The Vilomah Community founders Megan Gaffney and Rebekah Post know all too well what it is like to be grieving while watching the rest of the world rejoice in Christmas bliss during the festive season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is for that reason they are encouraging friends and loved ones to show their support to those who may be going through the same thing this Christmas.
"Christmas time can be a really tough time for bereaved families," Ms Gaffney said.
"Working out a way to honour your baby as well as trying to enjoy the festive season can be really challenging."
Ms Gaffney said six babies every day are stillborn across Australia, with 600 babies every year passing away in the first 28days of life and 110,000 babies lost to miscarriage.
Across the Riverina alone, 48 babies have passed away within the last 18-months.
"Bek and I are working hard to ensure that no one walks this journey alone," Ms Gaffney said.
As a bereaved mother herself, Ms Gaffney said there are some things that can be done to help ease the pain.
"Be gentle on yourself, allow yourself to grieve, it's okay to acknowledge that it's a really hard time, talk about your baby and how you're feeling," she said.
"Creating traditions is a really nice way to include your baby, this could include things such as a personalised bauble on your tree, putting decorations at their grave, a gift for them under the tree or lighting a candle for them on the day."
But most of all, Ms Gaffney wants bereaved parents to know they are not alone and that they don't have to suffer in silence.
"It's really important for friends and family to acknowledge that there is a special person not with you this Christmas," she said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Allow your friends and family to talk about their loved ones and offer support.
"A simple message of "Merry Christmas, thinking of you today" is a thoughtful gesture."
Ms Gaffney and Mrs Post launched The Vilomah Community program earlier this year to help bereaved parents after the loss of their baby or infant.
Since the launch, they have received an 'overwhelming response' far and wide.
"We have received an overwhelming response from not only the local community but from many businesses throughout the area," Ms Gaffney said.
Most recently, the program was given a donation from the Sunrise Rotary Club through its annual real Christmas tree drive.
"We received a very generous donation from The Sunrise Rotary Club which has allowed us to provide a newly bereaved family with hand and feet castings, access to our counsellors and support them with any personal aspects of their grief," Ms Gaffney said.
"We are so grateful to have met the members of the Sunrise Rotary Club and are incredibly grateful for their support and donation towards The Vilomah Community.
"It means so much to us as our mission is that no family should walk the journey of pregnancy and infant loss alone. The donations we receive allow us to ensure this happens."
Should you wish to contact or support The Vilomah Community, visit http://vilomahcommunity.com.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters