Hundreds of people from all over Munster gathered
yesterday for a remembrance service for parents and families who have
experienced infant or pregnancy loss.During the service of readings and music there was an opportunity for members of the congregation to light a candle in memory of their baby. Attendees were also able to write a message in a special book of remembrance.
Dr Keelin O’Donoghue, consultant obstetrician and lead clinician of the pregnancy loss services at CUMH, said pregnancy loss has considerable impact on parents, physically, emotionally and spiritually, altering their health and social wellbeing, and also carries implications for the woman’s long-term health and future pregnancies.
"Our annual service of remembrance is an important and supportive experience for parents and families on their journey of bereavement," she said.
Marian Gabriel’s son Robbie was stillborn on Jul 22, 2010. She has attended the service for the last two years and says it gives her and her husband Mark an opportunity to remember their son and publicly mark and honour him.
The 26-year-old from Kinsale said the "counselling, medical and emotional support provided to me and my family by the pregnancy loss team at Cork University Maternity Hospital has helped us tremendously on our journey since Robbie’s death".
The service was held on the eve of the International Day of Pregnancy Loss.
Parents and families affected by pregnancy loss can contact Daniel Nuzum or other members of the pregnancy loss team at CUMH at 021 4920500.