Welcome to The Ministry Lab's curated list of resources to help caregivers engage parents in counseling and conversation around family planning and pregnancy. Here you'll find:
If you don't find a resource to fit your need, don't hesitate to consult with The Ministry Lab's director, Rev. Emily Meyer, who is happy to assist you.
![Don't Mom Alone: Growing the Relationships You Need to Be the Mom You Want to Be by [Heather MacFadyen, Chrystal Hurst]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JNcHtOx7L.jpg)
What Adoptive Parents Need to Know about the Primal Wound
'The primal wound theory holds that "severing the connection between the infant and biological mother [through adoption] causes a primal wound which often manifests in a sense of loss (depression), basic mistrust (anxiety), emotional and/or behavioral problems and difficulties in relationships with significant others…"
Dr. Marcy Axness, an adoption therapist and an adoptee herself, in her article, In Appreciation of “The Primal Wound", explains that the primal wound theory 'should not be about blame and guilt– it should be about understanding'.
Read the full post and find more adoption insights here.
Project Pomegranate, a website with non-directive spiritual resources for those who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss, or infant death
Mothering Spirit, a website for the spiritual piece of all aspects of being family, sensitive to infertility and loss
Resolve, a website for infertility resources and support
Family Equality, a website committed to developing LGBTQ+ family equity by resourcing conversations about LGBTQ+ families
The Power of Sharing Birth Stories
Having a new baby can upend everything about your old life.Why childbirth stories are valuable in shaping family transitions.
BY DARBY SAXBE
JUL 17, 2023
PHOTO BY CAVAN IMAGES/CAVAN VIA GETTY IMAGES
Anti-Dopamine Parenting — Really great ARTICLE on NPR (listen or read) on how to help kids with some of the same addictions we grownups struggle with (screens and sweets!). In solidarity with my kids (who don’t have cell phones) I’ve removed all social media apps from my phone. I’ll report back on that one after awhile! I love how insanely practical the article is. Be sure to read to the end for the tips.
Finding Solace: A Story of Pregnancy Loss and Faith
By Mariclair Partee Carlsen (she/her/hers) // Sep 25, 2024
Content warning: The essay includes a discussion of pregnancy loss.
The author shares her experience of pregnancy loss, names responses that were unhelpful, and lifts up those things that did help.
From the Jewish Journal, Heartbreak and loss in the New Year
'In the days after we announce his death, friends ask how they can help... I tell them to remind me of two things again and again: You will get through this, and you will have a family someday. This won’t be our last chance. The final chapter has not been written.'
