Hello!
My name is Yolanda Castellón and on this page I would like to tell you a bit more about myself, my work and my background as a Life & Loss Coach.
My experience with the loss of my own baby
When my baby Max passed away in our arms 8 days after his birth, I was shocked and numbed by all the emotions that went through me. At first, I thought I didn’t need any extra help, that I would find my way again on my own.
The first step for me in this process was to get answers to my all my questions about how this could ever have happened. It was important for me to be able to understand it rationally. After all my meetings with doctors and medical staff, I was ready for the next step, getting my energy back doing something that I enjoy enormously: traveling!
Once back from traveling, I felt like it was time to “resume my life”, so I started to work again. During that process, I noticed that I tried more and more to be strong for family, friends and coworkers. I routinely came through the days, but something was missing. The once certain future with my baby had disappeared, I didn’t dare to dream anymore.
The moment I realized that I needed help
The surprise was enormous when I became pregnant again 5 months after Max’s passing.
Great! another baby is coming; everything is going well and now you can continue with your life would you say…nothing was further from the truth…
My mixed feelings were overwhelming. I was so happy and grateful that I had life growing inside me again and that I had another chance, but I was also very sad because I missed Max. My life was not the same without him and I wanted to believe that I could still have a happy life, but I didn’t know exactly how. I felt lost. I needed help.
I learned to transform my loss into my strength
At that time, I sought psychological support and that helped me with my trauma and to take the necessary steps to plan the delivery of my second son on my own terms. I took time to grieve and to prepare for the arrival of my second child.
14 months after Max’s passing, I welcomed my second son Mateo. He was born via a maternal-assisted c-section. I was able to lift him out of my stomach myself and that was something that I really wanted to do. That helped me enormously to be able to trust the system again and above all to trust myself.
After Max’s passing and Mateo’s birth, I did a lot of research and inner work with professional support. I have learned how to use my pain and endless love for Max, as a strength to live in a positive and optimistic way.
My new life goal: helping people who have gone through the same
Inspired by my life experience and work experience (I graduated in Psychology with a Masters Degree in Social & Organizational Psychology and experience in Human Resources and Learning & Development), I have started my own practice as a Life & Loss coach.
It is now my life mission to show you that with small steps, simple tools and techniques you can continue living your life on your own terms. Grief takes a lot of energy and is hard work, but we need to go through it. Seeking professional help when feeling stuck or when you are struggling is the best investment that you can make for yourself.
Let’s find a way together to turn the pain of loss and the endless love for your baby into strength so that you can continue living your life in an optimistic and positive way.
You are not alone, I’m here for you.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Love, Yolanda
My life in short
Location
I currently live in Amsterdam. I moved to The Netherlands in 2005.
Born
I was born in Cartagena, Colombia
Languages
I speak Spanish, English & Dutch
Family
Married to GJ and mother of two beautiful sons, Max (my star – 03.08.16 – 10.08.16) and Mateo (my rainbow – 19.09.17)
Studies
I studied General Psychology in Cartagena, Colombia and finished my Masters in Social & Organizational Psychology in Leiden University. I have work experience in Human Resources & Learning & Development
Passion & hobbies
My biggest passion is travelling and discovering the world. In 2018, right after Mateo’s 1st birthday, we took a sabbatical and visited 9 countries: Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Curacao, Brazil, Chile & South Africa.
So far, I have been to 40 different countries and my biggest dream is to travel all around the world.
Music
I love music and I enjoy going to concerts
Sunsets
I’m a sucker for sunsets.
Food
I love food and I must admit that that’s my guilty pleasure!
Free call
Would you like to have a meaningful intro call with me where we can get to know each other, talk about your story, your feelings, what you are going through right now and the ways that I can support you moving forward?
During this call I will share some practical tips to use right after our call and that will be valuable for you to continue living life in a positive and optimistic way with the love of your baby in your heart always.
Do you have further questions? Please complete the form below and I will contact you as soon as I can.
Free ebook
Download this free eBook with 5 powerful self-care strategies to take better care of yourself and to feel better after losing your baby. You will also get practical tips that you can apply in your daily life.