35. Compassionate Guidance: Navigating TFMR & Grief With Mandy Wannarka, LICSW

Host Amy Pelkey speaks with Mandy Wannarka, LICSW, PMH-C, RYT-200, a therapist specializing in supporting mothers and couples through the difficult journey of pregnancy and infant loss, including making the decision to terminate a pregnancy for medical reasons (TFMR).
Mandy shares insights from her career in social work, focusing on her experience with the perinatal population in hospital settings and now in her outpatient mental health practice called Mindful Wellbeing Clinic in Coon Rapids, MN. They discuss the emotional toll of medical terminations, how to make informed decisions, and the importance of finding supportive community and professional resources.
Mandy also introduces therapeutic approaches like EMDR and mindfulness to help individuals process their emotions and build resilience. This episode aims to offer compassionate guidance and a sense of community for healthcare providers and other parents navigating this challenging topic.

00:00 Introduction to a Heartbreaking Decision

00:36 Meet the Host: Amy Pelkey

01:26 Introducing Mandy Wannarka

02:31 Mandy's Journey into Perinatal Support

03:40 Challenges and Transitions in Hospital Settings

04:52 Establishing an Outpatient Mental Health Practice

05:08 Supporting Families with Complex Medical Journeys

09:31 Empowered Boundary Setting

15:43 Navigating Family Dynamics and Unsolicited Opinions

19:37 Returning to Work After a Loss

25:10 Trauma-Informed Care and EMDR

31:55 Unpacking Childhood Trauma

33:18 Addressing Immediate Needs

35:13 Coping Mechanisms and Maladaptive Behaviors

37:21 Navigating Grief in Relationships

44:20 Pharmacological Options and Therapy

48:41 Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

54:59 Finding the Right Therapist

57:42 Final Thoughts and Support
LinksMindful Wellbeing Clinic
199 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Suite 208, Coon Rapids, MN 55433; phone (612) 440-1899; email: [email protected]
Postpartum Support International (PPI)

• PSI TFMR Support Groups
• PSI Directory to find a provider
• Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C)

Pause to Remember

• Virtual Support Group (monthly), Facebook Groups, eBook,

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Amy Pelkey, MSN, CRNA, RYT-200 - Speaker at conferences & website
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