Carol McMurrich, founder and executive director of Empty Arms Bereavement, tells her heartbreaking story of how, during the early stages of labor, her first baby, Charlotte Amelia, died from a compressed umbilical cord. Through her emotionally tumultuous roller coaster, Carol created a program specifically for those who have lost a baby, to assist the families and friends as support people to the bereaved parents.

I have personally experienced Carol's compassion and support when my son and his beautiful wife lost their baby girl Teagan at 23 weeks of pregnancy. I had absolutely no idea how to support my son and daughter-in-law. I was also an emotional wreck. Carol helped me through the pain and gave me resources that I could share with my family as we all experienced our grief in very individual ways.

The mission of Empty Arms Bereavement is:
   Empty Arms Bereavement Support serves individuals and families in Western Massachusetts whose babies have died through miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant death, or termination for medical reasons. By cultivating personal connections, creating a compassionate community, and fostering professional collaborations, we provide grieving parents with valuable resources and validation as they navigate the murky days, weeks, and lifetime without their baby.

This podcast episode is dedicated to my granddaughter Teagan Grace who died in her 23rd week of gestation. I never got to meet her, but she will always have a place in my heart.

You can follow Barbara Ann on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  You can follow Carol on Facebook