Pregnancy After the Loss of a Baby | Episode 089 with Katelyn James Alsop
Episode 89
Listen in to an honest conversation about pregnancy after loss with my dear friend Katelyn James Alsop. We talk very candidly about what it’s like to be pregnant again after losing a baby. There are moments of tears and of laughter in this episode, but isn’t that the reality of this grief journey; a dance of joy and sorrow.
We talk about how Katelyn made the decision to try again for another baby after her son James died from complications from Down Syndrome. We talk about when or if there ever is the right time to announce another pregnancy, what it’s like to keep our baby’s memories alive when a new baby is born and I love when Katelyn talks to me about battling the fear that plagues so many of us in our pregnancies after loss.
We even talk about parenting after loss and parenting while pregnant after loss; what it looks like to invite our living children into our grief and our fear. And in doing so, hopefully teach them about what it looks like to trust God even when it’s scary and even when the worst happens and also show them what finding healing can look like.
I am so grateful for Katelyn and her story and her honesty in this episode. I pray that it reminds you that you are not alone. And that there is joy to be had, even in the scary, fearful places like pregnancy after loss.
Questions We Answer (or try to answer) During This Episode
When did you know it was the right time to try and conceive again? When did you feel ready to try again? Do you think there is a right amount of time to wait?
I battled fear and anxiety from the moment I found out I was pregnant until the minute they laid that baby on my chest. Is that something you struggle with as well? If so, how do you cope with anxiety and not living in a constant state of fear?
On the note of fear and anxiety, I know that for me the fear leading up to doctors appointments would increase those emotions tenfold. Was that the same for you? If so, what are some ways that you coped with anxiety before doctors appointments?
What are your thoughts on announcing a pregnancy after loss?
How do you honor and remember your son James when you have a new baby? There is always a fear of forgetting the baby that is no longer here on earth with us. One of the community members asked: “I have struggled most with the fear of forgetting or replacing our first child. They are both girls and I am just fearful that once she arrives that everyone will forget about our daughter that passed away. I’ve also struggled with guilt when I feel excited and joyful about this baby. So I guess what I would be interested in is a conversation on what it looks like to honor the child you lost and keep their memory and life uniquely their own and remembered while also genuinely rejoicing in the child/children that come after them and loving them fully with no guilt or hesitation.”
How do we continue to trust God with our children after experiencing His allowing death?
MEET Katelyn
Hi, I’m Katelyn!
I'm a wedding photographer and educator based out of Richmond, Virginia! I'm married to my high school sweetheart and we have a 3 year old daughter named Evy, a sweet baby in heaven named James, a 1 year old son named Graham and another sweet baby on the way! Before babies, we ran a demanding business and shot almost 45 weddings a year. We have since scaled back to 10-12 weddings annually and love running our online education business!
Get connected with Katelyn at www.katelynjames.com.
Listen to Libby’s story of her daughter Meredith here: Episode 5
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