Online communities

Since I was pregnant with Annalyn I have always gravitated towards online communities. When I was a few months pregnant with her I was introduced to a "Mom Board". A group of women online posting about pregnancy, newborns, and everything/anything about being a parent and all that goes along with it. Not many people understand the dynamics that go along with an internet community unless you are part of one. These are not just strangers behind the screen as some might think. These are women I talk to daily (many times throughout the day), they are women I have traveled hundreds of miles to meet, we share in each others joys and heartbreaks. We talk about the intimate details of pregnancy that one wouldn't normally share with just anyone. We talk about our children, our family, our marriage, our finances, our likes and dislikes. We often rant to each other and say things that we want to say to other people but it often is not appropriate. Some of these women have become my best friends. The day before we found out that Ellie passed away I was eagerly posting about every little tiny abnormal ache that I felt. My momma friends all eagerly assured me that it indeed sounded like I was in labor. When I woke up Tuesday April 22nd, and had was not feeling movement I shared my concerns with my momma friends. I updated them almost minute by minute until I got into the doctors office and got my heartbreaking news. Since that day, more than ever these women have banded together and helped hold me up so that I don't completely break down into pieces. If you have suffered a loss I highly suggest reaching out into an online community and maybe chatting with others that have experienced a loss. If you are a momma or trying to become one I suggest it as well. It is a great outlet and a wealth of knowledge.