Show Notes
In this episode, we are joined by Luca’s proud mammy, Ciara. Luca is the much-loved third child and only son of Craig and Ciara, and she shares how quickly life can change — from the sudden shock of a placenta abruption that put both her and Luca’s lives at risk, to the precious memories of his sisters, Mila and Gracie, meeting their baby brother. She reflects on those moments of a family of five and the love that will always live in their hearts. We recognise that these conversations can be difficult. We invite you to listen gently and to mind yourself and your heart. If listening brings up strong emotions, please remember you are not alone, and support is available through Féileacáin in whatever way feels right for you.
More from Love Beyond Lifetimes
For today’s episode, we are joined by Alison whose journey to parenthood led to the greatest honour of becoming mam to Theo and Jasper. Alison shares the heartbreak of receiving devastating diagnoses during both of her much-wanted pregnancies, knowing that Theo and Jasper's time with her would be all too short. With great honesty and courage, she speaks about making different decisions in each pregnancy—choices born from profound love, and choices no parent should ever have to face. Inspired by her sons, Alison has dedicated herself to supporting other bereaved families. She now serves as Chairperson of LMC, where she speaks about the invaluable work the charity does to support parents through some of life's most difficult moments.
In today’s episode, we are joined by Sarah, proud mam to her son James and her daughter Max. Sarah shares the journey she and her husband, David, travelled to become parents, and the heartbreak of losing both James and Max during the second trimester of pregnancy. In this conversation, Sarah reflects on the advocacy work she now does to ensure that second trimester loss is recognised, and that no family experiences the care and support they were denied. She shares the unconditional and enduring love for both her children and how James and Max have changed her life in extraordinary ways, leading her to places she never imagined—including having their names and their story spoken about in Leinster House.
For the first episode of our new series, we are joined byMichael, loving dad to Jonathan and Matthew. In this deeply moving conversation, Michael reflects on the very different experience of baby loss in the 1970s, when grief was often misunderstood, unspoken, and unsupported. He shares the reality of losing his sons at a time when many parents were expected to carry their heartbreak in silence, without the understanding or language to express it. Through meeting Jacinta and connecting with Féileacáin, Michael discovered that it is never too late to honour, remember, and acknowledge your precious children. His story is a powerful reminder that every baby matters, every story deserves to be heard, and it is never too late to find healing.
For our final episode in this series, we are joined by Nina, proud Mam to Liam and Grace. Following the devastating loss of her beautiful twins, Nina began working with Féileacáin, where she has the honour of supporting bereaved parents and, at times, meeting their precious babies. Through her direct and personal engagement with bereaved families, Nina joins us today to share insights, reflections, and suggestions for both parents and those who want to support parents experiencing baby loss.
Today we welcome Loretta to the podcast. Loretta is a loving Mam to Roman, proud sister to Emmanuel, and aunt to the beautiful Katie. In this episode, Loretta shares the long and deeply sad history of baby loss in her family. She reflects on how generational attitudes toward baby loss have changed, and the profound impact it can have when a baby is not spoken about. Loretta movingly describes the healing her only son, Roman, brought to her entire family, and speaks about how she will always be his loving Mam.