Drawing upon her experience as an OB/GYN and as a mother that has felt the sorrow of pregnancy loss, Dr. I. Cori Baill shares with Michelle the journey of writing her beautiful and much-needed book, Why is Mommy Crying-explaining early pregnancy loss to young children.  Dr. Baill provides suggestions and guidelines when experiencing a miscarriage. She reminds grieving parents of the importance of not blaming themselves and or feeling shame regarding their miscarriage, doing their best to overlook the well-meaning but often hurtful things that people can say, and remembering they are not alone in this experience. So many others have experienced baby loss, as well. As a professor, Dr. Baill is working to instill the skills of humanity, empathy, and compassionate care in the next generation of physicians. 

"There is just too much silence about miscarriage. Women have grieved way too long in silence and have been told, 'You'll get over it, just move on.’ And, I don't think that's the appropriate message. We should have the time, and the permission and the support to grieve the loss of a pregnancy." —Dr.  Cori Baill 

About the Book:

This beautifully illustrated story helps recipients as young as three years of age. Written by an experienced physician, Why is Mommy Crying -explaining early pregnancy loss to young children comforts in the context of family and the larger universe.  The young protagonist, Max, using his imagination, and accompanied by his stuffed animal, Mink, begins to understand what has made his mother sad. His imagery and ideas offer a gentle springboard to discuss broader concepts surrounding grief and recovery, including religion. Why is Mommy Crying -explaining early pregnancy loss to young children helps to end the all too pervasive silence surrounding miscarriage. This inclusive book offers age-appropriate comfort, consolation, and reassurance. Its themes are universal and non-denominational.   

Connect with Dr. Baill:

Twitter:  @wimcbook

Instagram @wimcbook

Facebook: @whyismommycrying

About Dr. Baill:

I. Cori Baill, MD is a board-certified OB/GYN. She completed her OB/GYN residency at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, then practiced for many years. She is now a Professor at the University of Central Florida, College of Medicine. In addition to many years of caring for women and their families, she is an award-winning short story author and the mother of two.  She hopes that Why is Mommy Crying? comforts those who have known the grief of miscarriage, especially the family's youngest members. 

About the Illustrator:

Heather Bell, SCWBI illustrator, https://heatherbellbooks.com, added immeasurably to this project.  She holds BFA in Painting from the Kansas City Art Institute, is a member of SCBWI, a participant in the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, and a Children’s Book Academy graduate. When not illustrating and writing, she searches out story ideas as an undercover school bus driver. Heather Bell is an author/illustrator represented by Kaitlyn Sanchez at Olswanger Literary Agency.

Connect with Michelle:

Website:  BirthEaseServices.com /loss-support

Facebook:   Birth Ease Baby Loss Support

Instagram:   @birtheaselossssupport

LinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle Smith

Thank you for listening! Remember, you are not alone in your grief.