Pregnancy and infant loss are not subjects anyone wants to talk about. It’s somber and depressing to think of a miscarriage, stillborn, or infant passing. The hard reality is that each year in the United States about 24,000 babies are stillborn. Parents who face the reality of this loss need support, love, and prayer. While it may seem outside of the Pregnancy Resource Center’s mission, we also care for those families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. We are not strangers to this pain. In fact, we would like to share a story from one of our Moms below:
“I can honestly say that the Pregnancy Resources Center in Eufaula was the last place I wanted to go. I would always pass them by and when my fiancé and I found out we were expecting, he encouraged me to call and set up an appointment. I took a chance and Ms. Linda answered the phone to let me know they were closed that day, but she was more than happy to set me up with an appointment! I was nervous my first day, but these women were so loving and caring. The fact that these are Godly women was an added bonus! They encouraged me to bring my fiancé and he came to every appointment for parenting classes they have with Bright Course. Unfortunately, we had so many complications our little bean’s heart stopped beating at 9 weeks. It was hard for us, I called and talked and prayed with Ms. Linda and she told me regardless of what happened I could still come for grief support and watched the other videos about how to move on from a miscarriage. I took a few weeks to gather up the courage to go back and I’m glad I did. It helped my family and myself overcome our loss and we actually celebrate our bean with a memory book and planting flowers.”
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It is a time to reflect on those babies and parents that didn’t get the opportunity to share a lifetime together. The PRC will be hosting an event in October to honor these babies and their families. We would love to invite you to be part of this time of reflection. “They Had a Name” will seek to be a space where families can celebrate the life that was and remember the life that wasn’t. Everyone has experienced a pregnancy or infant loss themselves or has been connected to someone who has—this event will be for everyone. You can be a supporter, be a prayer partner, or be a parent or grandparent that wants to participate—whatever your role—you are welcome! Be on the lookout for details coming soon!