Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories

Erica M. Freeman
  • 4.8 (95)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Sisters in Loss podcast spotlights faith filled black women who share their grief and loss stories and testimonies. Black women experience miscarriage and stillbirth four times more than white women according to the NIH and CDC. Whether you have experienced a miscarriage, infant loss, stillbirth, are trying to conceive or have an infertility diagnosis, you will learn about resources and strategies to heal, gain clarity, peace, hope, and find an empowering path forward after loss. Join Erica M. Freeman weekly as she interviews Sisters in Loss who have healed from such a painful and traumatic experience by sharing their testimonies to inspire and help others to turn their pain into their purpose.

  1. 1d ago

    439 - Surviving Trauma and Miscarriage with Dr. Shayla Élise Walker

    "How do we hold space for the miracle of survival while grieving the loss of a dream?" In this week's episode of the Sisters in Loss podcast, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Shayla Élise Walker, PhD, LCSW. Dr. Walker is a licensed clinical social worker, professor, and public speaker with over a decade of experience addressing mental health, racial justice, and restorative healing. But beyond her impressive credentials, she joins us today as a sister in loss, blending her profound scholarship with her own raw, lived experience. Dr. Walker shares one of the most unique and harrowing pregnancy journeys we have ever heard on this platform. After surviving a life-threatening car accident, she was hospitalized in the trauma ICU, where she discovered she was 3.5 weeks pregnant. In the midst of severe physical trauma, this baby felt like an added, beautiful miracle. Tragically, just five weeks later at her first OB appointment, she and her partner learned the pregnancy was non-viable. Dr. Walker takes us into the unspeakable heartbreak of surviving a near-fatal accident, only to lose her miracle baby a month later. As an expert who actively works to redefine what it means to be a "Strong Black Woman," Dr. Walker opens up about her biggest obstacles during this time: navigating the intense societal pressure to "be strong," keep hope, and distract herself by pouring her energy into work. Instead, she advocates for a different path—one that allows us to hold the complex, messy truth of grief, fear of the future, and gratitude for survival, all at the same time. In this episode, we discuss: Dr. Walker's life-threatening car accident and discovering her pregnancy in the trauma ICU. The devastating transition from surviving physical trauma to navigating perinatal loss. Redefining the "Strong Black Woman" trope and resisting the pressure to heal on anyone else's timeline. The complexity of holding grief, fear of future miscarriages, and gratitude simultaneously. The healing power of connecting with other "heavenly baby" mothers and finding community with Sisters in Loss. This is a masterclass in healing, vulnerability, and maternal mental health. Please tune in, grab your tissue, and let Dr. Walker's wisdom wrap around you. 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

    35 min

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing The Dark Side of AI Chatbots: Warning Signs, Risks, and Reality from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the world as it evolves daily while offering limitless potential. Millions of Americans now turn to chatbots for guidance on finances, work and even relationships from life coaches to therapists and also companionship. But alongside their usefulness come serious risks that are often underestimated. In this conversation Oprah joins experts, families and a live audience to explore the potential hidden dangers of engaging with AI chatbots. Oprah speaks with the parents of a 14-year-old boy who died by suicide after his troubling interactions with a chatbot. We hear from UCSF psychiatrist, Dr. Keith Sakata, about the rise in reports of “AI-induced psychosis,” the potential negative mental health consequences of chatbot use and warning signs that a chatbot relationship has gone from helpful to harmful. Executive Director at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Helen Toner, offers insight into how AI chatbots are developed to have human-like interactions, AI sycophancy and what people can do to hold AI companies accountable. We also hear from people who experienced devastating consequences from their use of AI chatbots from quitting a job, isolating from loved ones to becoming convinced they needed to warn the government of impending doom. This is a candid, eye-opening conversation about the risk of AI chatbots for parents and families navigating this new technology. 00:00:00 - Oprah introduces the dangers of AI 00:04:20 - Megan joins to talk about her son 00:09:10 - Discovering her son’s chatbot conversations after death 00:11:30 - Protecting children 00:12:30 - Warning signs 00:18:00 - Chatbots inappropriate relationships with kids 00:19:00 - What parents should know 00:21:50 - Defining AI psychosis 00:25:00 - AI and human-like interactions 00:28:00 - Chatbots sycophantic nature 00:30:40 - Hannah shares her AI chatbot experience 00:35:00 - Dangers of long interactions with chatbots 00:36:30 - When Hannah’s mom was concerned 00:38:20 - Hannah getting back to herself 00:39:00 - Withdrawal from chatbots 00:40:20 - Hannah now 00:42:15 - Red flags of AI psychosis 00:45:00 - The lure of the chatbot 00:46:50 - Allan shares his AI psychosis 00:52:30 - Help from the Human Line project 00:54:00 - Human connection is the cure 00:55:00 - What we can do The Human Line Project https://www.thehumanlineproject.org/ 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 team@podroll.fm.

  3. Jun 3

    438 - Faces of H.O.P.E.: Surviving PPROM, NICU, and Pregnancy After Loss with Nekia Mba

    "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." In this week's deeply moving episode of the Sisters in Loss podcast, we are welcoming back a familiar voice to our community. The incredible Nekia Mba returns to share her ongoing journey as one of our "Faces of H.O.P.E." Nekia is a military spouse, a devoted mother to two living children and three angel babies, the founder of a maternal health advocacy and education nonprofit, and the owner of a strategic advisory firm for women in leadership. She is the true definition of turning pain into purpose. Since her last interview with us in June 2023, Nekia's path to growing her family has been a rollercoaster of heartbreak and miracles. She bravely opens up about experiencing an interstitial pregnancy, followed by a subsequent pregnancy that resulted in PPROM (preterm premature rupture of the membranes) at 29 weeks. Nekia walks us through the terrifying reality of an unexpected early delivery, the 50 grueling days she spent by her son's side in the NICU, and the absolute joy of watching him thrive today at 15 months old. In this episode, we discuss: Nekia's emotional updates and health journey since June 2023. Navigating the trauma of an interstitial pregnancy. Surviving PPROM, an early delivery, and a 50-day NICU stay. Balancing life as a military spouse, CEO, and mother to both living and deceased children. The resources that kept her grounded: Stillbirthday education, Mamma's Voice, the Sisters in Loss community, and the healing power of sharing your story with other mothers. If you are currently navigating pregnancy after loss, facing a NICU stay, or just need a powerful reminder that joy can follow grief, this episode is for you. 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

    30 min

  4. May 27

    437 - The Oak of Justice: Stepping Out of Silence with Bertha Mowelle

    Have you ever felt like you had to stand as strong as an oak tree in the midst of your grief? In this week's episode of the Sisters in Loss podcast, we are taking our community global! We are joined by the incredible Bertha Mowelle, joining us all the way from Berlin. Known to many as "The Oak of Justice," Bertha is a fierce advocate and a pillar of strength who is deeply rooted in building and uplifting a powerful community of women. In our conversation, Bertha opens up about her complex and deeply personal journey to motherhood. She holds nothing back as we discuss the many challenges and heavy obstacles she had to overcome to find her footing again after loss. One of the most beautiful and relatable moments in this episode is when Bertha shares the specific resource that helped her heal. It wasn't a clinical textbook or a step-by-step guide. Instead, it was the raw, vulnerable testimony of another woman grieving the loss of her husband. Hearing another sister speak her truth gave Bertha the courage to finally "step out," break her own silence, and walk into her purpose. In this episode, we discuss: Bertha's journey to motherhood and overcoming profound challenges. What it means to be an "Oak of Justice" in your community. The life-changing power of hearing another woman's testimony. How shared grief can give us the courage to step out of the shadows. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! Click the link in our bio to tune in. Question for the community: Has hearing someone else's story of grief ever given you the courage to share your own? Let me know in the comments below! 👇🏾 #SistersInLoss #PregnancyLoss #InfantLoss #GriefJourney #TheOakOfJustice #BlackMaternalHealth #MiscarriageSupport #StillbirthAwareness #MotherhoodJourney #GriefSupport #HealingCommunity 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

    23 min

  5. May 20

    436 - Fibroids, Infertility and Mommy in Waiting with Shana-Lee Scott

    In today's episode, Author, Shana-Lee Scott, vulnerably shares her ongoing journey through infertility after being diagnosed with 33 uterine fibroids following her 2017 marriage. After three doctors recommended a hysterectomy, Shannon's faith and persistence led her to a surgeon in Florida who successfully removed all 33 fibroids — saving her womb.  Years of trying to conceive, a 2023 fertility clinic visit recommending surrogacy, and seasons of wrestling with God have shaped Shannon into a voice of hope for women in the waiting. She discusses her 40-day devotional Mommy In Waiting, her work with a fertility doula, and the importance of building the right care team and faith community while surrendering the timeline to God. Shana-Lee Scott Bio Shana-Lee Scott is ready to add author to her list of titles. She is the CEO and founder of Breathe & Exhale 360, a certified life coach, and now, a published author. With over twenty years of personal self-care practice, she is passionate about encouraging her family, friends, and audience to take meaningful moments for themselves. Mommy in Waiting: A 40-Day Devotional is a deeply personal exploration of the emotional journey experienced during seasons of waiting. Through heartfelt devotionals, she shares her own experience of longing for a child and the faith it requires. She offers comfort and reassurance to others walking a similar path, reminding them that if it's taking longer than expected to have a child, there is nothing wrong with them. 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

    41 min

  6. May 13

    435 - Highlight your Healing with Shannon Roane

    In this episode, certified grief coach and podcast host Shannon Roane, shares her raw journey through an ectopic pregnancy that resulted in emergency surgery and the removal of her left fallopian tube, followed by a second miscarriage just months later. Despite these back-to-back losses, Shannon went on to conceive two children naturally — a miraculous outcome with only one fallopian tube. She opens up about suffering in silence, finding healing through journaling and therapy, and how a divine message on the side of a tractor trailer restored her faith. Shannon also shares how her losses shaped her into a fierce "mama bear" parent and ultimately inspired her to launch J&J Journals and the Highlight Your Healing podcast to support other women navigating grief with faith. 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

    30 min

  7. May 6

    434 - Journey to Never Healing Alone - Introduction

    This week, I'm doing something a little different. A little vulnerable. My debut book, Never Healing Alone: How to Navigate Grief and Find Community After Pregnancy and Infant Loss, comes out next year (April 6, 2027), and you, this community, are the reason it exists. You are my "why." So, before anyone else in the world hears it, I want to share it with you. In this week's special episode of the Sisters in Loss podcast, I am sitting down and reading the entire, final introduction to the book, out loud. This is the heart of the book. It's the story of my own losses, the "Great Disappearance" of care, the systemic failures, and the birth of the Healing Archetypes™. It sets the stage for everything we are going to heal together in these pages. And because you are my most trusted community, I would be so honored to hear your feedback. As you listen, I want you to consider: ✨ Does this sound like your story? When you hear me talk about the "Strong Black Woman" armor or feeling dismissed by doctors, do you feel seen? ✨ What part hits you the hardest? Is there a specific sentence or story that lands in your spirit and makes you say, "That's it. That's the feeling."? ✨ Who would you send this to? When you hear these words, who immediately comes to mind? A friend? A family member? Your therapist? This is more than just an audiobook preview; it's an invitation. I want you to feel like you are part of this book's journey from my heart into the world. After you listen, please send me a DM on Instagram (@sistersinloss) or reply directly to this email and let me know your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable as we prepare to share this medicine with the world. 🎧 Listen now to this exclusive first read of the Introduction to Never Healing Alone on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. #NeverHealingAlone #SistersInLoss #BookLaunch #GriefSupport #Miscarriage #Stillbirth #AuthorReadAloud #TheHealingArchetypes #BlackMaternalHealth   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

    17 min

  8. Apr 29

    433 - Bereaved Mother's Day - You are a Mother!

    To the mother with empty arms this weekend: We see you. Your motherhood is real. Your love is valid. And your title is forever. 🕊️🤎 Sunday is Bereaved Mother's Day—a sacred, often quiet space carved out before the noise of traditional Mother's Day begins. It's a day that acknowledges the mothers whose babies are held in their hearts instead of their hands. In this week's special episode of the Sisters in Loss podcast, we are holding space for the heaviness of this upcoming weekend. We're talking about: ✨ Why you don't have to be "strong" right now. ✨ The radical, necessary act of resting through your grief. ✨ How to use the "Power of the Pause" to protect your peace when the world feels too loud. If you are dreading the days ahead, this episode is your permission slip to unplug, set boundaries, and simply survive it. You do not have to navigate this alone.   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

    17 min
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4.8
out of 5
95 Ratings

About

Sisters in Loss podcast spotlights faith filled black women who share their grief and loss stories and testimonies. Black women experience miscarriage and stillbirth four times more than white women according to the NIH and CDC. Whether you have experienced a miscarriage, infant loss, stillbirth, are trying to conceive or have an infertility diagnosis, you will learn about resources and strategies to heal, gain clarity, peace, hope, and find an empowering path forward after loss. Join Erica M. Freeman weekly as she interviews Sisters in Loss who have healed from such a painful and traumatic experience by sharing their testimonies to inspire and help others to turn their pain into their purpose.

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