Infertility, IVF, Pregnancy Loss & Life-Limiting Diagnosis | Episode 134 with Kristyn Szala

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Episode 134

Listen in as I spend time with Kristyn Szala and ask her all kinds of questions about her motherhood journey. Kristyn has experienced infertility, journeyed through IVF, experienced a miscarriage with one of her twins and then would go on to experience a life-limiting diagnosis for her son Asher.

During our time together Kristyn talks honestly about her experience with IVF and what it was like to lose a twin in the first trimester of pregnancy — she shares what it was like to grieve that loss, the unique challenges it held and what advice she would give to a woman in that situation.

We go on to talk about what it was like to receive a life-limiting diagnosis for her son Asher — what she wishes she had known, what she learned and what she would have done differently. Kristyn said that immediately after hearing the news she canceled everything, her maternity photos, her baby shower, everything. But then after thinking about it for a few days she decided this baby and this pregnancy was worth celebrating.

She said she asked herself: “how do I want this pregnancy to be? I want it to be full of joy.” This part of our conversation was really beautiful and I absolutely love the idea her friend did for her in the way of a Baby Blessing — you’ll have to listen to hear exactly what I’m talking about.

We talked about a few specific tactics that were helpful to her in navigating life after loss as well as a major career change she made a few years following her son Asher’s death.

The last thing we talk about very candidly and tenderly is the reality that Kristyn is unable to have more children and what it’s like to navigate losing your youngest child -- if that is your reality too, I am sure that what Kristyn has to say about this will remind you that you are not alone.

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QUESTIONS we discuss IN EPISODE 134

Tell me about your infertility journey.
What would you say to a mom who has experienced the loss of a twin?
Tell me about that initial diagnosis with Asher — what was that like? How did you respond?
What would you say to a woman who has just been given a life-limiting diagnosis for her baby? What do you wish someone would have said to you?
Is there anything you wish you had known about what it would be like to carry and deliver a baby that would likely not live long after birth?
What’s surprised you in this grief journey?
What do you think the biggest challenge is facing a woman who has experienced the loss of a baby.
You mentioned to me that you had a major career change after your son died — tell me more about that.
What wisdom would you give to a woman who lost her youngest and is unable to have more children?

Meet Kristyn

I've walked the long road of infertility and underwent IVF multiple times on my journey to motherhood. I have one living son, Brock, who is turning 7 this summer. I miscarried Brock's twin (who I affectionally nicknamed Coco) around 10 weeks (disappearing twin syndrome). My second son, Asher, was stillborn at 36 weeks. We received a life limiting diagnosis for him (Trisomy 18 with Spina Bifida and Tetralogy of Fallot) when I was 18 weeks pregnant. I found this podcast the day I came home from the hospital after delivering Asher. The first episode had just been release the day prior, so The Joyful Morning and the community surrounding it hold a special place in my heart and in my healing.