A new book shines a light on personal experiences of baby loss and miscarriage in a bid to help parents going through similar situations.
Dr. Anne Tracey watched the impact that baby loss had on her own mother, and wanted to collate personal experiences to document devastating losses through miscarriage and stillbirth.
With over 30 interviews from men and women collected and transcribed, Dr Anne Tracey kept the message of the book around personal recollection.
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The book, 'Stillbirth and Miscarriage, a life-changing loss: Say My Baby's Name' was launched at an event hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Mayor, Sandra Duffy.
Dr. Anne Tracey spoke to MyDerry about the importance in listening to and collating stories on this devastating topic.
She said: "The book is giving voice to an experience that impacts many families. The statistics around the loss of a baby are staggering to say the least.
"SANDS, Northern Ireland report that in the UK, thirteen families a day suffer the loss of their baby before, during or shortly after the birth, that is approximately 4,500 babies a year. Also, an estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
"There is the personal dimension in that the book is giving voice to an experience that impacted my mam when her third son Patrick was stillborn. The loss was not spoken about and there was little help through counselling and support at the time. So, the pain of grief was carried in silence. It is also essential that the book addresses the experiences of men and women.
"My hope is that the book will shine a light on the life-changing loss of a baby through stillbirth and or miscarriage. And that the stories of loss shared by the courageous mums and dads may bring solace, comfort and maybe healing to those who have endured such loss."
Dr. Anne Tracey compiled the interviews and transcribed them herself, listening to hours of painful recollection from parents.
She said: "I knew from the moment that I began the interviews that I would move heaven and earth to bring the book to completion. As the development of the book progressed, Dr Marie Murray reviewed and edited the chapters. Her help and support is invaluable.
"It was important that the titles and heading were drawn from the words and phrases of the bereaved parents as they helped to provide the reader with a sense of each chapter.
"I am eternally grateful and proud of what the mums and dads and I have achieved in bringing this book to fruition. Without the willingness and courage of the bereaved parents to share their lived experiences, the book would not be possible."
After a successful launch in Derry's Guildhall, Dr. Anne Tracey will be launching the book in other cities including a launch in Belfast on Saturday March 11 at 2.00pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel and a return to Derry for a launch on Saturday March 18 at 11.00am in the Everglades Hotel .
Dr. Anne Tracey said: "I am forever grateful to the Mayor, Sandra Duffy for inviting myself, my partner, family and friends to the Mayor’s Parlour for a reception. We spent an hour with her in conversation over a cup of tea.
"She was very interested in hearing about the background of all of us around the table as well as discussing the book. I was touched when she asked me to read an extract. The Mayor spoke about the importance of the book and how it could help and support those who have endured the loss of a baby.
"So far, the response has been very positive. Feedback from readers indicates the importance of highlighting the topic as it is not talked about enough and that many people have suffered in silence. Importantly too, the fact that the experiences of fathers are included has also been very well received."
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