Healing from Heartbreak
Tuesday, 10/10/2017
Talicia’s second son, Ty, was stillborn at 29 weeks on December 8, 2015. After her unimaginable loss, Talicia helped other babies by donating her breastmilk. In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we are sharing Talicia’s story again, beautifully written in her own words.
My husband and I had discussed having a second baby for an entire year. My high-risk pregnancy with my first son was difficult and resulted in 5 months of bed rest. So, I expected the same the second time around. However, this pregnancy was normal, and even great, until the day it wasn’t.
During my regular OB visit at 28 weeks, I joyfully listened to my growing baby’s heartbeat. Everything was good. Three days later, I noticed Ty wasn’t moving. When the doctor confirmed his heart had stopped beating, I think for a moment, my own heart had stopped.
No one can explain the pain from losing a child. I had prepared for Ty’s arrival and organized his nursery. I had fallen in love with the little person growing inside me. Not being able to take Ty home was hard enough. I also had to deal with my body’s natural process of producing breastmilk.
I found out about Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas from a nurse at Medical Center of Arlington. A lactation consultant explained that I could donate my milk to help save the lives of other babies. Right then, I knew I wanted to become a donor. I knew I had made the right decision when a woman at church told me about a premature baby who wouldn’t have lived without the help of donors like me.
My experience with Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas has been wonderful. Everyone has been extremely kind and the application process was quick and easy. I am amazed by the organization and am proud to have donated alongside so many other bereaved women.
Pumping and donating my milk gave me something positive and productive to do with my time. I didn’t want my milk to be yet another sad reminder of Ty’s passing, but a way for someone else to bring their baby home.
For more information about bereaved milk donation, click here.
