Hello mamas. This week will be the 8th anniversary of my son’s birth and death. Glow was my constant companion then, and the endless days I spent here fortified me for this new life I have, in which my grief has not led me to this page in years. A new acquaintance has reached out with the heartbreaking news that the sweet baby girl she is carrying has a diagnosis that is incompatible with life outside the womb. She will carry her daughter to term, and needs support throughout this pregnancy and after. I have frequently shared Glow as THE community to turn to, but am feeling uncertain of which section to direct her in her circumstance. Any guidance is appreciated, as well as any gentle welcomes for this mama, should I decide to send her a link to land right here. Thank you, and sending so many wishes for those in new and raw grief to find the healing, affirmation, and companionship on this page that I found when I was in desperate need of it. Love.

Hi Kate, similarly to you, I don't often find myself here as much any more (our boy died 6 1/2 years ago) except at times when i feel the need to reconnect with this loving community. Thinking of you as you approach 8 years since your son's birth and death.

I just wanted to share this for your friend :
https://www.arc-uk.org/for-parents/continuing-a-pregnancy/parents-story-2
ARC are a great charity (based in the UK) they're so supportive. This page shares little snippets from parents, as well as a link to their helpline also. Not sure where you are, or whether you already know of ARC but hope it might be of some use... it sounds like your friend is lucky to have you to support them. You take care, and go gently with yourself in all this too, particularly at this time as you remember your son.x

I know all too well the heart break of this diagnosis; almost four years ago my son and daughter-in-law received the news that their baby had CDH, and would not survive her birth. Too say it was excruciating is to put it mildly. They decided that if the only time they would have with their sweet baby was those few months they would cherish each moment and be certain she knew she was loved. She was born full term and passed away shortly after her birth, wrapped in her parents loving arms and love. We were so grateful for the help and support we received from Angel Watch, a program of IHC hospitals. Through their doctor's office they were put in contact with Angel Watch coordinators and volunteers (parents who have navigated the difficult journey of preparing to say hello and goodbye). They provided a listening ear, practical help like suggestions on how to prepare a personal birth plan and meet with the hospital team ahead of time to prepare them to support the parents wishes, clothing ideas, birth photographers, etc.. One suggested my daughter-in-law purchase a beautiful piece of fabric to lay the baby on for pictures, and then after one of the volunteers made a sweet teddy bear from that fabric that is priceless to the family. We prepared as best we could. I made two little gowns from my daughter's wedding dress for Alyssa at the hospital for pictures, (which they kept) and another for her burial. We made doubles of everything for her burial so they could keep the sweet little things to have something physical to hold on to. While we mourned, we also celebrated our Alyssa as we prepared for her birth. May this mom feel love and support and even some joy in the midst of this awful time.