The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

Many of us in this community have struggled with the fact that we desire children so badly but that that desire is – at least to some degree – unfulfilled.
In this episode, Jillian explores this important question with Chris O'Neill (Director, Office of Marriage and Family Life, Archdiocese of New Orleans) and Clare Kane, LPC. They'll talk about:

– How should we understand our desire for children on the path of infertility
– Why this desire is good and whether or not we should ask God to take it away
– Ways in which this desire can bear all sorts of creative fruit in our lives

It is our honor to walk with you!

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 should not replace professional medical and psychological services. Find trusted grief coaches, counselors, and spiritual directors on our website.

It's Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and so we're welcoming Jennifer Nelson of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Relics back to the podcast. The Sisterhood, which is dedicated to St. Gianna Molla, offers a "traveling relics holy card ministry," miscarriage care packages, and more. Jennifer shares her story and the story of the Sisterhood with Cassandra in this episode. They'll discuss:
How Jennifer got to know St. Gianna Molla, who also experienced loss
What the Sisterhood of the Traveling Relics is, and what fruits have come out of the ministry
Jennifer's encouragement for a season where it feels like our prayers aren't being answered

It is our honor to walk with you in a season of infertility and loss.

Links:
Sisterhood of the Traveling Relics of St. Gianna

Blog Post: Healing the whole person: stories of spiritual, emotional, and physical healing

Sometimes on the path of infertility, we may be faced with the illness or death of a parent. Today on the podcast, Lisa Martinez of Little with Great Love joins Jillian and Ann to talk about this difficult season of life. They'll discuss:
The connections that can be made between the experiences of infertility and caring for a parent
Grief and emotions that may surface when stepping into a caregiver role
The unexpected but healing fruits of caregiving

It is our honor to walk with you!

Links:
Little With Great Love Website
Blog Post: One Less Place At The Table
Blog Post: Enduring Infertility In A Season of Grief

Earlier this year, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) was renamed to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). Caroline Gindhart, CRNP joins Jillian on the podcast to discuss what this change means for our community. They'll talk about:
What PCOS is, and how often it affects infertility patients

Why PCOS was renamed to PMOS

What impacts Caroline has seen from this change with her patients

It is our honor to walk with you!

Links:
Caroline's Provider Page
Entering into Treatment with Surrender w/ Caroline Gindhart
Pursuing Treatment Options w/ Caroline Gindhart and Clare Kane
When is it Time to Take a Break from Treatment? w/ Caroline Gindhart and Clare Kane
A Medical Provider's Experience Treating those Suffering from Infertility w/ Caroline Gindhart, NP

St. Gianna Molla is a great saint to turn to on the path of infertility! As a laywoman and a wife, she can seem especially relatable. In this episode, Jillian welcomes Jennifer Nelson of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Relics to the podcast. They'll talk about:
The story of St. Gianna and why we should ask for her intercession in a season of infertility/loss
How the marriage of Pietro and Gianna Molla can inspire us on this path
The importance of praying together and the Novena that Jennifer wrote for married couples

It is our honor to walk with you!

Links:
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Relics of St. Gianna

Water Into Wine: A Novena For Married Couples

Book: The Journey of Our Love: The Letters of Saint Gianna Beretta and Pietro Molla