Better Births Illawarra was recently sent a moving and beautiful story of from a local mother Caitlin who knew she was going to birth a sleeping baby at 17 weeks. And just like any other mother, she researched how to prepare herself for the birth of her baby.
On the 30th of Jan 2022 Archie was born, his mum Caitlin had done some research on the water method that can be used after a baby has passed away wanted to give it a go and now wants to help other parents know about this method. Her story is found here. Please know there a photos of Archie in the story.
These precious and gut-wrenching birth stories are often not shared. Why is that? Is it our greatest fears a pregnant mothers and birth givers? Do we not want to put fear in other families? Is it because we won’t know what to say to the grieving parents? We understand that this is a very tender and can be a distressing area to discuss so please do not hesitate to call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 if you need to speak to someone immediately.
We know, that when we shine the light on the experiences of others, there is someone out there that needed to hear and read that story. And often, sharing of a story can be part of the healing process itself.
Here in the Illawarra we have a local support group and Amanda, one of it’s members sent us some information to share with families. They have a website with information and contact details on how to access support.
Formerly known as the Illawarra Parents of Baby Angels (IPOBA), the Illawarra Baby and Child Loss Support Group began in 2002, offering support to parents in the Illawarra who had experienced a loss. Whilst we have been operating in the community for 20 years we rely mostly on word of mouth to reach families that need us most. Over the past 5 years we have ramped up initiatives and communications within the local hospitals however more work still needs to be done.
Last year we became incorporated and will continue to grow our group in order to meet the needs of the community for the next 20 years and onwards.
Illawarra Baby and Child Loss Support offers local bereaved parents the opportunity share the ongoing journey of grief after pregnancy and infant loss with other bereaved parents in the community. The Group holds regular support meetings and maintains a private Facebook group where local loss parents can come together to share their pain and moments of hope as they navigate life after loss.
If you or someone you know has experienced miscarriage, pre-term, stillbirth or neonatal loss please know you are not alone. Reach out or message via the following methods to find out more information and access the support we offer.
Website: http://rememberme-illawarra.square.site/
Email: remembermeillawarra@hotmail.com
Facebook and Insta:@remembermeillawarra