It’s a girl! On Valentine’s Day last year Mellisa welcomed a beautiful baby daughter into the world and into her family where she was meant to be. During this episode, Mellisa recounts her pregnancies, births, and losses. She shares how years of deep personal work and the support of community helped her build the confidence to trust her body again after a devastating full term stillbirth and multiple miscarriages.
Throughout 5 pregnancies, 3 births and 2 babies, Mellisa has been emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually shaken and forced to evaluate what she really believes about birth and motherhood. So, how did she move from a space of utter brokenness to the decision to continue trying even though though there are no guarantees? Her courage came from cultivating an inner knowing that she was meant to be a mother and that her body was not broken.
We are so excited to share this final chapter in Mellisa’s story with you today – so many of you have been part of it and part of encouraging her throughout her journey.
If you have experienced loss and want to learn how to trust your body again,
Mellisa is launching a new program based on her experiences that includes group & one-on-one coaching, grief exploration, confidence-building exercises and community support. Email her at mellisa@mellisareeves.com if you are interested in more info!
(A special callout to my friend Mel of Sommessa Photography who took all of these photos!)
In This Episode:
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How she overcame the fear that she may not have been able to have more children -
Making the decision to try to have children after multiple losses
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How listening to her intuition put her in a safe space
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The emotional impact of stillbirths and miscarriages
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Choosing a homebirth despite criticism from some people
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How a comforting birthing environment can make all the difference
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The importance of family and friends to help build confidence
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The joy of welcoming her daughter after years of waiting
Show Notes:
Motherbirth Podcast — Mellisa’s Story: Part 1 – Episode 31 & Part 2- Episode 32
Email Mellisa@mellisareeves.com for information about Mellisa’s new coaching program: Trusting Your Body Again After Loss
Check out Sommessa Photography who took all of these amazing photos!
About Our Guest:
Mellisa Reeves is a mother, doula, writer and co-host of the Motherbirth podcast. Through her work, Mellisa’s goal is to provide connection and support for women and their experiences of motherhood, creating space for issues such as birth choices, loss, anxiety & career balance. She believes in the innate intuition that all women possess, and in helping mothers truly own and tell their stories.
Raised on a farm in Canada with 9 younger siblings, Mellisa was brought up with an innate love for simple, natural, rhythmic living. Her perspective on life & motherhood comes from a slow re-awakening to the depth of feminine wisdom through her experiences of stillbirth, multiple miscarriages, postpartum anxiety and supporting women in the transition to motherhood. Mellisa lives in Portland, OR with her husband and two kids, where she enjoys yoga, getting outdoors, the incredible food scene and a vibrant community of friends.
You can find Mellisa here: Instagram | Medium
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