We're taking a break this week for the election, but we will return next week with a powerful new episode of Grieving Out Loud. Next week's episode dives into a struggle that too many families face, but often goes unspoken. Every year, more than 20,000 babies are born affected by a mother's substance use during pregnancy. That's one baby every 25 minutes, each entering the world already fighting.  

"Every time I would take it, I would just feel so bad because I knew he was moving inside me. And it was just, it was horrible." 

We'll hear from Jazmin, a mother who faced addiction while pregnant. She tells us about her journey and how she and her newborn son found healing and help from a place where stigma is left at the door. 

"They made me feel like a person again. They made me feel like I'm a human again.  Just because I used, it happens, but they didn't judge me. You know, they didn't judge. They saw Jazmin. They saw Jazmin in recovery. They saw Jazmin trying to get help."  

Tara Sundem, co -founder of Hushabye Nursery, shares how her center is redefining care for substance exposed babies and supporting mothers to build a future with their children.  

"This is how I'd want you to treat my daughter. I'd want you to like hug her and embrace her and tell her, number one, congratulations. Congratulations. Everyone that's pregnant, the first thing you hear is congratulations, I'm so excited for you. My families never get told that." 

While we're on a short break, I invite you to join us next week for this moving new episode of Grieving Out Loud. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, please visit emilyshope.charity for resources. Get ready for an inspiring conversation on the resilience to overcome and the power of compassion in recovery.

We'll see you next week on Grieving Out Loud. 

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The Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. 

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz