The first Sunday in May is Bereaved Mother’s Day. This is an internationally recognized day acknowledging that women who have lost children, either pre or post birth, are still mothers. Bereaved Mother’s Day is one week before the other celebration and is a reminder to reach out to the women around you that are hurting.
Bereaved Mother’s Day
As a woman and a mom who has lost six babies, I treasure bereaved Mother’s Day. I treasure it because it is a day I can celebrate that my babies did exist, they were here and now they are with us in our hearts. I celebrate my six heavenly babies, which I miss so very much, on bereaved Mother’s Day.
Supporting a Mother On This Day
On Sunday May 1st should you come across a bereaved Mother here are some things to tay and/or do:
- Offer a hug.
- Say Happy Mother’s Day.
- Send a card acknowledging the mother even though their child is not physically with her.
- Acknowledge her loss and remind her that her child(ren) mattered and that they were here.
- Acknowledge the day and simply say “I am thinking about you”
Grieving moms want compassion, to know they are loved, and be reminded that their babies were here and mattered. That’s all I want anyway.
What Makes a Mother
I think it’s important to also remember what makes a mother a mother; being a mother is not just about having an earth side child. A mother is someone who wants her child to grow up to be a happy, successful adult. A mother accepts her child for who it is, what it represents and what will be with her child. A mother is patient, respectful, strong, humble, empathetic, authoritative and supportive. All of these traits and responsibilities still apply to a mother whose babies are no longer earth side. Perhaps there are more people out there that need to be acknowledged on the two different Mother’s Day.
Likely not so much of a coincidence, but Bereaved Mother’s Day ends National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW). NIAW founded by Resolve: The National Infertility Association, is a week dedicated to changing the conversation regarding infertility. A week where the 1 in 8 that are infertile to openly and bravely share about their infertility journey to help break the stigma and open their hearts to those feeling lonely and scared. It’s said that Infertility is the worst club to be in but has the best members.
1 in every 8 women are trying desperately to have a child.
1 in every 4 women have had a miscarriage
I am 1 in 4. I am 1 in 8. I am not alone. The 1 in 8 are also mothers by every sense of the word. They matter. They are alone. They are scared. They are heartbroken. Please don’t forget us. Remember the moms hurting this Bereaved Mother’s Day.
