This week on Mid-Morning Magic, Yolanda Maartens would like to pause and talk about something most people don’t want to talk about. 

In the OFM Family Focus, it is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Week with the international commemoration taking place on Friday, 15 October. 

Portia joins Yolanda to share some statistics within the South African context and answers the question of why many don’t speak about their loss. Listen to the podcast below.

The interview concerns pregnancy loss and may be upsetting to listeners who've been affected by similar experiences. Listener discretion is advised. 

You can find crisis resources here:

1. SADAG is Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group. Visit their website here: https://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1835&Itemid=174
   
   
2. For support groups contact Carina de Klerk 071 360 2159 (Upington) or
   Amanda Loots 082 229 3666 (Kimberley).
   
   
3. IFAASA, the Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa NPC, established in 2013, is a non-profit organisation with the aim of supporting Southern Africans living with reproductive health issues through education, research, and advocacy, and educating the public about the reproductive disease. Get in touch with IFAASA by email at info@ifaasa.co.za.
   
   

4. Contact Portia Thekiso (social worker) on 051 404 6974. She is based at MEDICLINIC BLOEMFONTEIN.

5. Empty Wombs SA provides essential support for bereaved parents through creative coffee dates and initiatives that provide encouragement, love, support, and give hope to women who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss by grieving through creativity. More here: https://www.houseoffertility.org/Pregnancyloss.html