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Parents grieving together

09 Sep, 2009 11:04 AM
ANY parent who has suffered through the death of a baby will tell you it's a pain like no other - nobody expects to outlive their children.

From a time of unbridled excitement and joy at seeing the first ultrasound and feeling on top of the world, the profound grief and overwhelming devastation can become all too much.

The news of impending parenthood fills hearts with love as children represent hopes, dreams and futures.

However, for some parents it all comes crashing down and their lives are shattered due to unexpected early pregnancy loss, or the birth of their precious miracle without a single breath.

Suddenly, they feel they have to put on a brave face for their family and friends, when all they really want to do is talk openly about their loss of their baby.

It's a personal and tormenting journey and a never-ending nightmare that is often endured alone.

As reported in the Banner in January, Dana Konski, who runs a business making baby clothes, has helped many local parents by producing special gowns and burial cocoons in which to bury their little one following a miscarriage or still-birth.

Ms Konski has donated dozens of these garments to hospitals across Melbourne.

She discovered the need for the service after joining a Facebook group called Angel Babies Gone Too Soon.

More recently, the Hoppers Crossing mother has co-founded a website that provides a support network and forum for bereaved parents. "It's a group nobody wants to belong to," she said.

"The loss of a baby never goes away and it often creates a strong sense of helplessness.

"We provide a chatroom where parents can talk with other parents, ask questions and generally help each other through the grieving process."

Click here to visit the Angel Baby website

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
What a beautiful story i am sadly part of this fantastic online suport group and have made many friends through my journy.. I silently delivered my daughter Abby on the 21 Decemeber 2008 and met Dana on Facebook not long after this.

The work that Dana and the other ladies have done is beyond wonderful and I know I will be forever grateful to them for starting this online support group and conecting bereaved Mummy's, Daddy's, Nanny's and other family members together.

Posted by Lauren Abby's Mummy, 9/09/2009 4:14:41 PM, on Werribee Banner
Beautiful Dana, your work and support does not go unnoticed. I am unfortunately a part of this group as well, and lost my son Konur at 10 weeks from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The support from Dana, and the other angel moms, has been wonderful. Keep up the good work you make us angel moms and our angel babies proud xox
Posted by Victoria, 10/09/2009 2:52:58 PM, on Werribee Banner
Well done on getting word out. Firstly I would like the story to be different for all of us. I am yet another member of the group. There is around 400 of us all with the same story our babies are angels.

With so many of us and each of us there is so mant people who can relate give support and some become friends i know myself i would be lost without.

I lost my son in 2000 and went on two having two girls and a miscarriage in 2008. It was not until I found Dana and the support that has helped me, that I was unable to find after my son.

It is now I am starting to heal. I give a shout out to anyone out there, please don't feel you are alone. Big hugs of comfort to all and all angels missed and remembered no matter what stage age or reason.

Angel baby is really just big family from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for having me.

Posted by tanya, 10/09/2009 7:44:55 PM, on Werribee Banner

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Bereaved support: Dana Konski and Michelle Liley with some of the clothes Ms Konski gives away to parents who have lost a baby.   Picture: Cathy Jackson
Bereaved support: Dana Konski and Michelle Liley with some of the clothes Ms Konski gives away to parents who have lost a baby. Picture: Cathy Jackson

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