May is a wonderful month; we are reminded of the "new life" that comes forth as we are thrust into spring. With holidays such as Mother's Day approaching, I would like to share some suggestions of how to help those who are grieving the loss of a child. Whether or not you have lost a child to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillborn, or a live birth then a child’s death; Mother’s Day can be particularly difficult for these moms. Some moms find themselves with a void or hole in their heart everyday; the tragedy of losing a child is one that never really seems to heal. On these special days when the “identity” of being a parent/mom is so significant, the pain these moms feel can be multiplied leading her to more bereavement. More isolation. More sadness.

Our society forgets the fact there are women out in the world that have suffered great losses such as the loss of a child. Flower shops, card shops and other retail establishments are filled with Mother's Day gifts and gift ideas. It is hard to find a place that carries a card that acknowledges these women who have had a short time with their little ones, that they are in every sense of the word a "mother." Newspaper, radio and television advertisements help you "shop for that perfect something." Church services are about honoring our mothers on this special day. The very sad truth to all of this is we leave some of these moms in our community, circle of friends and church bodies devastated.

Do you know someone who has lost a child to death? Are you uncomfortable thinking about them on this special day? Do you think that these mothers are not thinking of their son or daughter that have left this world? Do you think if you remind the mother of her precious child, who will be part of her heart and soul forever, that you will make her sad?

Would you like to help these mothers?

I can promise you they will be thinking of their child that has passed on. I can also guarantee you that mentioning this child to them or giving a hug and a whisper of “Happy Mother’s Day” in their ear will only bring them tears of joy, as finally someone remembers their little one who is not here with them. I can also guarantee letting them know you remember her identity as a mom of that sweet little one who died, and that you remember her child, for her, you just gave her another day worth living for.

I have suffered 11 miscarriages and 1 ectopic pregnancy. Having someone remember these little babes that are no longer here with me means the world to me as their mom. Just because I cannot hold them, watch them grow or guide them through life does not erase the fact that I am a mother to them. So as this Mother’s Day approaches, please take time to reflect and remember these moms with a card, phone call, kind word or small gift. It will mean the world to them and it may just bring forth the healing they have been so desperately searching for.


~Chelle is the owner of Womens-Place, a proud Mother of five beautiful children and eleven beautiful angels, and the mother-to-be of a sibling group of three. She is also a loving wife to her talented, and pretty darn cute, hubby, Tim. The boards are her passion, and she proves it daily with her inspirational posts and wonderful advice. She looks forward to spending this Mother’s Day loving and thinking about all her children.