The silence surrounding stillbirth hides the problem and impedes investment. ~ Lancet Medical Journal, 2011
Star Legacy Foundation recognizes that the first step in the prevention of stillbirth and infant loss is to raise awareness and shed light on the tragedies that profoundly impact families around the world. We talk about the numbers and statistics but we also must recognize that these babies are more than data and each loss impacts families for the rest of their lives. Please join us in telling your story to enlighten the world to the tragedy of pregnancy & infant loss.
Submitted stories will be included on our website and may be used for awareness and educational videos projects.
Click here to see some of the stories that have already been submitted.
To share your story:
Stories may be submitted in either written or video format. We encourage video simply because seeing is believing and these efforts, while they take great courage, are so very impactful. You may of course submit written stories including photos or both written and video stories. We welcome all stories of miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal loss.
Written stories:
Send your story and any photos you would like used to: [email protected]. There is no limit to the length of your story or the number of photos you would like us to use. Please proof your story carefully for name spellings and other important information as we will use it as submitted. It can always be edited later if necessary. Once it is up on our website we will send you a note with a link where you can find it and can share with your friends and family.
Video stories:
- Videos can be recorded using a video recorder or the video function on your smart phone or tablet.
- In either case, using a stand is recommended so you don’t have excessive movement in the video. If you don’t have a stand try propping the device up on a steady surface to minimize movement. A last resort is to have someone hold your device as steady as possible.
- One or both parents can be in the video and it is ok if only one person does the speaking. Both are welcome to speak however.
- Sit comfortably in a chair in front of a light colored/plain (white is best) background. If necessary you might hang a white bedsheet behind you.
- Good lightening is important!
- Position yourself slightly to the left in the view finder (see photo)
- Zoom the image or position the camera to show your image from the waist up.
- At the beginning of your video please say your name(s) and your baby/s name. Please spell them out as well (or hold up a card with all names printed in large letters)
- Minimize any background noises for best possible sound quality.
- Tell your story in your own words including as much detail as you want. Speak from your heart. Don’t worry if you become emotional.
- If you need to take a break that is fine – don’t stop the recording if it is only for a short time, as we can edit those parts out later on.
- If you want to show a picture of your baby(ies) or other special items that is wonderful but certainly not required. Again, seeing is believing and images of these precious children helps the viewer to understand that we are talking about real babies!
- Once you have completed your video, click here to upload your video to our dropbox. Be sure your video file name includes your names. Then please send an email to [email protected] to let us know your video has been uploaded along with your name and contact information. We will acknowledge that the video has been successfully uploaded.
- When you send the video to us it is considered consent for us to use your video in our various projects and on our website. Please know that we will always respect the information you share. It will never be used for any other purpose without your permission.
- Once your story is posted to our website we will send you a note with a link where you can find it and share with your friends and family.
Talking points to consider:
Wondering what to say? Here are some suggestions but your story is your own so don’t be afraid to just tell is as you know it.
- How you felt when you learned you were pregnant.
- Did you become pregnant easily or does your story start with infertility and/or assisted reproduction?
- How did your pregnancy go?
- What was baby’s personality like while you were pregnant?
- Did your healthcare team talk to you at all about risk factors and/or stillbirth?
- Any complications?
- Were you ever concerned? Did you raise those concerns with your care provider? If so, how did he/she respond?
- How did your family & friends support your loss?
- How do you and your partner support each other? Have there been challenges?
- Do you have any special ways that you remember your baby?
- If you have other children, how did they handle the news that their baby sister/brother had died?
- How do you keep your baby as a special part of your family?
- What do you want everyone to know about pregnancy & infant loss?
These are just a few suggestions – do not let them limit your story!
Questions?
Send us a note to [email protected]
