The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

During a season of infertility, going to Confession can be difficult. Maybe we've been hurt by insensitive advice in the past from a confessor. Or maybe, we've never had a correct understanding of Confession. Father Paul West chats with Ann about how to reframe our understanding of Confession to more easily and frequently approach the Lord's Mercy.  If you'd like to talk or receive...

In the second of two episodes recorded with special guest Victoria Cerise, we dive into what marriage prep didn't prepare us for and how we can help enhance it for future couples. A lot of good comes from Catholic diocesan marriage prep courses, however, preparing a couple for the cross of infertility is most often not part of the discussion. Listen in for ways that dioceses and parishes can o...

Being active in parish life can be a struggle when you are longing for a child. Your parish is supposed to be your family, a place of rest in the Lord and fellowship, but when you are in a season of infertility, that same place can feel very isolating. This Desert Reflection reminds you that your parish needs you, because you have gifts that no one else has. Your marriage is essential to building...

This week Jillian and Ann welcome special guest Chris O'Neill, Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Chris not only speaks to the reality of the suffering of infertility, but the important role those struggling with it play in the Church. Chris draws from the wisdom he gained from his formation at the John Paul II Institute, his own personal experience, and h...

The Springs in the Desert Team is on summer break - but we'll be back next week with another full length episode! Please enjoy this replay episode on focusing on Christ, not conception. This is an important reminder for all of us as we walk the path of infertility, but especially as we deal with decisions regarding treatment and charting our cycle (it is NFP Awareness Week, after all!) Jillian...

In this first of two episodes, Jillian and Cassandra visit with special guest Mary Bruno. Mary shares her own personal infertility story, and the fruit that has come from that suffering.  She also talks about Twelve Stripes Deep , the book she wrote detailing her story, and her non-profit dedicated to fertility awareness. Mary's story is real and honest, and ultimately inspiring! Links: Mary B...

In this fun episode, Jillian hosts a returning guest, Natalie Blackford, to talk about her experiences with low-toxin living for overall better health. Natalie has a real passion for living more naturally and with great enthusiasm she shares some helpful tips and tricks to get rid of toxins in your life. This episode is not meant to be intimidating or cause stress (even small changes can often mak...

Our special guest this week is Jamie Rathjen, founder of the Fiat Institute, a program which trains women across the U.S. to become hormone coaches. Her mission is to better help women understand their hormone health by offering suggestions for natural lifestyle changes that can help make a difference in their hormone health.   For many of us on the path of infertility, charting feels like somethi...

Did you know that God lovingly and carefully picked your cross for you? Jillian and Alissa talk with Dr. Megan Reister about this idea of God as a carpenter, chiseling away in His workshop. No two crosses are the same, so we should never compare our cross with another person's. What gifts has the Lord hidden in your cross? Listen to this podcast to learn more and be inspired!  Links: "At...

In this light-hearted Desert Reflection, Jillian chats with Alissa West about listening to music as a means to foster healing. She touches into the science behind it as well as her background as a music therapist. They also compare the effectiveness of listening to religious vs. secular songs. Please let us know any of your go-to songs that have helped you on the path of infertility! Links: Songs...

Our special guest this week is speaker and author Elizabeth Kelly. Liz has written numerous books for women to help them realize God's beautiful plan for their lives even when things seem to be going off the rails. Though they only scratch the surface of her books, Jillian and Ann's conversation with Liz explores the goodness of our desires, learning to surrender them to God, and trusting...

Today on the podcast, we welcome Fr. Paul West to teach and encourage us how to pray—especially when we don't feel like it or are in a season of dryness. He gives advice on the best time to pray, where we should pray, and especially how we can pray. After listening to this podcast, you'll feel motivated and inspired to put your phone and other distractions away and just show up to listen a...

Our special guest this week is Victoria Cerise, a Catholic wedding photographer who travels all over the United States capturing photos for weddings and other special occasions. Jillian and Ann chat with her about her work and the many opportunities for fruitfulness she finds in it. Victoria also invites us to remember that, even for those in a season of infertility, there is so much in life to ce...

In this Desert Reflection, Jillian and Cassandra discuss the pros and cons of social media use. There are many wonderful things about social media, however, most of us are aware of the damage social media can do to our mental and emotional health. You'll hear some practical advice on how to use social media in a healthy and balanced way, such as setting app limits and turning off notifications...

What is Springs of Love? Jillian and Ann talk with Kimberly Henkel about the sister ministry she started that helps couples discern foster care and adoption. Don't miss the beginning of the episode for a great discussion on spiritual motherhood and the importance of grieving infertility while in the process of discernment. If you feel called to foster care or adoption or are just curious about...

During a season of infertility, Mother's Day can be the hardest day of the year. Jillian and Ann give some great advice on how and why you can celebrate this day too. If you're feeling anxious or sad, ask the Blessed Mother to hold your hand. She understands this is can be a very difficult day. Also, remember that your community at Springs in the Desert is holding your hand too and is stan...

Jillian sits down with Dr. Megan Reister and Alissa West to listen to their personal stories of walking the path of secondary infertility. This conversation reminds us that there are all different types of infertility and no two paths are identical. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a physical community of friends in your area who understand how you're feeling or the place you're in. T...

Jillian and Cassandra talk about three important steps you can take to help advocate for those carrying the cross of infertility. Don't be scared! It can be as easy as sending an email! We invite you to listen, pray, and discern what steps you can take to help increase knowledge of infertility in your family, community, or parish. If we all do something little, it can make a huge impact! Links...

Here at Springs in the Desert , we wanted to clarify our mission. Jillian, Ann, and Cassandra reemphasize to our listeners that we are here to minister to you wherever you fall in the wide spectrum of seasons or types of infertility. Maybe you are actively trying to conceive, we are here for you!  Maybe you are beyond child bearing years, we are here for you! Maybe you already have children but ar...

We've all had it happen. A family member or friend asks us a sensitive question or gives advice regarding our struggle with infertility that comes across as unkind and hurtful. Jillian and Ann sit down and discuss practical and charitable ways to handle these situations. Most people don't realize their comments are insensitive—and really, they just care about us. Remember they are carrying...

This episode contains sensitive topics, so we invite you to listen with care.  Becoming pregnant after losing one or more children to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss can be a very joyful yet anxious time. Jillian, Ann, and Cassandra talk about the various emotions that come along with a pregnancy after experiencing the trauma of loss in the past. They discuss the fact that a new baby doesn...

In this Desert Reflection, Jillian and Christina sit down to discuss the importance of keeping our focus on Christ as we travel the path of infertility. They discuss the idea of hope and how—even through ups and downs, and when the desires and dreams in life don't turn out the way we envisioned—we have the certainty of our "Great Hope" in Christ. Let's anchor our hope in Him toda...

With the Solemnity of St. Joseph occurring during the month of March, we ponder the life of this holy man and what he teaches us about being a holy spouse. He has much to show us during a season of infertility, given the unique ways men and women were created and their unique ways of grieving and problem solving. We also discuss some of the history of St. Joseph and ways to celebrate and venerate...

In the third of a three-part Lenten miniseries, Jillian and Ann discuss the third pillar of Lent, almsgiving. Many people give money or material goods to the poor.  Jillian and Ann discuss other ways of doing justice pleasing to God.  Some examples include gifts of our time, skills, kind words, or prayers.  Tune in as they dig deeper into each one with concrete examples you may want...

This podcast episode features practical ideas on how to help ease the burden of those suffering from infertility.  Ann, Jillian, and Christina share personal stories of people ministering to them and how they've helped others who are struggling.   This is a great episode for any family members or friends of someone carrying the burden of infertility who want some concrete advice on...