“The Baby Who Saved My Life” — Channing Hart on Loss, Love, and Pregnancy After Loss
In this powerful episode, Channing Hart shares the heartbreaking story of losing her sons—Leo, who she and her husband lovingly chose to release at 16 weeks after a Jacob syndrome diagnosis, and Oliver, who was stillborn at 26 weeks following severe intrauterine growth restriction, reverse blood flow, and rapid decline. While navigating her grief and fear in pregnancy after loss, Channing also faced a shocking diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma at just eight weeks pregnant. Through impossible decisions, profound love, cancer treatment, and the quiet work of rebuilding her life, Channing speaks openly about grief, survival, motherhood after loss, and the hope she now holds for trying to conceive again.
We talk about:
Channing’s surprise first pregnancy and the TFMR decision for her son Leo
Navigating stigma, grief, and family dynamics after termination for medical reasons
Becoming pregnant again and receiving a cancer diagnosis at eight weeks
Severe IUGR, reverse blood flow, and the loss of her son Oliver at 26 weeks
The agonizing decision between labor & delivery and a D&E for Oliver
Post-loss cancer surgery, healing, and the meaning she found in timing
How she honors both her sons daily and keeps their memories woven into her life
The role of community, connection, and storytelling in her healing
Moving toward trying to conceive after loss with fear, courage, and hope
This episode is a tender, powerful reminder that grief and beauty can coexist—and that birth, even in loss, can be sacred. Channing’s story invites us all to slow down, soften, and honor the complicated, courageous truth of motherhood after loss.
Get to Know CHANNING:
Channing Hart lives just outside Washington, DC with her husband and their two cats, Boots and Joni. She is the mother of two angel sons—Leo, who she and her husband released at 16 weeks, and Oliver, who was stillborn at 26 weeks in February 2025. Channing is also a recent thyroid cancer survivor, diagnosed at eight weeks pregnant with Oliver, and now finds deep purpose in connecting with other mothers navigating cancer during pregnancy. With a background in Studio Art, she finds joy in interior design, photography, cooking, and time spent near the ocean. She is profoundly grateful for the community of mothers she’s found through The Doula Life, walking this path of grief and healing together.
Instagram: @channing.hart
Hope for Two - The Pregnant with Cancer Network: hopefortwo.org
