EP127: What the research says about pregnancy loss & what It still can't capture with guest Dr Amanda Garnica

One in four. That's the documented statistic. But today's guest, Dr Amanda Garnica — clinical psychologist, researcher, and loss mum herself — believes the real number is far bigger. Because when something is this stigmatised, people don't report it. And when it's not reported, it doesn't exist in the data. And when it doesn't exist in the data, the system has no reason to change.

If this episode has confirmed what you already knew — that the current standard of care falls short — the certification is where you build the alternative. Five spots. April 6th. DM me HERE for enquiries or to apply.

In this episode, Sharna and Amanda have the kind of conversation that this community has needed for a long time — raw, informed, and deeply human.

Amanda shares what she discovered when she spent years researching pregnancy loss, including something that genuinely surprised her: the sheer number of men who came forward wanting to be heard, wanting words for what they were carrying, wanting someone to finally ask.

This episode covers:

• Why the documented statistics don't reflect the true scale of pregnancy loss — and what that costs families
• What Amanda found when she researched men's experiences of pregnancy loss, and why so many participated when they weren't expected to
• The identity question men grapple with: am I a father if I never held them?
• Why general therapy so often leaves bereaved mothers feeling like something is still missing
• The body-based, somatic piece that talk therapy alone can't reach
• How both Sharna and Amanda have navigated criticism for doing this work — and what kept them going
• The moment Amanda had to press "submit" on her conference presentation and push through the voice that said nobody wants to hear this
• Why your loss is valid — no matter how early, no matter what anyone else has been through

This conversation is for the mother who is still waiting to feel understood. It's for the partner who didn't know where to go. And it's for every practitioner who has ever felt the gap between what their clients need and what the system offers.

You are not alone. The research is starting to say so too.

Connect with Dr Amanda Garnica: Instagram: @avgresearch

Resources mentioned: Short-form Perinatal Grief Scale

Connect with Sharna: International Institute for Reproductive Loss & Trauma Leadership: https://www.instagram.com/reproductivelossleadership/ 

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