When Father’s Day is Bittersweet
Melbourne 31 August 2016 – This may not be our traditional tech and entertainment news but it’s quite an important topic and may have touched some of our readers. Check out this important message from SANDS about miscarriage, stillbirth & newborn death support …
Official Media Release: Traditionally a time for celebrating fatherhood, for thousands of Aussie dads Father’s Day is also a painful reminder of a fatherhood lost.
Miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death cause heartbreak for approximately 106,000 Australian dads every year.
Grant Lewis, who is a Volunteer Supporter on Sands’ recently launched Male Parent Support line, knows just too well.
“Father’s Day is a day to mark being a dad to my little boy Marlee, but there is also a sense of loss, as my son Arna is not here to celebrate this special day with us”.
Grant’s second born, Arna, was stillborn at 8 months.
“He passed on the evening on 9 November 2013. The midwife found no heartbeat. It was just so devastating. Two days later, my now ex-wife, showed enormous courage and had a natural birth.” Explains Grant.
The run up to special occasions like Father’s Day can be particularly challenging for so many bereaved dads- exacerbating the pain and sense of loss.
“I always think of Arna, but especially on days like Father’s Day, thinking of what it would be like to have him here with us.” Said Grant.
Grant has the following message to all grieving dads. “Please believe in the power of healing and don’t be scared to lean on others. Reaching out for support – be it your family, friends or Sands can be extremely helpful. You don’t have to suffer alone.”
“Men often feel like they have to be silent and strong to support their partners, which means they often neglect themselves and don’t discuss how they’re feeling”. Said Sands, CEO Andre Carvalho.
Sands recognises that bereaved dads need a safe place to grieve. That is why they have developed a dedicated Male Support Line for men who have been affected by the death of a baby. Calls to the line are answered by a team of trained male volunteers who truly understand what a grieving father is going through, as they too have experienced the heartache of pregnancy loss or new born death.
Grant and all of Sands’ other Male Parent Supporters are available on Father’s Day and every other day on Sands’ dedicated Male Parent Support Line. Appointments can be made online on Sands website at http://www.sands.org.au/index.php/find-support
Sands is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support and information to parents and families who experience the death of a baby, as well as offering resources and education to healthcare professionals, 24/7, 365 days a year. They do this through their national services and local support groups.
The Male Parent Support Line will complement the existing services offered by Sands which includes, the National Helpline (1300 072 637), live chat, email support and local support groups.
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