When my son was stillborn I was desperate to find other mothers like myself. Unfortunately, it was hard to find “me too” mom’s in 1992, and I struggled to make peace with the unexpected death of my son alone for the most part.
I’ve discovered that the bereaved generally find the most comfort from those who’ve suffered a similar type of loss in terms of relationship or means of death. Roles and cause create unique circumstances that those who mourn struggle to process. That’s why widows and child loss support groups as well as military and suicide loss support groups are all effective.
At the same time, when the cause of death is rare, it’s much harder to connect with those like yourself. Infant loss is one such circumstance. Child loss support groups can be hugely helpful, yet losing an adult child is not the same as losing a much anticipated infant. One isn’t harder than the other—they’re just very different. Infant loss parents often don’t know the color of their child’s eyes or the sound of their voice. They don’t have an inkling as to their personality and have few to no pictures and memories to treasure. Parents who’ve lost older children have/know these things.
Because it was so hard for me to find other moms who’d lost a child in utero when Cole died, I was thrilled to learn of Bridget’s Cradles; a faith-based non-profit organization that ministers to parents who’ve suffered infant loss, miscarriage or stillbirth.
Bridget’s Cradles provides hand knitted or crocheted cradles to individuals and hospitals (at no charge) helping heartbroken parents welcome their child with warmth and love. The ministry leads online support groups, offers grief resources, facilitates a private Facebook page where parents can help one another deal with common questions and challenges, and hosts a podcast.
It was an honor to be asked to discuss my infant loss experience and faith journey with Ashley Opliger, ministry founder and host of the Cradled in Hope Podcast recently.
Follow the link below if you’d like to hear my conversation with Ashley or to browse the other 50+ podcasts with fellow infant loss parents. No one should suffer child loss alone. There is help, hope and healing.
https://www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode56
Please share this blogpost or the link to the Bridget’s Cradles website with someone you know who has lost an infant in the womb or shortly after birth. AND IF YOU LIKE TO KNIT, CROCHET OR SEW, won’t you consider becoming ministry volunteer? Of course, donations are always welcome too.
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