Rediscover Joy

Sarah Roberts: Navigating Involuntary Childlessness and Founding The Empty Cradle

Cait Wotherspoon Season 1 Episode 8

In this episode, I am joined by Sarah Roberts, a lived experience counsellor, trainer, and founder of The Empty Cradle, an online counselling and support service for women transitioning from hopeful of motherhood to permanent involuntary childlessness. Sarah founded The Empty Cradle in 2017 in Australia after her personal 10-year journey of trying to conceive, including IVF, and ultimately transitioning to life without a cherished child.

Drawing from her extensive professional background in counselling, child protection, and more, Sarah is currently completing a Masters of Social Work with a focus on grief, the transition to permanent involuntary childlessness, and the flourishing of older childless women. She is also a licensed Gateway Reignite Facilitator, an Australian Ambassador for World Childless Week, and a trainer on involuntary childlessness for fertility providers and the psychological care sector.

In this conversation, Sarah shares her personal and professional journey, the founding of The Empty Cradle, and the important work being done to support women facing similar experiences. We also discuss her involvement with World Childless Week and the training she offers.


Topics Covered:

  • Sarah’s Personal Journey: From trying to conceive to embracing involuntary childlessness.
  • The Empty Cradle: The founding and mission of this online support service.
  • Professional Insights: Sarah’s work in counselling and her focus on grief and flourishing in childless women.
  • Involuntary Childlessness Training: The importance of training for fertility providers and mental health professionals.
  • World Childless Week: Sarah’s role as an Australian Ambassador and the significance of this global initiative.

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Listen to More Episodes:

  • Danielle Snelling's Journey: Building Motherless Daughters Australia (MDA)
  • Chris Bogue's Journey: Comedian and Family Historian
  • Karen Bieman's Resilient Journey Through Grief and Healing
  • Noelene Brown's Inspiring Sobriety Coaching Journey

About the Host:
Hello, I'm Cait Wotherspoon, your host. My show is a compassionate space discussing often-taboo topics like death, dying, and grief. I provide a platform for both those experiencing grief and professionals supporting them. My mission is to normalize these conversations, encouraging deep dialogue about experiences and emotions usually kept private. This podcast aims to inspire deeper, meaningful conversations in your life.

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Check Out My Website: CaitWotherspoon.com.au