October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It is estimated that almost 1 in 4 pregnancies result in miscarriage. Despite the high prevalence, the topic remains taboo and is still not talked about enough. In honor of this month, we are dedicating two episodes to spread awareness and shed light on a condition called Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.
In the first episode of the two-part series, we hear from Emily Simpson, of the Real Housewives of Orange County. Emily had no difficulty getting pregnant, but she did have difficulty staying pregnant. Her and her husband, Shane, suffered 6 devastating losses, before finding their way through Emily’s sister, who generously offered to be their surrogate.
Emily discusses the immense emotional and physical toll that the losses had on her and her husband, as well as their marriage. She also shares the unique coping strategies that helped her throughout her journey, some of which included horseback riding and studying for the Utah bar exam.
Guest: Emily Simpson, Real Housewives of Orange County
Expert: Dr. Lora Shahine, Pacific NW Fertility
Host: Taylor Burbach, Patient Care Supervisor at Progyny
In case you missed it, listen to Karin Ajmani’s story on recurrent pregnancy loss: Episode 2: The Toll of Multiple Miscarriages and Learning to Cope with the Physical, Emotional, and Mental Side Effects.
If you’ve recently had a miscarriage or know someone who has, check out our Expert Interview Series: Emotional Recovery from Loss – How to Move Forward.
For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Pacific NW Fertility.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.
Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.