Ep. 379 Let's normalize talking about reproductive hardships with Dr.Jessica Zucker

Miscarriage affects 1 in 4 pregnancies, yet it’s still surrounded by silence, shame, and stigma. In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Zucker, a reproductive psychologist, author of I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, a Movement, and an incredible voice in this space.

Together, we’re getting real about the emotional and psychological impact of pregnancy loss, how our medical system often misses the mark, and what true support looks like for those navigating this experience. Dr. Zucker also shares her personal story of loss and how it shaped her mission to normalize these conversations and bring compassion to the forefront of reproductive health.

This episode is for anyone who’s experienced miscarriage, loves someone who has, or simply wants to be part of breaking the silence. You’ll walk away with perspective, validation, and tools to change the way we show up for each other in this journey.

00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Miscarriage Stigma

00:56 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:03 Avoiding a C-Section: Free Class Overview

02:57 Empowering Women in Birth Choices

05:12 Introducing Today's Episode on Miscarriage

05:30 Conversation with Dr. Jessica Zucker

09:27 Jessica Zucker's Journey and Advocacy

14:38 Understanding and Supporting Pregnancy Loss

23:36 Breaking the Silence and Stigma

27:17 How to Support Someone Experiencing Loss

30:21 Offering Genuine Support After Loss

32:17 Personal Reflections on Loss and Support

34:25 Navigating Conversations About Loss

37:31 Professional Insights on Experiencing Personal Loss

45:47 The Importance of Early Education on Loss

50:17 The Role of Healthcare Providers in Supporting Loss

53:18 Conclusion and Resources

Guest Bio:

Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning book I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement. Jessica is the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She’s been featured on NPR, CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America and earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University. Her second book, NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives, is out now and available everywhere books are sold.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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BIRTH EDUCATION:

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LINKS MENTIONED:

www.drjessicazucker.com

Keywords: miscarriage support, pregnancy loss, miscarriage stigma, Dr Jessica Zucker, miscarriage memoir, I Had a Miscarriage book, fertility journey, emotional impact of miscarriage, coping with miscarriage, miscarriage awareness, reproductive psychology, pregnancy loss support, breaking miscarriage silence, miscarriage podcast