This post is a very sad one.  It is one that I think needs to be posted.  It is for the mothers who have suffered perinatal loss. 

I think there is nothing more traumatizing and devastating than the loss of a child.  In fact, just the very thought of it make me want to cry my eyes out.  The reason why I am writing this, because I have been thinking of this a lot lately.  My friend recently lost her full term baby.  She was ready to deliver and her baby was born without a heartbeat. 

I guess I want to write this post to acknowledge the incredible strength these women have.  I myself don’t have this and hope to god I never have to find the strength somewhere.  Once a fetus is 20 weeks, the parents have to deliver the baby.  What should have been a fabulous, miraculous experience, has now turned into something so devastating and heartbreaking.   They have to find the strength within to hold their baby (if they wish), they can have pictures done, and footprints done for keepsakes.  They have to say goodbye to the miracle that was created within their womb, that they nourished inside of them for numerous months.  They have already created such a bond with this baby, and now they have to find the strength to say goodbye.

If that wasn’t enough; the parents then have to plan their baby’s funeral.  How can this happen?  Why does this happen?  I guess we won’t really get the answer.  All I know, is that I think that having to go through this would be the worst, most unbearable pain ever.  I think the strongest of people are the mothers and fathers that have to survive through this.

My goal is not to depress you in any way.  It is to raise awareness that this does happen.  I work in a hospital and I see it happening on a regular basis.  People always talk about the happy moments of childbirth, but nobody ever mentions the people that prevail through the most difficult times.

Give a special hug and kiss to your little one and realize that you are blessed.  For those who have lost their little angels, know that you are not alone and that you have support around you.

This post is dedicated to the memory of Maya.  May she watch over her parents, brother and sister.