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In a recent episode of the “Healthful Woman” podcast,  called “Katie Yin’s Birth Story Part 1: The Pain of a Full-Term Stillbirth,” podcast host Dr. Nathan Fox and podcast guest Katie Yin discuss one of the most challenging and heartbreaking experiences a parent can face, the stillbirth of a child. Katie shares her journey through IVF, a seemingly smooth pregnancy, and the loss of her daughter, Ellie, at full term. Her story shares the emotional, psychological, and medical sides of stillbirth.

Katie’s Story

In Katie’s case, Ellie was a full-term stillbirth, meaning she was lost at or near the end of a full-term pregnancy. Despite the medical advances and regular prenatal care, stillbirth remains an unpredictable and devastating event for families.

Katie’s Fertility Journey

Katie and her husband, Frank, began their journey to parenthood with the excitement and hope many couples experience. After meeting in college and settling into their lives in New York City, they decided to start a family. However, like many couples, they encountered obstacles getting pregnant that led to fertility treatments. Their IVF journey was successful, and Katie became pregnant in June 2021.

Katie’s Pregnancy

Katie was aware of the risks of pregnancy and the possibility of stillbirth during her pregnancy. Having known someone who had experienced a late-term loss, she was constantly on edge, worrying that something might go wrong. Her pregnancy progressed without significant complications, and she was classified as low-risk. Regular check-ups and growth scans indicated that her baby, Ellie, was developing well.

Katie’s Stillbirth

As Katie approached her 39-week induction, she had a routine check-up just days before her scheduled delivery. During this appointment, her OB decided to perform a quick ultrasound, a standard practice, before inducing labor. Tragically, the ultrasound revealed that Ellie no longer had a heartbeat. Katie shared that her doctor stated, “Let’s just get a quick ultrasound and check on the baby, and that’s when, unfortunately, we saw that there was no heartbeat, which was kind of a shocker, too… Well, of course, to me, it was, like, earth-shatteringly devastating. I think it also shocked my doctor quite a bit.”

The Emotional and Physical Challenges of Stillbirth

Katie’s story highlights the intense emotional and physical challenges of delivering a stillborn baby. Despite the emotional devastation, Katie had to undergo the same induction process she would have if Ellie had been alive. With her husband by her side, Katie delivered Ellie, guided by a compassionate medical team that aimed to minimize her pain, both physical and emotional.

Katie’s decision to hold Ellie and take photos of her was initially filled with fear and uncertainty. However, she later found comfort in these memories, cherishing her brief moments with her daughter. For Katie, these photos and memories have become precious reminders of Ellie’s brief life, helping her to process her grief.

Resources for After Stillbirth

Experiencing a stillbirth is an unimaginable loss, and navigating the grief that follows can be overwhelming. However, there are resources available to help families cope:

Grief Counseling and Support Groups

Many organizations offer specialized grief counseling and support groups for parents who have experienced stillbirth. These groups provide a safe space to share feelings, memories, and coping strategies with others who understand the unique pain of losing a child.

Learn More

The “Healthful Woman” podcast offers more stories and expert insights into pregnancy, women’s health, and wellness. If you have concerns about your pregnancy or want to learn more about how stillbirth might affect you, consult your healthcare provider at MFM Associates New York.

Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!