Written by Lizanne van Waart
Director & Founder of Wijnland Fertility Clinic / ART Counselling
MA. (Psychology) University of Stellenbosch

 

Creating a platform to share the grief

October was first declared Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month by Ronald Reagan in 1988 when he saw the need for bereaved families to be given a platform where they could remember their babies and children.

“When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them.”
Ronald Reagon

The significance of this month in bereaved families’ journey of grief and healing lies close to the heart of the Wijnland family. Through our own personal experiences, we understand the importance of working through the loss of a child and finding a way to recover.

The question now is: How can we create a society that offers the necessary support to the parents who have lived through the loss of a child? The first step is hosting a Butterfly High Tea for your friends and creating a platform for each other where experiences (of both joy and sadness) can be shared.

’How does one become a butterfly?’ she asked pensively.
‘You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.’
Trina Paulus, Hope for the Flowers

During this time, it’s important to remember to look after yourself. The road to recovery always begins in our own lives and hearts. Whether you’re working through loss or just want to maintain an emotional foundation that will support you, it begins when you keep…

  • self-love
  • protecting your peace
  • your boundaries
  • knowing your worth
  • your creativity
  • self-trust

Get in touch with us if you need someone to share your journey with or need a way to find your feet again after loss.

 

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Written by Lizanne van Waart
Director & Founder of Wijnland Fertility Clinic / ART Counselling
MA. (Psychology) University of Stellenbosch