Navigating Perinatal Loss and Grief Support with Emily Guarnotta

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor is joined by Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed psychologist and certified perinatal mental health provider (PMH-C) from South Carolina. They discuss the often overlooked grief associated with perinatal loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth. Dr. Emily shares her personal journey with postpartum depression and how it led her to specialize in perinatal mental health. The conversation explores various aspects of perinatal grief, supporting grieving families, and the importance of compassionate communication. Practical strategies for coping and meaningful ways to honor lost pregnancies are also discussed, aiming to build community and connection in support of those navigating this difficult journey.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:26 Meet Dr. Emily Guarnotta: A Specialist in Perinatal Mental Health

02:07 Understanding Perinatal Loss and Disenfranchised Grief

04:41 Navigating Grief and Isolation in Couples

08:08 Coping Strategies and Support Systems

15:45 Practical Advice for Families and Friends

24:04 Honoring Loss and Final Thoughts

28:04 Conclusion and Resources

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Phoenix Health Website

Phoenix Health Instagram

Emily Instagram

Phoenix Health Facebook

LinkedIn

Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

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Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Grief's Emotional Math: Understanding Shifts in Relationships

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the complex emotional dynamics that emerge through grief, particularly how relationships are affected. The discussion highlights 'emotional math'—the unexpected support and disappointments from people during grief. Dr. Taylor explains why some people disappear when they are needed most, how to hold space for those who show up, and how to navigate the pain of those who don’t. She offers practical steps for processing these changes and emphasizes focusing on those who provide genuine support. The episode includes tips for acknowledging the pain of lost relationships, understanding the behavior of others, and embracing new supportive connections.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:36 Understanding the Emotional Math of Grief

01:52 Why Grief Changes Relationships

03:25 Navigating the Pain of Disappearing Friends

08:26 Processing the Disappointment

12:19 Focusing on Those Who Showed Up

15:58 Conclusion and Takeaways

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Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Navigating Birth Trauma and NICU Experiences with Compassion: A Conversation with Lauren Hunter, LCSW, PMH-C

In this episode, host Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes Lauren Hunter, an LCSW and PMH-C based in New York, to discuss the profound impacts of birth trauma and the NICU experience. Lauren shares her personal journey and professional insights into supporting women through fertility challenges, pregnancy, and postpartum phases, with a special focus on NICU families and birth trauma survivors. The conversation delves into the complexities of birth trauma, emphasizing the importance of validating and normalizing these experiences. They also explore the nuances of grief, the need for trauma-informed care, and the significance of hope and resilience. Lauren shares strategies for self-compassion and self-care for NICU parents and discusses the long-term effects of birth trauma, advocating for mental health support and community connections.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:38 Lauren Hunter's Background and Personal Story

05:12 Defining Birth Trauma

11:00 Heather's Personal Birth Trauma Experience

15:11 Navigating Hope and Grief in the NICU

21:47 Survival Mode in the NICU

22:36 Support Groups for NICU Families

23:04 Physical and Emotional Impact of Grief

24:26 Stigma Around Birth Trauma

29:45 The Importance of Sharing Stories

33:07 Self-Compassion Practices for NICU Parents

37:58 Long-Term Effects of Birth Trauma

40:46 Final Thoughts and Resources

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Lauren Hunter, LCSW, PMH-C is a psychotherapist and private practice owner of North Star Wellness & Therapy where she specializes in treating grief in all its forms and specializes in helping women process and heal from birth trauma. Lauren holds advanced certifications in complicated grief from Columbia University as well as Perinatal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International (PSI). Lauren relates personally to these incredible women and can be found on Instagram at @sessionswithlauren or PsychologyToday

Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.