This episode highlights the lived experiences of families who have experienced a stillbirth. You’ll hear from Jasmine Abraham and Nneka Hall, who share their personal experiences after Jasmine’s son Qasem and Nneka’s daughter Annaya were born still. You’ll also hear from Rose Horton, a nurse and Executive Director of Women and Infant Services at Emory Decatur Hospital who also created #NotOnMyWatch. You’ll learn about what stillbirth is and what we know about risk factors and prevention. The episode also discusses the short- and long-term impacts of the loss of a baby and what supports and systems-levels changes are needed.
Content warning: This episode is about stillbirth and shares personal stories about pregnancy & infant loss. It discusses mental health challenges and mentions suicide. Much of the episode will be emotionally challenging and content shared in the episode could bring up past traumatic experiences. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please dial 988 immediately to call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides support before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 988 or 1-833-943-5746. Both services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Resources:
· Count the Kicks
Count the Kicks (CTK) is an evidence-based stillbirth prevention program and an AMCHP Best Practice. In the first 10 years of their campaign in Iowa (2008-2018), the state's stillbirth rate went down 32% while rates in the rest of the country remained relatively stagnant. Visit their website to learn how you can bring CTK to your state by becoming an expansion state.
· Still Birthday
· Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
· Quietly United In Loss Together founded by Nneka Hall (www.annaya.org)
· Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support – find support in your state
· Return to Zero Hope
· Still Standing Magazine
· Pregnancy After Loss Support
· Star Legacy Foundation
Legislation:
· Raising the Volume - Ending the Silent Epidemic of Stillbirth congressional briefing
· National Stillbirth Prevention Day
· Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education for Autumn Act of 2022
· Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2022
Common acronyms or terms you may hear in the loss community:
· Sunshine baby: baby born before a loss
· Angel baby: baby who has passed away
· Rainbow baby: baby born or conceived after a loss
· Heaven born: baby who was stillborn
· Earth born: baby who was born alive
· PAIL: Pregnancy and infant loss
· PAL: Pregnancy after loss
· SIL: Sister/sista/sistah in loss