Ep. 22 Infant Loss with Alex

Alex speaks to us about losing her infant daughter, Noel, 10 years ago. At 19 weeks pregnant she received the devastating news that her daughter had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and would not survive long after birth. When given the option to terminate her pregnancy, Alex made the decision to “carry her child to her death”. Her daughter was taken home on hospice and lived for 15 days. We discuss navigating grief, how grief challenged her marriage, parenting after loss and therapy. Alex and her husband have gone on to have 2 more daughters she shares with us how to incorporate their sister in their lives. She discusses the dichotomy of joy and grief. We know Alex’s story will touch many lives and we are so thankful for her honesty.

“There are times when I see my girls holding hands, playing together and I cry. That is joy and grief coexisting. I am fully taking in that moment, that my two living daughters are here, but I’m also very aware that my first born is not here, and that’s ok.”

In honor of Noel (April 22 - May 11, 2013)