The sad truth

Did you know that 26,000 babies are stillborn in the United States every year? Most are of viable gestational age and often a cause is never determined.

In future pregnancies me and baby will be monitored much more closely... We will receive added ultrasounds and non stress tests throughout the pregnancy. The sad thing is my daughter had to die in order for this care to occur. Why is it that in the U.S. the standard of prenatal care is so low until something bad happens? Something as simple as a 3rd trimester ultrasound to compare to the 20 week ultrasound can help save some of these babies...

Stillbirth is such a taboo subject and not talked about in the media. But that doesn't mean is doesn't happen. If 26,000 babies are stillborn every year and the number of flu related deaths is ~30,000 why does the flu get so much more media coverage than stillborn deaths??? People are hounded to get flu shots as a preventative measure during flu season but the number of potential stillbirths isn't lessened by added care... Until something bad happens.  Maybe we can save some of these babies, but alas added care means more money and surely insurance companies are not up for that... So let's just pretend it doesn't happen since nobody talks about it anyway.

If I could ask one thing of all of my family and friends it would be this: now that you know someone personally affected by a stillbirth, please don't be afraid to talk about it. The more knowledgeable we are of stillbirths, the more that can be done and the more support we can offer to other friends who may unfortunately be thrown into this pit of despair.

Have you heard of the movie Return to Zero?

(Tried to embed a video about the movie but doesn't seem to be working so Click here to see a YouTube video about it)

This movie brings forth the subject of stillbirth. It looks into the life of a couple who loses their baby boy during pregnancy. Yes, it's a tough subject for a movie, but it unfortunately is reality for many people, including myself. I feel strongly that this movie needs to make it into theaters... To not only give outsiders a look into the reality of stillbirth, but to also show parents that it is ok to open up about our losses. We need to prove to Hollywood that there is a need for this movie. Can I ask all of you to pledge to see it in theaters? All you have to do is Click here and pledge to see the movie. The more people who pledge, the better the chances this movie will make it to theaters.

One last thing: don't be afraid to mention my daughter Evangeline's name to me. I am proud to be her mom, and although I do cry sometimes, I love to hear her name (I may be biased but it is a beautiful name) and know that she is remembered.