Strategies for Survival: Dealing with Infant Loss

Know You Will Survive

"You will survive," Johnston and Campbell continually remind parents. "The pain will ease. You don't ever forget," says Johnston. "Not forgetting keeps the memory of the baby alive in your heart and your mind."

With the gift of some time behind them, the Cozzens and Mack share their current life outlook. "One of the gifts from Tommy's passing is learning that you actually have the strength to hold such a tremendous pain, and then from that you kind of build your life in a different way," says Nancy Cozzens. "The way I spend my time and think about family has changed.

Her husband chimes in, "Love your children every day and let them know it. I realize we get caught up in day-to-day life. I often remind Nancy of the concept of always thinking you have time for things in life or we'll get to that at some point. Just try to remember that it's not infinite."

"I never imagined that I could survive this, but not surviving wasn't an option. There's just more to me than three pregnancy losses," says Mack. "I still have hopes and dreams, and one of my dreams is to be a mom."

For support groups in your area, check with your hospital. Other helpful resources: www.compassionatefriends.org, www.gundluth.org/bereave, and www.nationalshareoffice.com.

Her husband chimes in, "Love your children every day and let them know it. I realize we get caught up in day-to-day life. I often remind Nancy of the concept of always thinking you have time for things in life or we'll get to that at some point. Just try to remember that it's not infinite."

For support groups in your area, check with your hospital. Other helpful resources include: www.compassionatefriends.org, www.gundluth.org/bereave, and www.nationalshareoffice.com.