Beyond The Birth Story

Alexa Conlon

Here, we share the real and raw moments of healing as we navigate losing what many of us have dreamt a lifetime about, embrace strength, and find that hope again while learning to live after loss. Join your host, Alexa, on Beyond the Birth Story Podcast each week as we unpack [birth] trauma, grief, healing, trying to conceive, infertility, pregnancy and share the truths of motherhood. You’ll get to hear from experts in the field as well as those who have experienced the above. Join the Beyond the Birth Story’s community on instagram @beyondthebirthstorypodcast NEW EPISODES WEEKLY | Thursday's on all your other favourite streaming platforms. 

  1. FEB 10

    Episode 47 | Love for Lewiston with Jessica Janzen

    In this powerful and heartfelt episode host, Alexa Conlon, sits down with Jessica Janzen — speaker, author, mental health advocate, and co-founder of the Love for Lewiston Foundation — for an honest conversation about grief, resilience, and choosing joy in the hardest moments. Jessica shares the story of her son Lewiston, who passed away from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and how that loss transformed her life and purpose. We talk about navigating unimaginable grief, mental health, motherhood, advocacy, and how she turned pain into impact through the Love for Lewiston Foundation — a charity that has helped change the landscape of SMA awareness and newborn screening in Canada. This episode is raw, hopeful, and deeply human. Whether you’re walking through loss, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for a reminder that joy and purpose can coexist with pain, this conversation will stay with you. ✨ Topics we cover: Grief and life after lossMental health and vulnerabilityAdvocacy and impact through the Love for Lewiston FoundationFinding joy without bypassing painTurning heartbreak into purposeResources & Links Mentioned in this Episode:  Love for Lewiston Foundation  Bring The Joy Book Jessica Janzen Website Jessica Janzen Instagram  Love for Lewiston Instagram Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you! Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebirthstorypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cSDMzSZHkqqea5Wm/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthebirthstory Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.birth?_t=8scp2hiyJPh&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBirthStoryPodcast

    1h 4m
  2. 11/29/2025

    Episode 45 | Uterine Rupture with Ruby Pillar

    In this heartfelt episode of 'Beyond the Birth Story,' Ruby Pillar shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy, the challenges of a uterine anomaly, and the emotional rollercoaster of her son's birth and subsequent health struggles. Ruby's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the power of community support in the face of unimaginable loss. Key Takeaways Ruby Pillar shares her journey with a uterine anomaly discovered during a routine checkup. The emotional impact of being told about potential pregnancy complications. Ruby's proactive approach to addressing her septate uterus through surgery. The anxiety and fear experienced during her pregnancy due to past health concerns. The unexpected challenges faced during her pregnancy, including premature contractions. Ruby's experience with bed rest and the emotional toll it took. The traumatic birth experience and the subsequent health struggles of her newborn. Ruby's advocacy for awareness and support for uterine rupture and neonatal care. The importance of community support and sharing personal stories to help others. Ruby's ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for families facing similar challenges.Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Uterine Rupture Instagram Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you! Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebirthstorypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cSDMzSZHkqqea5Wm/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthebirthstory Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.birth?_t=8scp2hiyJPh&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBirthStoryPodcast

    1h 16m
  3. 11/27/2025

    Episode 44 | Dingle Dangle with Estee Levin

    In this heartfelt episode of "Beyond The Birth Story," Estee Levin shares her journey through the whirlwind of motherhood, from the chaos of wedding season to the tender moments with her 10-month-old son. Estee opens up about the unexpected joys and challenges of being a new mom, the emotional rollercoaster of watching her child grow, and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood. Join us for an honest conversation about balancing work, family, and self-care, and discover the messy truths and beautiful realities of life beyond the birth story. Key Takeaways: Embrace the unexpected joys and challenges of motherhood. The importance of self-care amidst the chaos of parenting. Navigating societal pressures and personal expectations as a new mom. Finding balance between work, family, and personal time. The emotional journey of watching your child grow and change.Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Not Your Average Mom Podcast Instagram Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you! Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebirthstorypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cSDMzSZHkqqea5Wm/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthebirthstory Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.birth?_t=8scp2hiyJPh&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBirthStoryPodcast

    53 min
  4. 11/13/2025

    Episode 43 | Navigating Grief and Resilience with Mahaley Patel

    In this heartfelt episode of "Beyond the Birth Story," Mahaley Patel, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares her deeply personal journey through perinatal mental health, trauma, and the profound experience of losing a child. Mahaley opens up about her path to healing, the challenges of parenting after loss, surrogacy and the inspiration behind her book designed to help others navigate their NICU experiences. Join us for an intimate conversation about resilience, love, and the enduring bonds of family. Key Takeaways: The importance of acknowledging and processing grief in a healthy way. How personal experiences can shape professional paths and inspire others.The role of family support and therapy in navigating trauma and loss. Insights into the NICU experience and its emotional impact on parents. Strategies for maintaining strong relationships through shared grief.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode: Mahaley's Instagram Mahaley's Book: Your NICU Story: Reflecting on Your Family's Experience Rob Delaney's Book: A Heart That Works Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you! Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebirthstorypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cSDMzSZHkqqea5Wm/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthebirthstory Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.birth?_t=8scp2hiyJPh&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBirthStoryPodcast

    1h 3m
  5. 11/06/2025

    Episode 42 | Grief & Trauma Coach with Kieran Powers

    In this episode of the Beyond the Birth Story podcast, host Alexa Conlon welcomes guest Kieran Powers, a grief and trauma coach and founder of Becoln, to discuss the complexities of healing, parenting, and womanhood. Kieran shares her personal journey through loss, NICU, fertility challenges, cancer and surrogacy, highlighting the importance of support and advocacy for families facing similar challenges. The conversation delves into the nuances of grief, the power of shared experiences, and the role of a grief and trauma coach in providing comfort and understanding. Key Takeaways Kieran's journey through loss and healing is deeply personal and inspiring.The role of a grief and trauma coach offers a unique, empathetic approach to support.Surrogacy can be a complex but rewarding path for families.Advocacy and self-education are crucial in navigating medical challenges.Grief extends beyond the loss of a person to include lost hopes and dreams.Shared experiences can provide powerful healing and connection.The importance of discussing difficult topics openly to prepare for unexpected challenges.Navigating medical decisions requires both information and personal advocacy.The journey of healing is unique and evolves over time.Support networks are vital for families facing medical and emotional challenges.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:  Becoln Instagram Becoln Website  Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you! Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebirthstorypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cSDMzSZHkqqea5Wm/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthebirthstory Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.birth?_t=8scp2hiyJPh&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBirthStoryPodcast

    55 min
  6. 10/30/2025

    Episode 41 | From Loss to Life: RoxAnne's Journey

    In this episode host Alexa Conlon sits down with RoAanne as she shares her deeply personal journey through multiple pregnancy losses, the challenges of motherhood, and her insights into nutrition and holistic healing. She discusses the emotional toll of loss, the complexities of pregnancy after loss, and the importance of mental health support. Roxanne also delves into the impact of leaky gut on fertility and overall health, the challenges of breastfeeding, and the effects of birth control on women's health. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of holistic wellness. Key Takeaways: RoxAnne is a certified nutritional practitioner and teacher.She experienced multiple pregnancy losses before having her son and daughter.Mental health plays a significant role in coping with loss.Pregnancy after loss can be filled with anxiety and fear.Breastfeeding challenges are common, especially after a traumatic birth.Leaky gut can impact fertility and overall health.Nutrition is crucial for healing and maintaining health.Birth control can have long-term effects on women's health.Women should advocate for their health and seek holistic options.Support systems are vital for navigating motherhood.Resources & Links Shared In This Episode: Roxy's Holistic Instagram Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you! Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebirthstorypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cSDMzSZHkqqea5Wm/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthebirthstory Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.birth?_t=8scp2hiyJPh&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBirthStoryPodcast

    1 hr
  7. 10/23/2025

    Episode 40 | Navigating the NICU: Insights from Mary Farrelly

    In this episode, host Alexa Conlon and Mary Farrelly, a certified NICU nurse and doula, shares her journey and insights into the NICU experience. She discusses the importance of emotional support for families, the role of a NICU doula, and the impact of compassion fatigue on healthcare providers. Mary emphasizes the need for better communication and understanding of NICU culture, as well as the significance of celebrating small wins during the NICU journey. She also addresses the misconceptions surrounding the NICU and offers advice for families navigating this challenging time. Key Takeaways: Mary Farrelly is a certified NICU nurse and doula.The NICU Translator helps bridge the gap for families in the NICU.NICU experiences can shape personal perspectives on life and care.Compassion fatigue is a real issue for healthcare providers.Misconceptions about the NICU can lead to feelings of helplessness for families.Understanding NICU culture is crucial for effective communication.Emotional support is vital for NICU families during their journey.Celebrating small wins can help families cope with the NICU experience.The role of a NICU doula is to provide emotional and logistical support.The NICU is just the beginning of a family's journey.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode: The NICU Translator Instagram The NICU Translator Website NICU Doula Academy Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you! Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebirthstorypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cSDMzSZHkqqea5Wm/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthebirthstory Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.birth?_t=8scp2hiyJPh&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBirthStoryPodcast

    1h 5m

About

Here, we share the real and raw moments of healing as we navigate losing what many of us have dreamt a lifetime about, embrace strength, and find that hope again while learning to live after loss. Join your host, Alexa, on Beyond the Birth Story Podcast each week as we unpack [birth] trauma, grief, healing, trying to conceive, infertility, pregnancy and share the truths of motherhood. You’ll get to hear from experts in the field as well as those who have experienced the above. Join the Beyond the Birth Story’s community on instagram @beyondthebirthstorypodcast NEW EPISODES WEEKLY | Thursday's on all your other favourite streaming platforms. 

You Might Also Like