In episode 147, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder Allison Schaaf shares tips on how to find real joy in the first trimester after miscarriage. Allison’s 7 Tips for Finding Joy in the 1st Trimester After Loss: 1. Mantras: “Today I am pregnant” is a mantra that works well for me. 2. Journaling: I will sometimes write out my negative thoughts and then burn the paper. I also love journaling my mantras and affirmations, as well as gratitude journaling. The Pregnancy After Loss program includes journal prompts for the week. 3. Find Specific Ways to Add Joy: What would have filled you with joy if you hadn’t had a loss? Make a list and see if you can allow those joyful moments, whether it’s buying a new maternity dress or calling your sister to tell her you’re pregnant. Find ways to celebrate. 4. Find a Pregnancy Book that Speaks to You: There are so many out there, look for one that will inspire joy in you. 5. Work with a Therapist: I’ve worked with therapists during my first trimesters and they’ve given me so many tools that have helped me through the difficult moments of my fertility journey. 6. Meditation and Breathing Exercises: Specifically, Holosync meditations have been really relaxing and helpful. 7. Find a mentor: Having someone who has been through loss before who you can reach out to can make a huge difference. TOPICS DISCUSSED: Pregnancy After Loss, Pregnancy Journaling, Breathing Exercises for Pregnancy, Therapy for Pregnancy After Loss, Joy After Miscarriage LINKS IN THIS EPISODE Ep 132 - Pregnancy Journaling in Pregnancy After Loss: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/ep132/ Ep 133 - A Second Pregnancy After Loss - Staying Positive and Finding Joy: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/ep-133-a-second-pregnancy-after-loss-staying-postive-finding-joy/ Holosync Mediations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwgqDEA7zLA MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources- Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/library/understanding-why/ Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/ Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE! SHOW NOTES- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/ Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- http://MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs