Parents who have lost infants are finding comfort through a unique program at Aurora Women's Pavilion in West Allis.
Sarah Dominguez and her husband Joe have been attending a support group there for more than three years, after losing their son Ty at birth.
"It's a sad story and it's a journey that I hope no one ever has to go on but to understand that there's resources and there's help," Sarah said.
October is Infant Loss Awareness Month and this Sunday is a national day of remembrance for all babies lost from miscarriages or stillbirths.
The Dominguez family lost their son in April 2014. Sarah said at 39 weeks and after a completely normal pregnancy, she couldn't feel Ty moving anymore. When she went to the hospital, they couldn't find a heartbeat.
"Immediately it was disbelief, shock and anger and all of those things come like a lion," Sarah said. "We didn't know what to do next."
They were introduced to Machelle Minster, a registered nurse who coordinates the Resolve through Sharing program at Aurora Women's Pavilion, a monthly support group for families who have lost a baby.
"They're never going to be the same people," Minster said. "Just to be able to laugh and smile and go on with their life, even though part of their heart is missing."
Sarah said the group has helped her marriage and helped her heal. She and her husband had another son following Ty's death and even though she said it was terrifying, the support group helped them make it through.
"There is a light and that grief, it's not like a rain cloud all the time," Sarah said. "There are rays of sunshine that poke through and the ability to recognize that comes from others who have gone through that journey as well."
The program is free and anyone can come, even if they're not a patient at Aurora.
The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Women's Pavilion, 8901 W. Lincoln Ave.
There is no pre-registration required. For more information, contact Machelle Minster at 414-329-5908.
