Support Update – May 2025
A message from Bears Of Hope counsellor Bec:
Each year as May approaches, many parents start to think about Mother’s day. It’s often hard to ignore with all of the advertising in the shops and reminders seem to be everywhere.
If you are a friend or family member, we have put together a few thoughtful ways to show support this weekend.
- Send a message to let them know you are thinking of them
- Ask them if they’d like to do something special for their day
- Check in with them if they would like to connect
- Use their child’s name
- Send them a thoughtful gift or card
If this is your first Mother’s Day without your baby you may not know what to expect, and the anticipation leading up to this day can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been doing this for a while you may have some idea what to expect, but each year can feel different, and the feelings can be just as overwhelming with subsequent passing years. For those mother’s who have living children, the day may feel conflicted as you tread a delicate balance between celebrating with your children who are here with you and acknowledging and remembering those who are in your hearts.
Have a think in advance about how you would like to spend the day, to celebrate your own motherhood. Whether that means being with family or friends or having some time alone, taking some special time to acknowledge your baby, in whatever way feels right for you.
Letting others know your expectations of them on the day can also be helpful, to avoid disappointment if they aren’t sure what to do or say. This will look different for everyone, however it could mean letting loved ones know that you’re expecting the day to be challenging and you’d like to receive messages of support, or letting your partner know that you’d love to receive a card from your baby. Alternatively, you may not want to hear from others, and that is fine too.
Do you know anyone else who may also be finding this day difficult? Perhaps you know another bereaved mum or someone who has lost their own mother who would appreciate hearing from you. Reaching out to connect with others can help to reduce some of the feelings of isolation that often show up on these significant days.
As this day is about celebrating you and your motherhood, try to get in something just for you on this day, some small act of self-care that feels good. Maybe a late sleep-in, a bubble bath, some time to read a book or listen to music – whatever you enjoy.
However you decide to spend your day, we wish all mother’s a very gentle day and hope that you can find a way to celebrate your motherhood that feels right for you.
Our support team are here for when you need.
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