Overview
Did you know that one in four women are affected by pregnancy & infant loss within Australia and that the statistics on stillbirth within this country have not changed in over 20 years??
We are sad to also note that within the Wagga Wagga area alone, 31 families have lost their baby to late miscarriage & stillbirth in the last financial year.
These statistics are not only staggering but also heart breaking!
We are two bereaved Mums who have both been affected by such a loss when our daughters Ruby Gaffney & Mia Baker were stillborn in 2010 and 2019. We know only too well the gaps that are missing & the support that is lacking within regional & remote areas and are determined to not only break the taboo around pregnancy and infant loss, but to provide the much needed support to families.
Together we have worked to develop and implement a project to the Riverina, with hope of one day to expand across the country where no family ever feels unsupported and alone following the death of their baby. Our program is called ‘The Vilomah Community’ ~ the word Vilomah means “against a natural order.” As in, the grey-haired should not bury those with black hair. Our children should not precede us in death. If they do, we are vilomahed.
We want to show our families they are not alone. There is a community of people who will together walk with them along their journey of grief with no judgement, only love.
The project allows us to be available to support families as they are confronted with holding their lifeless babies, dressing their babies, bathing them, and leaving the hospital without them. Guiding families in the process of creating memories with photos, videos, and keepsakes and supporting families as they introduce siblings, family members, and friends.
Our aim is to support bereaved families by advocating for them through contacting funeral homes on their behalf and assisting with planning, counselling, photography, and helping them on their journey of returning to work.
Working with families as they re-enter society, supporting them as they tackle the complex challenges of mother’s and father’s days, anniversary’s, and birthdays as well as other holidays as bereaved families. The program would also cover support for families with future pregnancies if they were to occur within 12 months of their loss.
Rewards
Thank you ~ $20 - $20
Thank you - $50
Thank you - $100
Thank you - $200
Thank you - $500
Stretch Goals
Stretch Goal - $100000
Our ultimate goal is to spread our program across the country so as no family is left unsupported.
Your continued support to see this happen would be greatly appreciated.
Rita says
Hi Megan, its Rita Toohey, Ann-Maree’s mum, Xaviers Nanny. I want to wish you all the very best in this wonderful project, I sincerely hope you are able to achieve your goal.
Love Rita xx
MeganGaffney says
Oh Rita! Thank you very much 🤍 We are so grateful for your support.
Sending love to you, Annie + Xavier always x
Riverina Bloss – Pregnancy & Baby Loss Support are honoured to support & contribute to this program and look forward to working along side The Vilomah Community to support families.
Thank you so much to the beautiful team at Bloss ~ how lucky the Riverina is to be supported by such amazing services x