That is the message from Jade Dudley-Priest, the founder of Still Mums — a charitable trust dedicated to supporting parents navigating the heartbreak of baby loss.
‘‘Still Mums exists to support families through the loss of a baby, a time that can often feel overwhelming and isolating,’’ Miss Dudley-Priest said.
This support can include care packages, providing information, peer support groups and more.
Miss Dudley-Priest experienced the loss of a baby herself eight years ago, while living in Hawke’s Bay, and experienced compassionate care and support during that time.
However, after moving to Invercargill, she found there was less support available and so established Still Mums four years ago to help fill the gap and reach families across the country.
‘‘We were able to develop a suite of resources, including the website I had wished for during my own experience, that gently guides grieving parents through the practical, emotional and physical aspects of baby loss,’’ she said.
Miss Dudley-Priest said about 700 families were affected by stillbirth and perinatal loss each year in New Zealand, including dozens in the Otago region.
‘‘Having ongoing support from someone who understands what you are going through is hugely important.’’
Having recently settled in Dunedin with her two sons, Miss Dudley-Priest has opened a branch of Still Mums in the city with the support of three local women.
She is pleased they have been able to establish a physical space for the organisation, upstairs at 418 Princes St (above Miss Reid Florist), where resources can be kept, peer support groups hosted and connections made with bereaved whānau.
‘‘To have a warm, comfortable space in the centre of town where we can come together, create care packages and hold support groups will be brilliant,’’ Miss Dudley-Priest said.
‘‘Hopefully in the future, we will also have the capacity to have drop-in sessions as well.’’
To introduce Still Mums to bereaved families in Dunedin, and to professionals working in the field, there will be two open days at the Still Mums rooms in the next few weeks.
The first, for bereaved whānau, will be held this Sunday, May 31, at 11am; the open day for healthcare professionals will be held on Thursday, June 11, at 11am.
‘‘I’m really keen to introduce Dunedin people to the organisation and to the space, and to give them the chance to share what they need and want from us,’’ she said.
Miss Dudley-Priest said she had researched the support services available to bereaved families in Dunedin, and that Dunedin Hospital and local organisation ‘‘A Star is Born’’ were doing excellent work.
‘‘From discussions I have had, the feedback has been that there is a need in the city for more ongoing support for families, and that is the support we will be offering,’’ she said.
For more information on the open days, email stillmums@outlook.com, and to learn more about the Still Mums organisation, visit the website stillmums.org.nz
