No images? Click here Dear FriendAs Christmas approaches, the hearts of many bereaved parents are filled with sadness rather than joy, as the season’s family traditions often serve to emphasise the absence of their son or daughter. For those whose baby died before, during or shortly after birth, this season can be a harsh reminder of the loss of the hopes and dreams they had for their family. We are grateful to Alex and Jumoke, who have written honestly about their experiences of early loss and emphasised the importance of others coming alongside. But it can be difficult knowing what to say or do and what to avoid – so to help those who are supporting parents who have lost a baby early in life, we’ve compiled a new resource of do’s and don’ts. Our online support events have helped many parents and adult siblings this autumn, and we’re delighted to say that we’ll be continuing to run these in 2021. With our love, Kath and Mike Coulson P.S. We’ve shared our story in this video clip. Click here if you’d like to watch it. Email us at mikeandkath@cff.org.uk A very short lifeAlex’s son Samuel died in May 2019 when he was just 11 days old. We spoke with her to find out what happened and how her family has coped this year, especially during lockdown. Finding hope following a stillbirthJumoke reflects on how life has changed since Tomee was stillborn.How you can support someone bereaved by early lossThe loss of a baby before, during or soon after birth is devastating. In the latest addition to our Dos and Don’ts series, here are some ideas from personal experience of things to do or say, and what to avoid.Events for bereaved parents and adult siblingsOur support events are wonderful opportunities to meet and share with others in an atmosphere of understanding. We’ll be running more online support events for bereaved parents and bereaved adult siblings in 2021, so why not find out more and consider coming to one? |