Did you know it was BC Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day yesterday (October 15th)? Such losses often go unspoken. Awareness raising about these losses and the family impact is so very important.
After life saving surgery due to the loss of my pregnancy - our baby - in January 2008, the surgeon put me on a medical leave of absence. Much to my horror upon my return to work, I was subjected to remarks by my managers that went beyond insensitivity. I can only suppose from their perspective that the one and only view/value they held was that of the business bottom line - the goals. Loosely thrown out statements about how my absence (due to my medical leave) had hurt the team and sarcastic remarks about what should they expect if I became pregnant again were freely thrown about. The experience was surreal to me, and quite frankly it was re-traumatizing. It was as though to them, a pregnancy loss was not really and truly a loss, not worthy of grieving, and certainly not worthy of interrupting any business at hand.
Clearly, awareness on part of employers and communities can go along way in helping families to grieve these very real losses. In the Vancouver Sun Article (the link is below) Jens Locher,who started the BC Childloss Support Network states that "This (day) is an important acknowledgement of the trauma and grief that hundreds of families face after the devastating tragedy of the death of their baby."
Locher goes on to say in a news release that "... many parents seem to struggle with the lack of acknowledgement of the existence of their babies."
So please, take a moment and think about the women, men, and the families who have suffered such losses, or perhaps are going through one right now. Let this one day a year be a reminder that we as a community must keep in mind that these losses happen every single day. Perhaps you would be surprised to learn just how many people you may know, have also suffered in silence. Let the silence speak.
So please, take a moment and think about the women, men, and the families who have suffered such losses, or perhaps are going through one right now. Let this one day a year be a reminder that we as a community must keep in mind that these losses happen every single day. Perhaps you would be surprised to learn just how many people you may know, have also suffered in silence. Let the silence speak.
Here are a few links to let you know how communities are making a difference!
Empty Arms Support Group www.facebook.com/EOHCentre/posts/161094797369267
"Hands Holding Baby Shoes" Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
No comments:
Post a Comment