Pause to Remember: Providers Sharing Loss Stories

Amy Pelkey, MSN, CRNA, RYT 200

Pause to Remember is a podcast and community where healthcare providers share their grief journeys after pregnancy and infant loss. By normalizing difficult conversations, providers openly share their unique experiences and offer resources to preserve their careers, relationships, and well-being while honoring the memory of their baby.

  1. 06/13/2024

    35. Compassionate Guidance: Navigating TFMR & Grief With Mandy Wannarka, LICSW

    Host Amy Pelkey speaks with Mandy Wannarka, LICSW, PMH-C, RYT-200, a therapist specializing in supporting mothers and couples through the difficult journey of pregnancy and infant loss, including making the decision to terminate a pregnancy for medical reasons (TFMR). Mandy shares insights from her career in social work, focusing on her experience with the perinatal population in hospital settings and now in her outpatient mental health practice called Mindful Wellbeing Clinic in Coon Rapids, MN. They discuss the emotional toll of medical terminations, how to make informed decisions, and the importance of finding supportive community and professional resources.  Mandy also introduces therapeutic approaches like EMDR and mindfulness to help individuals process their emotions and build resilience. This episode aims to offer compassionate guidance and a sense of community for healthcare providers and other parents navigating this challenging topic. 00:00 Introduction to a Heartbreaking Decision 00:36 Meet the Host: Amy Pelkey 01:26 Introducing Mandy Wannarka 02:31 Mandy's Journey into Perinatal Support 03:40 Challenges and Transitions in Hospital Settings 04:52 Establishing an Outpatient Mental Health Practice 05:08 Supporting Families with Complex Medical Journeys 09:31 Empowered Boundary Setting 15:43 Navigating Family Dynamics and Unsolicited Opinions 19:37 Returning to Work After a Loss 25:10 Trauma-Informed Care and EMDR 31:55 Unpacking Childhood Trauma 33:18 Addressing Immediate Needs 35:13 Coping Mechanisms and Maladaptive Behaviors 37:21 Navigating Grief in Relationships 44:20 Pharmacological Options and Therapy 48:41 Mindfulness and Self-Compassion 54:59 Finding the Right Therapist 57:42 Final Thoughts and Support Links Mindful Wellbeing Clinic 199 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Suite 208, Coon Rapids, MN 55433; phone (612) 440-1899; email: hello@mindfulwellbeingmn.com Postpartum Support International (PPI) PSI TFMR Support GroupsPSI Directory to find a providerPerinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C)Pause to Remember Virtual Support Group (monthly), Facebook Groups, eBook, Be a guest on the podcastContact, Amy's CalendarFinancially Support Pause to RememberMusic credit: Fractal of Light by, Chris Haugen Support the show Be a guest on the Pause to Remember Podcast, complete this form Pause to Remember - Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest Amy Pelkey, MSN, CRNA, RYT-200 - Speaker at conferences & website Donate via Venmo: @amypelkeyllc

    1h 1m
  2. 33. Grief & Faith: Insights from Rev. Daryl Lavway

    09/07/2023

    33. Grief & Faith: Insights from Rev. Daryl Lavway

    Reverend Daryl Lavway engages in a meaningful conversation with host Amy Pelkey, CRNA.  Leveraging his extensive ministry experience and role as a chaplain in a Level 1, academic, medical center, Daryl provides profound insights into the intersection of grief and faith. Five key points discussed include: Unhelpful religious comments like, "It was God's will,” or "God needed another angel,” can be challenged with, "How do you know?"The complex relationship between religion and grief (including church)God grieves with usUsing faith as a comforting tool if it feels right to youAvoiding isolation and seeking trustworthy support with an individual or communityDaryl's insights offer a fresh perspective on how to approach religious comments, embrace your faith, and seek meaningful support with the help of an individual or community. He reminds listeners to trust their instincts honoring the memory of your baby.  Read more here. If you have questions or would like to connect with Daryl, email: amy@puasetoremember.org. Pause to Remember Resources for female, healthcare providers grieving after pregnancy and infant loss: Facebook Group, Virtual Support Group, Amy's Calendar to talk 1:1, eBook - A Guide After Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Refer a provider (therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, etc), Be a guest on the podcast, Contact AmyWhere to find Pause to Remember Website, Instagram, Facebook  MNDFL Rx (Mindful Prescription) A 4-week mindfulness based grief course for healthcare providers grieving after pregnancy or infant loss.  Learn more and sign up on the waitlist  Support the show Be a guest on the Pause to Remember Podcast, complete this form Pause to Remember - Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest Amy Pelkey, MSN, CRNA, RYT-200 - Speaker at conferences & website Donate via Venmo: @amypelkeyllc

    34 min
  3. 32. Navigating Burnout with Dr. Errin Weisman, DO

    06/01/2023

    32. Navigating Burnout with Dr. Errin Weisman, DO

    Dr. Errin Weisman is a burnout coach, mentor, speaker, podcaster, and friend.   She shares her experience with burnout that began in medical school and escalated during her residency and early years as an attending physician.  This led to her feeling trapped. The episode highlights the impact of the pandemic on burnout and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals.  Dr. Weisman emphasizes the importance of seeking support, finding a community, and making changes to overcome burnout. The conversation explores topics like self-discovery, navigating grief, and making assertive choices. Financial concerns, prioritizing mental health, and addressing work addiction are also discussed. Find inspiration and resources to deal with burnout by listening to the conversation. Mentioned in the podcast: Life coach, Philippa Kennealy, MDDr. Kara PepperDr. Michelle QuirkConnect with Dr. Errin Weisman: Email: hello@burntouttobadass.comWebsite: https://www.burntouttobadass.com/ and https://www.doctormefirst.com/Podcast: Burntout to Badass and Doctor Me FirstInstagram: @errinweisman and @burntout_to_badassBlog post with additional information is here. Pause to Remember Resources for Healthcare Providers Grieving After Pregnancy and Infant Loss Facebook Group, Virtual Support Group, Amy's Calendar to talk 1:1, eBook - A Guide After Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Refer a provider (therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, etc), Be a guSupport the show Be a guest on the Pause to Remember Podcast, complete this form Pause to Remember - Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest Amy Pelkey, MSN, CRNA, RYT-200 - Speaker at conferences & website Donate via Venmo: @amypelkeyllc

    51 min
  4. 30. Katie Cooper, CRNA - Egg Donation, Fertility Treatments, and More

    05/11/2023

    30. Katie Cooper, CRNA - Egg Donation, Fertility Treatments, and More

    Katie Cooper, MS, CRNA, APRN has a unique perspective on fertility care.  Not only did she donate her eggs to a family in her 20s, she now specializes in fertility anesthesia. Listen to our conversation as we cover: Tips to optimize your health in preparation for infertility treatmentsSuggestions and questions to ask when researching a fertility clinicFinancial considerationsAnesthesia for fertility treatmentsPersonal experience with miscarriageABC News segment about four families going through infertility care.  One family received treatment where Katie works (you can see Katie at 10:15).Here is Katie's contact information: Website: www.CRNAACLS.comContact Katie hereKatie's email address is: kcoopercrna@gmail.com  Pause to Remember Resources for Healthcare Providers Grieving After Pregnancy and Infant Loss Facebook Group, Virtual Support Group, Amy's Calendar to talk 1:1, eBook - A Guide After Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Refer a provider (therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, etc), Be a guest on the podcast, Contact AmyWhere to find Pause to Remember Website, Instagram, Facebook  NEW OFFERING IN 2023!  -  MNDFL Rx (Mindful Prescription) A 4-week mindfulness based grief course for healthcare providers grieving after pregnancy or infant loss.  Learn more and sign up here. Financially Support Pause to Remember - Click  Support the show Be a guest on the Pause to Remember Podcast, complete this form Pause to Remember - Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest Amy Pelkey, MSN, CRNA, RYT-200 - Speaker at conferences & website Donate via Venmo: @amypelkeyllc

    48 min
  5. 29. Chelsey Herzig, CRNA - The impact of loss on her career and marriage

    04/06/2023

    29. Chelsey Herzig, CRNA - The impact of loss on her career and marriage

    Chelsey Herzig, CRNA works in a critical access hospital in Minnesota.  She talks about her daughter, Brynn, and the impact losing her has made in her life including her career and marriage. Some of the things discussed include: Infertility treatmentProcess of diagnosing Brynn with a life limiting diagnosis (included a fetal MRI)Decision to terminate the pregnancy in a larger facility with more resourcesAnticipatory grievingExperience of labor induction at ~21 weeksSpecial urn made from a woman on Etsy (click here)Maternity leave before gradually re-entering the operating roomImpact of infertility and loss on Chelsey's marriageTherapyFreezing eggsPause to Remember Information Pause to Remember Resources for Healthcare Providers Grieving After Pregnancy and Infant Loss Facebook Group, Virtual Support Group, Amy's Calendar to talk 1:1, eBook - A Guide After Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Refer a provider (therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, etc), Be a guest on the podcast, Contact AmyWhere to find Pause to Remember Website, Instagram, Facebook  NEW OFFERING IN 2023!  -  MNDFL Rx (Mindful Prescription) A 4-week mindfulness based grief course for healthcare providers grieving after pregnancy or infant loss.  Learn more and sign up here. Financially Support Pause to Remember - Click here to donate. Music credit: Fractal of Light,  Support the show Be a guest on the Pause to Remember Podcast, complete this form Pause to Remember - Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest Amy Pelkey, MSN, CRNA, RYT-200 - Speaker at conferences & website Donate via Venmo: @amypelkeyllc

    1h 3m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Pause to Remember is a podcast and community where healthcare providers share their grief journeys after pregnancy and infant loss. By normalizing difficult conversations, providers openly share their unique experiences and offer resources to preserve their careers, relationships, and well-being while honoring the memory of their baby.