“Grief Doesn’t End at Birth” — Cathy Nguyen on Losing Sage, Secondary Losses, and the Journey of Mothering Again
Cathy shares the sacred and devastating story of her daughter Sage, stillborn just days after a healthy ultrasound at 36 weeks. In this raw and powerful episode, she walks us through the shock of hearing “I’m sorry, there’s no heartbeat,” the 30-hour labor she endured, and the precious five days she and her husband spent with their daughter in the hospital. Cathy also opens up about her subsequent pregnancy with her son River—a complicated, fear-filled journey marked by early labor, infections, and the exhaustion of navigating pregnancy after loss.
Now, as a mother of both Sage and River and pregnant once more, Cathy reflects on resilience, legacy, and the daily balancing act of holding grief and joy side by side.
We talk about:
The innocence of first pregnancy and the devastation of stillbirth
Choosing induction, enduring a 30-hour labor, and advocating for an empowering birth even in loss
Spending five days with Sage, and the importance of acknowledgment and memory-making
The secondary losses of strained relationships and misguided support
The emptiness of leaving the hospital without her baby
Navigating TTC, delayed cycles, and the complexity of pregnancy after loss
River’s birth and the overwhelming relief of hearing his first cry
The coexistence of joy and grief in mothering both a living and non-living child
Honoring Sage’s legacy while raising River and preparing to welcome another baby
This episode is a deeply moving reminder that grief is never just one goodbye — motherhood after loss means holding the “should-have-beens” alongside the living present.
Sage, this one is for you.
Get to Know CATHY:
Cathy Nguyen is a podiatrist, yoga teacher, and mother to her daughter Sage and son River. Born and raised in Perth, Australia, Cathy shares her motherhood journey openly, weaving grief, resilience, and advocacy into her life and work.
Instagram: @cathy.nguyen93
Cathy's book: It Started with... "I'm Sorry, There's No Heartbeat"
