It is an amazing organization started by 5 mothers in Des Moines, IA, who all lost daughters within months of each other, 4 to stillbirth and 1 right after birth. They created a foundation to honor their daughters, the "Health Birth Day Foundation," and from there they have created Count the Kicks.
Cue me, sort of.
I happened upon them on a FB post in a support group I belong to. I saw they were doing an event in Des Moines, IA, only hours away and it piqued my interest. I sent a tentative inquire email to the organization on what they were about. Shortly after, I received an email from one of the founders, Kate Safris, asking if I wanted to attend an ambassador training to become the ambassador for Nebraska. I said I have no idea what that means but that I was in.
After the training, I felt completely overwhelmed and had no idea to start, so I just took a step back. Well, last week Count the Kicks was contacted by a group in Omaha wanting to know if someone would be available to come speak about Count the Kicks, cue me!
It will be my first time representing Count the Kicks and I'm terrified and pumped all at the same time. Finally, I feel as if I am a part of something that will truly honor my son's short life and death.
However, on a frustrating note, I did receive another email from the group that will also be hosting a meeting with information on SUIDS/SIDS as there has been a slight uptick in those deaths this past year in our area.
I wonder if they have ever looked at stillbirth that closely, I would venture to guess no. I wish I could say I thought it might be different, but my heart says no. I would also be willing to bet they don't have a full vision of how many stillbirths there are each year compared to SIDS deaths, almost 10 times as many. It doesn't make SIDS any less important or stillbirth less important, but it does demonstrate how much focus is placed on one (SIDS) and not the other (stillbirth).
I'm hoping i can keep my emotions, mainly my anger at this fact, in check on Wednesday. I want to be someone who helps bring attention to stillbirth research and prevention, not one who hinders it.
I will let you know how it goes later this week. Wish me luck!
