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Some of the most damaging moments after baby loss don’t come from strangers, they come from people who think they’re helping. That's what my guest, Ryan Brown, and I talked about at the conclusion of a conversation that began last week. We discuss the phrases that quietly poison grief support, why autonomy and boundaries matter, and what it looks like to care for a bereaved parent without trying to fix them.

Ryan walks us through the real origin story of his book, “Words That Wound, Words That Heal: What Not To Say, And What To Say Instead.” What starts as anger in therapy turns into a practical resource shaped by years of hearing the same painful lines, comparing notes with other bereaved fathers, and rewriting raw reactions into clear language people can actually use. We dig into the “at least” comments, the religious one-liners, and the silence that shows up when friends ghost because they don’t know what to do.

We also get concrete about what helps: saying the child’s name, remembering birthdays and anniversaries, and showing up after the first wave of support disappears. We talk about why baby loss is a universe of its own, how grief stretches across years, and what to do when the person who says the words that wound is your spouse and you’re both grieving differently.

If you want better words, better timing, and a better way to stand with someone in profound loss, press play.

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SUPPORT PATHWAY

If you are a bereaved dad who's struggling to cope with baby loss and you'd like to talk one-on-one, let's have a FREE private 30-minute conversation.

Go to dadalways.com for more information.

PEER-SUPPORT

Black Dads in Loss Support Group

Dads in Loss Support Group

For a list of other support groups through Postpartum Support International click here.

THEME MUSIC

"Love Letter” was created using AI as a creative tool, with lyrics and direction shaped by the personal experiences and emotional intent of the host.

SHOW MUSIC

Together Again by CMJ

Soundstripe

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