In this episode of the Navigating Baby Loss podcast, we speak with Dr. Shona Johnston, a pediatrician, bereaved mom, and coach who helps overwhelmed medical professionals find joy and happiness again. Dr. Johnston shares her personal story of loss and how it led her to coaching, as well as insights into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals dealing with grief and stress.
Dr. Johnston’s Loss Story:
Dr. Johnston’s daughter, Gail, was stillborn at full term in June 2016. The loss was unexpected, occurring at 40 weeks when Gail stopped moving. After confirming there was no heartbeat, Dr. Johnston and her husband spent two precious days with Gail in a bereavement suite at the hospital. They were able to read to her, bathe her, and have family members visit. Gail was later buried in Orkney, Scotland, in a beautiful location overlooking the sea.
Returning to Work as a Pediatrician:
Returning to work as a pediatrician after losing Gail was incredibly challenging for Dr. Johnston. She took a full year of maternity leave to grieve and process her loss. When she did return, she faced triggers in the hospital environment and struggled with confidence, exhaustion, and emotional responses to patients’ situations. Despite these challenges, she persevered and found that returning to work ultimately helped her healing process.
The Journey to Coaching:
Dr. Johnston’s experience with coaching during her return to work inspired her to become a coach herself. Coaching helped her set achievable goals, rebuild her confidence, and find purpose in honoring Gail’s memory. She later trained as a coach to help other healthcare professionals navigate difficult situations and find joy in their work again.
Common Challenges for Healthcare Professionals:
Dr. Johnston notes that many healthcare professionals struggle with overwhelming workloads, emotional toll, and difficulties maintaining work-life balance. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leaving many feeling burnt out and in need of support.
Advice for Healthcare Professionals Returning After Loss:
- Find a peer network of other professionals who have experienced loss
- Identify an advocate at work who can support and speak up for you
- Consider working with a coach to set achievable goals and rebuild confidence
Improving Healthcare Systems:
Based on her experiences in the UK and Netherlands, Dr. Johnston suggests several improvements for healthcare systems, particularly in the US:
- Increase awareness and acknowledgment of baby and pregnancy loss
- Provide better bereavement care, including dedicated suites for grieving parents
- Offer more generous paid time off for those experiencing loss
Dr. Johnston’s work as a coach for healthcare professionals highlights the importance of supporting those who care for others. By addressing their own needs and finding ways to navigate grief and stress, medical professionals can provide better care for their patients and find renewed purpose in their work.
For more information about Dr. Shona Johnston’s coaching services, visit her website at www.drshonajohnstoncoaching.com.
Jennifer Senn is a certified life coach who is also a bereaved mom of twin girls born at 32 weeks. She helps stillbirth moms let go of guilt, process their grief, and figure out what’s next for their future. You can learn more about her and schedule a free support session at jennifersenn.com.
