THE trauma that inevitably results from the death of a baby can linger for generations, but it doesn’t have to.
Warnbro woman Carol Kirk is testament to the benefits of healing after grief and, as a volunteer counsellor with the Bonnie Babes Foundation, she generously shares her wisdom and experience with others recovering from the loss of an infant.
The proud mother of two and grandmother of five began volunteering with the BBF about five years ago after coming to terms with the loss of her own child through miscarriage several years ago, and the death of her nine-month-old sister Bridget Anne from pneumonia when her mother was four months pregnant with Carol.
“Bridget’s death was pushed under the carpet, as was common in those days, but it affected how my mother responded to me.
There were few cuddles because she didn’t want to get hurt again,” said Carol, who is one of 1000 BBF volunteers nationally but one of only a handful in WA.
“Mum said she would never have had any more children after Bridget’s death, but I was already on the way. There was no counselling in those days and she coped the best she could up until her death from cancer in 1998.
“As I grew older the fear of losing me lessened and we became very close. I learnt so much from mum and I became a very hands-on parent. To this day I still like to be at home by 3pm, school closing time; it’s just instinct.”
This month highlights baby loss awareness with International Baby Loss Day on October 15 and National Babies Day on October 17.
The public can support BBF by purchasing National Babies Day merchandise at Target stores.
On October 17 Target Australia will give 5 per cent of all sales from children’s wear to the foundation.
To contact the BBF counselling service call (03) 9803 1800 or email enquiry-@bbf.org.au.