The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

We’re deep into winter, and now on the cusp of Lent as well, so it’s a great time to dig into the winter blues on the podcast. Lauren Braun, LPC, LMHC of Marigold & Iris Mental Health and Wellness joins us to talk about:

– an infertility grief workshop Lauren hosted at her practice during Advent
– living and waiting through tough seasons like winter and Lent
– what Lauren wishes people knew about how therapy can help in a season of infertility/loss

Links:
Marigold & Iris Mental Health and Wellness (WI & IA)
Lauren's Substack & Podcast
Carried: A Desert Pilgrimage bundle
Monk Manual
Springs in the Desert - Ministries, Counselors, & Spiritual Direction

Springs in the Desert offers peer-based support to those struggling with infertility and pregnancy loss. It does not provide medical services, psychological counseling, or therapy. This information cannot replace professional medical and psychological services.

How should we think about the infertility stories in the Bible, all but one of which end with a baby? How can we see God’s providence and care for our lives as we walk this path?
Today we’re welcoming Elizabeth Kirk back to the podcast to continue our conversation about her book chapter on Humanae Vitae.
We’ll talk about:
– The natural and good desire to have children.
– How we can appreciate spiritual parenthood, especially in the context of marriage.
– How a faithfully lived out conjugal life is always fruitful!

Links:
Humanae Vitae: 50 Years Later
Elizabeth Kirk
Center for Law & the Human Person

If you love to read, this episode is for you!
Today we’re welcoming author Veronica Simon to the pod. Veronica recently released a children’s book, Who Do You Think I Am? We welcome Veronica to the podcast to celebrate this work of creativity and get into all things literature.

We’ll talk about:
– How Veronica's book came out of an "exploration of identity, truth, and growing up."
– What Veronica looks for when choosing her next book to read, particularly in a season of infertility/loss.
– Her advice for women who have a child-centric dream on their heart – like writing a children’s book – but don’t feel qualified to pursue it because they are “not a mom.”

Links:
Follow Veronica on Instagram
Who Do You Think I Am? by Veronica Simon
Book Announcement from Pennyworth Publishing
Interview with Veronica
Springs Blog Post by Veronica: Is There Space for Me?
Springs Blog Post by Veronica: Finding Solace in the Good News
Digital Toolkit
Your Inner Child and Infertility w/ Brya Hanan

This week, Ann and Julie Dumalet, the Director of the Office of Prolife Activities in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston have an important discussion about how the pro-life movement includes support for those in a season of infertility. While it can be easy to compare crosses, Ann and Julie remind us that it is crucial to acknowledge your feelings and give feedback to those ministering to or supporting you so that they can love you better. They also discuss creative and practical gestures of charity that can help us see, love, and serve the Body of Christ in a pro-life way.

You may have heard of the papal document Humanae Vitae, but have you ever read it? Today we’re welcoming Elizabeth Kirk to the podcast to reflect a little on this important text. We’ll talk about:
– why couples struggling with infertility might want to sit down and read Humanae Vitae
– how we can understand the ideas of emptiness and privation on the path of infertility
– living out hope in a season of infertility - even when “‘not yet’ is ‘not ever’”

Links:
Humanae Vitae, 50 Years Later
Elizabeth Kirk
Center for Law & the Human Person