Jennifer Byrnes: Navigating Parental Grief and Offering Genuine Support

Birth Journeys: Lifting the veil on the birth experience

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When the waves of parental grief and loss crash upon us, navigating their unpredictable swells can be a journey as unique as our fingerprints. Therapist Jennifer Byrnes, LPC, PMH-C, EMDR certified therapist, joins me to explore these deeply personal experiences, shining a light on the many forms grief can take — from the pain of miscarriage and infant loss to the silent suffering of fertility challenges. Through our discussion, Jennifer helps us understand that mourning has no prescribed path, and that the company we keep can make all the difference in weathering the storm.
This episode isn't just about the struggle; it's also about the solace found in support networks. We delve into the nuances of assisting those in the throes of grief, discussing the importance of listening and responding to individual needs rather than leaning on our own assumptions. Jennifer and I tackle the complexities of what it means to grieve 'productively', uncovering the varied ways people express and process their pain.
Lastly, we confront the challenge of balancing joy and sorrow when life's milestones intersect with another's loss. With Jennifer's insights on EMDR and other therapeutic approaches, this episode offers a guiding hand to those seeking to navigate the complex emotional landscapes of grief and support others through their darkest hours.
To connect with Jennifer go to www.mytherapygoals.com
The links below are resources discussed in the episode:
psychologytoday.com
grief.com
emdria.com
Empty Cradle Broken Heart by Deobrah Davis
The Art of Holding by Karen Kleinerman
Ianacare - Caregiving Support App
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ianacare-caregiving-support/id1441737626
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Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

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1. Coping With Parental Grief and Loss (00:00:00)

2. Supporting Grieving Parents Without Projection (00:12:04)

3. Supporting Grieving Loved Ones (00:25:04)

4. Supporting Grieving Friends During Pregnancy (00:30:23)

5. Understanding and Supporting Grief (00:46:57)