In this powerful and heartfelt episode host, Alexa Conlon, sits down with Jessica Janzen — speaker, author, mental health advocate, and co-founder of the Love for Lewiston Foundation — for an honest conversation about grief, resilience, and choosing joy in the hardest moments.

Jessica shares the story of her son Lewiston, who passed away from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and how that loss transformed her life and purpose. We talk about navigating unimaginable grief, mental health, motherhood, advocacy, and how she turned pain into impact through the Love for Lewiston Foundation — a charity that has helped change the landscape of SMA awareness and newborn screening in Canada.

This episode is raw, hopeful, and deeply human. Whether you’re walking through loss, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for a reminder that joy and purpose can coexist with pain, this conversation will stay with you.

✨ Topics we cover:

• Grief and life after loss
• Mental health and vulnerability
• Advocacy and impact through the Love for Lewiston Foundation
• Finding joy without bypassing pain
• Turning heartbreak into purpose

Resources & Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Love for Lewiston Foundation

Bring The Joy Book

Jessica Janzen Website

Jessica Janzen Instagram

Love for Lewiston Instagram

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In this episode of "Beyond The Birth Story," the host shares personal experiences of navigating life's challenges, including holiday struggles and personal growth. The conversation touches on themes of resilience, reflection, and renewal, offering listeners a candid look at the journey of healing and hope.

Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you!

Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebirthstorypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cSDMzSZHkqqea5Wm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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In this heartfelt episode of 'Beyond the Birth Story,' Ruby Pillar shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy, the challenges of a uterine anomaly, and the emotional rollercoaster of her son's birth and subsequent health struggles. Ruby's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the power of community support in the face of unimaginable loss.

Key Takeaways

• Ruby Pillar shares her journey with a uterine anomaly discovered during a routine checkup.
• The emotional impact of being told about potential pregnancy complications. Ruby's proactive approach to addressing her septate uterus through surgery.
• The anxiety and fear experienced during her pregnancy due to past health concerns.
• The unexpected challenges faced during her pregnancy, including premature contractions. Ruby's experience with bed rest and the emotional toll it took.
• The traumatic birth experience and the subsequent health struggles of her newborn.
• Ruby's advocacy for awareness and support for uterine rupture and neonatal care.
• The importance of community support and sharing personal stories to help others.
• Ruby's ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for families facing similar challenges.

Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Uterine Rupture Instagram

Have feedback on this episode? Send us a text & let us know! We love to hear from you!

Join the community, come say hi or let us know if you would like to share your journey with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebirthstorypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cSDMzSZHkqqea5Wm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthebirthstory
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.birth?_t=8scp2hiyJPh&_r=1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBirthStoryPodcast