the anniversaries continue

[babycatcher33]

Five years ago today, Abby came home.  When a baby comes home from the hospital, it's such a time of celebration but for us, it was the beginning of the end.  We knew exactly how much time we would have with her before we never saw her face again.  It's so messed up that while she was alive we were only able to spend less than hour with her,

Comments

[birthingway]

So many hugs, J.

[lemmings_world]

The doctors asked us if we wanted to be there if/when Violette was crashing. We said yes, and the moment they said we could come in I believe that I trampled an intern or two. The room could have burst into flames and I still would have ran in.

I wish that I could bring you some comfort today. At least one huge-arsed hug.

[tinahenry4]

One of the things that I appreciate the most about you sharing your "Abby journey" is the learning that has happened along the way for me. I know that I would really struggle to look a desperate mother in the eye and say "your precious baby is not going to make it". And yet, this is what you needed to hear so that you could be with her for what little time she had left. So tragic.
Thank you again Janice for sharing.

[babycatcher33]

I really, really did. I needed someone to just be straight with me. I could see with my own eyes that she was dying and it was a real mind f**k to then hear people beat around the bush and plant seeds of hope in us. I think every doula and midwife needs to carry a set of steel balls in their bag so they can pull them out and USE them when they need to - lol! We're so good at advocating for moms and healthy babies, protecting their space and keeping them from being separated; we need to do the same thing for moms with babies who have died or are in critical condition.