79. Carrie Hauskens on a Childfree Life After Loss

In this conversation, writer and creative, Carrie Hauskens, shares her deeply personal journey of infertility, loss, and the decision she made — after 8 years of trying to have children — to embrace a childfree life. Keltie and her discuss:

• Carrie's unwavering desire to become a mom — and the beliefs she held about life with kids.
• The heartbreaking loss and stillbirth of Carrie's daughter, Clementine.
• The moment Carrie knew she could no longer continue on the path to parenthood, and how she has navigated becoming childfree after infertility.
• How Carrie finds joy in everyday moments, and the importance of creating new traditions as a childfree person.

• The complexity of navigating identity and labels after loss.

• How Carrie's relationship with her husband deepened through shared grief, even though the way they experience their grief differs.

• The significance of supportive relationships through her journey— and why there were certain friendships she needed to let go of.

(0:46) Meet Carrie & Carrie's kids or childfree journey

(15:30) The clarity Carrie found after the stillbirth of her daughter

(20:40) Meaning and purpose after loss

(29:14) Community and relationships in Carrie's childfree life

(36:54) Carrie's relationship with her husband

(42:52) Labels, including mother vs. bereaved mother, childfree after infertility vs. childless

(46:52) "The miracle is me"

About Carrie Carrie Hauskens is a freelance writer based in Northern California. Her expertise is writing about infertility and the many tangents that radiate from that experience. Her trademark is vulnerable and authentic writing. After eight years of trying to conceive, multiple miscarriages, working with surrogates, and delivering her stillborn daughter, Carrie embodies all things grief and infertility based. As mentioned in the show Find Carrie on Instagram at @bloomingwithcare Online at www.bloomingwithcare.com

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