Stillbirth Happens - Let's Talk

In this episode, we’ll hear from Erin Sowerby Greene, who learned, at 37 weeks pregnant, that her daughter Briar no longer had a heartbeat. We’ll also hear from Anne-Marie Cayer, a registered midwife supporting families living in urban and rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, about practices bereaved families should be able to access after a stillbirth. Erin and Anne-Marie teach us that although hospital procedures can vary from region to region, babies who are stillborn are still born and it’s possible – even necessary – to bring dignity and meaning to the experience.

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Episode notes:

Book referred to: Alan D. Wolfelt.(2001). Healing Your Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas. Compassionate advice and simple activities to help you through your loss. Companion Press, CO. www.centerforloss.com

After the Loss of Your Baby:

http://www.bcwomens.ca/health-info/pregnancy-parenting/stillbirth-newborn-loss

Lactation After Loss:

http://www.bcwomens.ca/health-info/pregnancy-parenting/stillbirth-newborn-loss

Informal Milk Sharing:

http://www.perinatalservicesbc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/informal-human-milk-sharing

Stillbirth Happens: Podcast:

http://www.bcwomens.ca/health-info/pregnancy-parenting/stillbirth-newborn-loss/podcast-stillbirth-happens

Nonstress test (NST) is a screening test used in pregnancy to assess the baby’s heartbeat patterns. It can show heart rate changes when the baby moves and may show changes when the uterus contracts, such as happens during labour.

CuddleCots are small, portable, lightweight units that enable families experiencing the loss of their baby at any age or gestation to spend more time together. The unit is connected to a hose and mat. The baby is placed on top of the mat which ensures that the baby remains cool. A CuddleCot was not available to Erin and Cameron after Briar was born which limited the amount of time they could spend with her. As a result of their experience, Erin and Cameron started a fundraising campaign to purchase Cuddlecots for local communities in Briar’s memory and to give other families the gift of more time with their babies. Read more about their CuddleCot fundraiser here.

This episode is all about breaking the silence to recognize that stillbirth is part of the maternity journey. We speak with Jennifer Kuznetsov whose first baby, Andrey, died unexpectedly at 29 weeks gestation. Jennifer talks about the shock and disbelief she felt after learning Andrey had no heartbeat, and how she wishes she had been better prepared for such a traumatic event. We'll also hear from Kirsten Duckitt, a retired OB/GYN, about why there's still so much silence surrounding stillbirth. Stillbirth happens more frequently than people think.

Your feedback is important to us. Please share your thoughts on this episode of Stillbirth Happens - let's talk by participating in this survey. Thank you for your participation.

After the loss of your baby

CW Library - Lactation after Loss

Dry Creek Mountain View Cemetery Infant Graves Area

Transcript

Quote by Earl A. Grollman – “Grief is love’s unwillingness to let go”

Many people struggle to talk about stillbirth. Friends and family members may feel awkward discussing it. Some clinicians shy away from it. Bereaved parents may be left feeling isolated and alone. Co-hosts Jaime and Erin – mothers whose babies were stillborn – talk truth about stillbirth. Together with guests, they explore topics such as the nature of grief and loss, the hospital experience of stillbirth, and navigating life after stillbirth – all in a welcoming and safe audio space. Through stories of lived experiences, Stillbirth Happens – let’s talk hopes to normalize the conversation about stillbirth and give those touched by it a place to learn, grieve and feel connected.