Every story deserves a place to breathe.
Books that hold the hard stuff (and the brave stuff, too)
All of Emily’s books are available wherever books are sold. Have a favorite local bookstore? Even better — support them and ask to order a copy if it’s not already on the shelf. A little magic tends to find its way to the right hands.
Birth Story Brave, Reimagined
Birthing a child changes your life forever. Birth takes many forms, and all are valid. In going through such a deeply important life event, we’re bound to create stories to tell ourselves about what happened or why.
A book for those who experienced an entire range of births, Birth Story Brave, Reimagined is an invitation for you to slow down while revisiting your birth experiences. Using gentle, non-judgmental prompts, this supportive guide walks you through reflecting on your childbirth experience so you can connect with the pieces of stardust that make up your story. In getting curious about these, you can dive into self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Let’s look inside together.
“I’m a perinatal therapist and I initially was drawn to this book for my own processing of my birth story. And now I recommend this book all the time to my clients! I felt that this guided book did an excellent job of prompting me to reflect on so many aspects of my pregnancy and delivery of our daughter. Going through pregnancy and postpartum during the start of the pandemic was highly stressful and at the time I think there was a lot that I blocked out and this journal did a great job of helping me to process all of those things.” – Allison McQuaid
Birth Story Held For Loss
Many times the stories of our lost and anticipated babies, fetuses, embryos, and fertilizations do not have space to be told. We haven’t been taught how to slow down with a story, to hold it and feel its entire energy and messy multiplicity. Without the space to be with our stories of loss, we continue to live our lives with what is many times an incomplete narrative. This book is for you to have the space to explore, remember, and reflect on your loss story.
This space is for you to tell your story, and to hear within it new and unexpected details. This book exists to give your story of perinatal loss all the space it needs — to breathe, to shift, to be. As your guide, I will be walking with you as you read and write, but this is your space, and I know you have the voice to fill it.
Birth Story Held for Loss is a guide centered on inclusivity. You may see words different from those you might use; know they were intentionally chosen to allow this book to serve a wide and diverse range of people.
“This was an amazing read!. . .It was a very intentional guide for reflection on this journey.” – Sadija A. Smiley, Stillborn and Infant Loss Support (SAILS) Founder and CEO, and mother to Ivyanna Salene, who was born sleeping on November 13, 2003
Sparks
For most of us, being chased by a bear isn’t a regular occurrence. Yet many of us find ourselves held back by fear regularly, which may keep us from following our dreams or doing things that excite us. The voice of fear may even hold us back from doing what we know is right.
In Sparks, you’ll discover the different flavors of fear, and explore releasing fear’s power over your actions by diving into the concepts of amusement, inner knowing, and trust. Through stories, discussion, and exercise ideas, you’ll find yourself refreshed and excited to experiment with seeing life through a different lens.
“If you want to be inspired to make changes in your life, Sparks is the book for you. It’s not only relatable and introspective, but it’s also really funny. Emily authentically blends her personal stories and musings with science creating an easy to follow guide to talk back to fear. The end of the chapter questions help you to dig deep and shift your mindset. Sparks is a must-read for those who feel held back by fear, overwhelm or anxiety, or anyone who wants to cultivate more knowing, amusement, and trust into their lives.” – Amazon Reviewer
Your NICU Story
(co-authored with Mahaley Patel)
The NICU journey is one of profound love, uncertainty, and resilience. Whether your child is now thriving or forever held in your heart, this reflection guide offers a space to process the emotions, questions, and memories that shape your story.
In these pages you will discover personal stories from NICU parents, guided reflections, and the tools to re-author your unique NICU story.
Your NICU Story is an invitation for you to reflect on your NICU experience, providing a place for both grief and gratitude—a space to honor your experience, your child, and your own healing journey. We believe all parts of you and your story are welcome.
“Seven years post my NICU experience and I still deeply needed this book to process the trauma that was stored deep in my bones. The nicu experience is like no other. Watching your children fight for their life while you sit and watch, unable to hold them. I am so deeply grateful that this book has been created to help guide parents through such a vulnerable time in our lives.” – Kayla Stansberry
Let’s connect
Have questions, a speaking invitation, or a collaboration idea? Emily would love to hear from you. Reach out via email.