Beyond The Birth Story

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:
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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:
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Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com
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In this heartfelt episode of "Beyond The Birth Story," Estee Levin shares her journey through the whirlwind of motherhood, from the chaos of wedding season to the tender moments with her 10-month-old son. Estee opens up about the unexpected joys and challenges of being a new mom, the emotional rollercoaster of watching her child grow, and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood. Join us for an honest conversation about balancing work, family, and self-care, and discover the messy truths and beautiful realities of life beyond the birth story.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace the unexpected joys and challenges of motherhood. 
The importance of self-care amidst the chaos of parenting. 
Navigating societal pressures and personal expectations as a new mom.
 Finding balance between work, family, and personal time. 
The emotional journey of watching your child grow and change.
Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
Not Your Average Mom Podcast 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:
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Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com
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In this heartfelt episode of "Beyond the Birth Story," Mahaley Patel, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares her deeply personal journey through perinatal mental health, trauma, and the profound experience of losing a child. Mahaley opens up about her path to healing, the challenges of parenting after loss, surrogacy and the inspiration behind her book designed to help others navigate their NICU experiences. Join us for an intimate conversation about resilience, love, and the enduring bonds of family.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of acknowledging and processing grief in a healthy way. 
How personal experiences can shape professional paths and inspire others.
The role of family support and therapy in navigating trauma and loss. 
Insights into the NICU experience and its emotional impact on parents. Strategies for maintaining strong relationships through shared grief.
Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode:
Mahaley's Instagram
Mahaley's Book: Your NICU Story: Reflecting on Your Family's Experience
Rob Delaney's Book: A Heart That Works

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:
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Email: beyondthebirthstory@gmail.com
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Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.birth?_t=8scp2hiyJPh&_r=1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheBirthStoryPodcast