Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice

304. Dealing with Infertility and Pregnancy Loss with Rachel Rabinor, LCSW

·42 min·4 clips

Rachel Rabinor shares how her own reproductive traumas led her to specialize in perinatal mental health.

Host Kristen Boice introduces the episode by framing it as a resource for those experiencing miscarriage, infertility, or loss. Guest Rachel Rabinor, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in reproductive mental health, explains her background, including personal experiences with secondary infertility that shaped her practice. Rabinor details the emotional toll of infertility, describing it as a potential first trauma that disrupts life plans and brings feelings of helplessness and shame. She contrasts helpful supportive phrases like 'I'm here with you' with unhelpful ones like 'at least you can get pregnant.' The conversation covers the rollercoaster of fertility treatments, highlighting the financial and emotional pressures involved. Rabinor then addresses pregnancy loss, noting the shock, grief, and mourning of future dreams associated with it. She advises on navigating social triggers, such as pregnancy announcements, suggesting text notifications and social media breaks. Rabinor emphasizes the importance of anniversary dates and ongoing support through texts or gestures like bringing soup. She discusses healing steps, including acknowledging emotional weight, slowing down treatments, and processing grief through therapy or groups. Rabinor recommends resources like Return to Zero Hope, Postpartum Support International, and RESOLVE. The episode concludes with Rabinor sharing impactful books, including 'Unsung Lullabies' and Brene Brown's 'The Gifts of Imperfection.'

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