Michaela Meade
A Tarneit mother knows first-hand the importance of acknowledging the loss of a baby.
Priyanka Chetla experienced the stillbirth of her son Karthikeya Silveru in November, 2018.
She is sharing her story as part of Say Their Name Day to bring awareness to the “worst nightmare” for a parent.
Say Their Name Day, on March 25, was established by Miscarriage, Stillbirth & Newborn Death Support (Sands) to reduce the stigma of pregnancy and infant loss.
“It’s really important to honour our babies,” Ms Chetla said.
“We had our lovely baby born on November 24, 2018 at 37 weeks.
“I had my routine appointment… I was supposed to be induced in the next few days, expecting to carry a happy, healthy child home, and was shocked to hear [that there was] no heartbeat.”
Ms Chetla said Sands provides a “wonderful” space for “cherishing loved ones”, and wants other bereaved parents to know support is there for them.
“Whoever is going through [losing a baby], remember it’s not only you,” she said.
“You’re not alone in this journey.
“Always ask for help. Be open to talking and sharing.”
Ms Chetla has set up a donation page in loving memory of her son, to raise money for Sands.
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly will also be acknowledging the day, having experienced the loss of her daughter, Viviene.
“I’ll never forget being 37 weeks pregnant and driving to the hospital because I hadn’t felt my baby move for 24 hours,” Ms Connolly said.
“I remember glancing over at the midwife as she anxiously tried to find my baby’s heartbeat.
“I knew at that moment, my life was about to change, forever.
“The grief my husband, Scott, and I felt was crippling.
“The pain was unbearable, paralysing us both. No one knew what to say, what to do, or how to help us.
“The hospital encouraged us to get in contact with Sands.”
Sands is a volunteer-based organisation that aims to provide individualised care for bereaved parents.
According to Sands, it provides a space where “parents and their families can honour and remember their baby and connect with others who’ve had similar experiences.”
Ms Connolly said the support groups she attended through Sands helped her through her “journey of grief”.
“Attending these meetings and being around other parents who had lost their baby, gave me moments of hope,” she said.
“Hope that I would survive the loss and pain. Hope that I would be able to learn to be a mum to my baby that had died.
“And hope that I too would one day be able to smile, laugh, feel joy and happiness and eventually be able to get on with my life.”
Details: www.saytheirname.org.au/.
To donate: www.saytheirname.org.au/fundraisers/momdadandlovingbromissingyou/in-honour-of-karthikeya.
