Bethany Discussion Forums

Please pray for my friend at church, Beth, as she delivered a sweet baby boy last night at only 22 weeks. She and her husband were able to hold him for about 10 minutes before he went to be with the Lord. Her complications were very unexpected, and the cause for her early labor is unknown. Please pray for the Lord's presence and comfort right now as they process and grieve. They are both Believers and are a precious family. They have one son who is almost 2 years old.

Thanks so much for your prayers.

I am so sorry!

Oh, how sad. Prayers for Beth and her family.

How sad! Praying for them

Thank you so much for your prayers. Beth's mom is currently at her house packing up the baby clothes and other items that she had been getting ready and laundering. She may come home sometime this afternoon. I am told that the hospital staff were very tender and kind and acknowledged the personhood of this precious little boy. They even offered her an outfit in which to dress him.

I'm not sure what is appropriate to say to Beth, but I'd like to let her know that she is loved and prayed for. I would welcome any advice from those who have been close to such a loss as to how to best communicate that to her.

I don't even know what to say except, I'm soooo sorry!

I think it's hard to find words, Jenni...but you always seem to say "it" well and very kindly so the words will come to you.

I cannot imagine their pain.

I am praying, Jenni!

Praying.

I'm praying for your friend Jenni.

I've been there. My Anna was born at 19 weeks gestation. She took her last breath as she was being delivered. I'm so glad to hear your friend got a few moments with their baby. I can't say if this will help your friend, but I loved talking about holding her and telling people how beautiful she was even though she had no hair or eyebrows and that she looked just like my son and that she already had fingernails...etc. I loved that my husband made a beautiful shadowbox to keep her dress, hat and a few other things in. Ask if she took pictures and if you're emotionally able, ask to see them and tell her how beautiful her baby is. I was so grateful that my mom and two friends (who are nurses) WANTED to see my precious Anna even without the little hat on.

I probably should've PM'd this, but I'll leave it. PM me if you want to ask more.

PS... My husband did just as most of the pamphlets suggested men would do.... busy themselves with work. It seems to be the coping mechanism they most turn to. So, if you are able, definitely go spend some time with her.

Again, I'll be praying for your friend and her family.

I'm so sorry to hear this.
I lost my twins at 19 weeks. I just wanted to talk about my grief, talk about them, be acknowledged as a "mother", have their existence acknowledged and treated as real.
You are such a sensitive and kind person. I'm sure you will be a great friend for her during this hard time.