed to...

Grief can be an isolating experience, but what happens when two people in a relationship are grieving the same loss? In this episode, we sit down with Pamela Presler, LCSW, CPLC, to explore the vital role of couples grief coaching.

In this episode, Tracy and Julie talk with Kristen Banocy about how to be a friend to a loss parent if you haven't experienced a loss yourself. More about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www. EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

It all started with a dog, toddler and Santa Claus...Listen to how Emma's Footprints became the organization it is today. More about Emma's Footprints: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www. EmmasFootprints.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: @EmmasFootprints Instagram: @EmmasFootprints

In the final episode of our holiday series, we talk with Rob from Sad Dads Club to explore the emotions and challenges of stepping into a new year after the loss of a baby. Rob shares his perspective on processing grief, honoring your child, and finding ways to move forward with hope and purpose. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that resonates with anyone navigating the "new normal" after loss...

In part two of our holiday series, we interview with Falon Gervais and Brittanie Freeman, leaders of our in-person support groups, to discuss the importance of Community and Communicating through the holiday season. Tune in for heartfelt advice on finding connection, fostering understanding, and navigating conversations during this tender time.

In this special holiday episode, we talk with one of our favorite guests, Pamela Presler, to explore how to navigate the complexities of saying "happy holidays" to someone who is grieving. Pam offers thoughtful insights on supporting others during this difficult time and shares advice on how to prioritize rest and self-care throughout the holiday season. Whether you're grieving or supporting someo...

Type of Loss: Stillbirth, Early-term loss, multiple losses More about Katherine's story: In this deeply emotional episode, Katherine Monita shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Leighton to a double-knotted umbilical cord just one day before her due date. Katherine reflects on the unimaginable pain of hearing the words, 'There is no heartbeat,' navigating the grief of saying goodby...

Type of Loss: Neonatal loss More about Cecily's story: In this moving episode, Cecily Shelton shares her journey of loss, grief, and healing following the neonatal loss of her daughter, Kayla, in 2003. Diagnosed with preeclampsia during her 7-month check-up, Cecily was hospitalized and induced to save both their lives. Kayla was born and lived for two precious days, leaving Cecily to navigate a de...

Type of loss: Neonatal Loss More about Maddie's Story: Maddie was induced at 38 weeks due to high blood pressure, she experienced a sudden placental abruption during labor, resulting in an emergency C-section. Riley was born on April 7, 2023, but shortly after, his heart stopped while lying in the nursery. Though resuscitated and taken to the NICU, Maddie and her husband were faced with the unimag...

In the latest episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother , hosts Tracy and Julie sit down with Conor and Kristie from the Highmark Caring Place in Erie, PA. They share insights into the unique services offered, the organization’s multiple locations across Pennsylvania, and how they partner with Emma’s Footprints to build a stronger loss community. Tune in to learn about the impact of this collabo...

Type of Loss: Infant Loss, Life-limiting diagnosis, multiple losses, early-term loss More about Kimberly's story: In this episode, Kimberly shares her journey of loss, love, and resilience. After two early miscarriages, Kimberly became pregnant with her daughter, Mera, who was given an 'incompatible with life' diagnosis at 16 weeks. Due to medical complications, termination wasn’t an option, and K...

Type of Loss: Stillborn, Twin Loss More about Erin's story: Erin shares her journey through infertility and the devastating loss of one of her twin daughters, Laikyn, who was stillborn at 33 weeks. After years of struggling with unexplained infertility and medical intervention, Erin was overjoyed to be carrying twins. Her pregnancy progressed smoothly until a routine appointment at 33 weeks brough...

Type of Loss: SIDS, Infant Loss More about Nancy's Story: Nancy Grundl shares the devastating story of losing her daughter June to SIDS at just 3 months old. After a joyful morning at daycare, June peacefully fell asleep and never woke up. Nancy reflects on the profound grief of losing her perfect baby girl, and how she continues to find signs of hope and strength to move forward. Join us as Nancy...

In this special episode, we take a break from our usual topics and invite you to get to know the amazing women behind Emma’s Footprints. Join us as we share fun stories, surprising secrets, and lots of laughter! From favorite guilty pleasures to behind-the-scenes quirks, this episode is all about connecting with the team and letting you in on the lighter side of the work we do. Tune in to meet the...

Type of loss: Stillbirth More about Casey's story: In this episode, Casey Mihalko shares the heartbreaking story of losing her son at 31 weeks. After a routine checkup turned devastating, Casey was faced with the unimaginable task of delivering her baby boy, only to learn that no cause of death could be found. She opens up about her journey through grief, the challenges of dealing with PTSD, and t...