By Keeva Stratton
The recent news that model and TV
presenter Kelly Brook has miscarried at five months will seem shocking
to many, but statistics tell us that this is an all too common tragedy
that many mums-to-be have to live through in painful silence. While pregnancy should be a time of celebration and hope, the reality is that currently one in four pregnancies ends in
a loss as the result of miscarriage or stillbirth, and one in every 10
babies is born prematurely. For those who struggle with infertility,
pregnancy can be an equally painful topic.
To acknowledge these precious
lives lost and to encourage those who have suffered to heal through
sharing their stories, this May the Small Miracles Foundation is asking
women to light a candle as tribute to their loss.
Spokesperson for the Small Miracles Foundation, Jane Speechley, had this to say:
“During
May, the Small Miracles Foundation is offering those Australians
affected by infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss,
premature birth or infant loss the chance to acknowledge their
experience by lighting a virtual candle as part of our brand new online
project”.
While
most of us see May and Mother’s Day as a symbolic time to celebrate
motherhood, for those who’ve missed out on this treasured experience, it
can be a very difficult time; a time that can be assisted by the
sharing of grief through counseling.
“Our
trained and experienced counselors have worked with thousands of
Australian families who have dealt with fertility issues and child loss,
and we do know from our extensive experience that many benefit from
talking about their feelings and sharing their story,” Ms Speechley
said.
“Furthermore
we know that even during the darkest times of their grief, many
Australian families will bravely step up and face the pain of sharing
their experiences if they feel they can help others in a similar
situation.”
If
you, or someone you know, has suffered the loss of pregnancy, you’re
not alone. Those who have suffered a loss, or who wish to support family
members and friends who have, are invited to phone 1300 266 643 or
visit https://www.lightacandle.org.au/ to share their story and request a virtual candle be lit on their behalf.