Teacher Robyn Hatchett found the strength to continue with IVF treatment after someone handed her a leaflet about Sands.
Sands is the miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support group, a not-for-profit lifeline for those affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.
Mrs Hatchett (41) and her husband Geordie (42) have reached a pregnancy milestone.
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READ NOW“I’m 12 weeks pregnant and we’re feeling optimistic, this is the furthest we’ve come,” she said.
The couple drew on the support of other couples at monthly Sands meetings.
Mrs Hatchett refused to give up hope after seven IVF treatments in four years.
“The point about early miscarriage is few people know you’re pregnant, so to be able to talk about losing a baby with other couples in a similar situation is a relief,” Mrs Hatchett said.
“Geordie and I were made to feel welcome at meetings and we didn’t feel threatened in any way.”
She said it was important for couples to seek help after losing a baby.
“I remember not being able to make decisions about the simplest things, like what to cook for dinner… through Sands I realised this was part of the grieving process.
“As they say in Sands, ‘you are a parent, you just didn’t get to take your baby home’.”
Sands’ supporters have experienced the loss of a child and the charity offers free education and advice through a national helpline, via live web-chat, email and at support group meetings.
Artists across Perth are donating work to the WA-based group’s annual exhibition Art for Hope, at Hayward Studio in Kalamunda.
The exhibition opens on April 1 and runs to April 3.
For advice, call Sands on 1300 072 637 or email support wa@sands.org.au.