Summary
Jessi Michel shares her heartbreaking story of stillbirth and her advocacy work to prevent stillbirths. She recounts the day her daughter Freya was born still and the emotional journey that followed. Jessi emphasizes the need for better education and awareness about stillbirth, as well as improved data collection and research. She discusses two bills in Congress, the Maternal and Child Health and Stillbirth Prevention Act and the Shine for Autumn Act, which aim to address these issues. Jessi encourages listeners to support these bills by contacting their congressional leaders.
Takeaways
Stillbirth is a devastating experience that affects thousands of families each year.
Improved education and awareness about stillbirth are crucial in preventing future cases.
There are two bills in Congress, the Maternal and Child Health and Stillbirth Prevention Act and the Shine for Autumn Act, that aim to address stillbirth prevention through enhanced data collection, research, education, and awareness.
Supporting these bills by contacting congressional leaders can make a difference in advancing stillbirth prevention efforts.
More funding and resources are needed to train pathologists in stillbirth autopsies and to provide better support for families who have experienced stillbirth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
21:33 Living with Loss and Finding Purpose
32:46 Advocacy for Stillbirth Prevention
43:00 The Urgent Need for Education and Awareness
48:15 Improving Research and Data Collection
51:26 Taking Action to Support Stillbirth Prevention
Links in this Episode:
*Stillbirth Support link to message congressional leaders: bit.ly/StopStillbirth
*To join Minnesota’s Stillbirth prevention advocacy groups: mnstillbirthlegislation@gmail.com or facebook group: Minnesota Stillbirth Prevention Advocacy
*SHINE for Autumn Act on socials: Instagram; Facebook, website
*Healthy Birthday, Inc on socials: Instagram; Facebook; website
*Measure the Placenta on socials: Instagram; Facebook; website
*Freya’s Hospital Library Wish list: tinyurl.com/FreyaLibrary
