It’s time for us all to recognise that these mothers, too, have lost an infant. And no matter the part they played in that decision, it’s still OK to grieve.
Many women do not admit (perhaps even to themselves) their relationship of domestic violence. Likewise, many women are not open about having had a termination.
This Infant Loss Awareness Month, let’s consider the mothers who never met their youngest son or daughter. Mothers who still remember due dates and termination dates. Mothers who perhaps felt an obligation to make a decision against their deepest instinct.
It’s not time to judge, accuse or blame.
It’s time for us all to recognise that these mothers, too, have lost an infant. And no matter the part they played in that decision, it’s still OK to grieve.
It’s time for us to stand up as mothers and support one another so no-one has to feel trapped – financially or emotionally – into a decision they are not comfortable with.
It’s time to smash some taboos and start talking about the hardest issues of motherhood.
Anna Stoyanoff is the grateful mum of Ethan, Josiah and baby Adelaide. Parenting is her chosen occupation, with four years of non-stop pregnancy and breastfeeding so far. You can find more from Anna on her website My Chosen Occupation.
