The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

After losing a daughter in the 36th week of pregnancy in 2014 and miscarrying after just four months in 2015, Joeranda Braynen was inspired to create an infant loss support and encouragement organisation that she calls "A Little Peace of My Heart".

It was on the first anniversary of what would have been her daughter's birthday - whom she called Jhene Jolie - that Joeranda became inspired to share her story in a way that would touch others.

"This non-profit organisation was formed to celebrate the life and memories of my daughter, Jhene, who was a stillbirth. My motto is 'I've survived the agony and grief of losing an infant and you will, too'. I am a lady of strong faith and unwavering belief in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am truly the person I am today as a result of all the challenges I encountered and was able to overcome. I am the wife of Javon Braynen and the proud mother of two wonderful sons - six-year-old Jaylen and 10-month-old Jayce - and angel babies Jhene and Robyn," she told Tribune Woman.

A Little Peace of My Heart's mission is to encourage, uplift, and strengthen other "angel moms" by way of various social media platforms such as Facebook (Peace Of My Heart), Twitter and Instagram (peaceofmyheart7).

Joeranda, who is also the proprietor of Basileia Natural Nails, a home-based nail salon, hopes to reach people affected by infant loss both here at home and around the world.

"I mourned for months, searching for answers and many times blaming myself. I sank deep into depression and felt lonely, like a negligent mom, to the point where I questioned whether I ever wanted to go through another pregnancy. I had no one to talk to and no one who could empathise with me; it was just me and my thoughts, and this is also where the idea of A little Peace of My Heart was formed," said Joeranda.

Even though she was stillborn, Joeranda said her daughter made a huge impact on her and her family.

"Physically you only see my two boys, and my daughter is missing, so as a mom I feel like it's keeping my daughter's memory alive that will aid in breaking the taboo of not talking or mentioning a child that's no longer here physically with us. I want this organisation to be a tool for families that encounter same or similar challenges during and after pregnancy to have a care group and support system that encourages, uplifts and heals those who are faced with the tragic loss of a child," said Joeranda.

She believes pregnancy or infant loss in the Bahamas is, for the most part, treated nonchalantly and not as serious as it should be. Reflecting on her experiences, Joeranda said she will never forget some of the insensitive advice she was given after her loss. There were comments like, "You will have more children", as if her lost daughter were replaceable.

"During the first month after losing my daughter I heard clearly from God. He reassured me that even though my daughter is not with me, she's with Him, and from that moment on there was an overwhelming warmth of peace that to this day gives me the strength to persevere and minister daily about my story," she said.

"I don't profess to being an expert, however, the agony I encountered while going through the process alone caused me to realise that we as Bahamians tend to ignore this very traumatic occurrence. I want to be a beacon of light and source of inspiration to others."

Ultimately, Joeranda's goal is to provide awareness through the sharing of information on the subject of infant loss and its many forms, including miscarriages, stillbirths, neonatal loss and sudden infant deaths (SIDS).

She is looking forward to building partnerships with local hospitals and clinics regarding the support and counselling of families who face infant loss; partnerships with local churches to assist families in spiritual healing; providing care packages to families going through the ordeal of an infant loss; participating in Infant Loss Month activities; aiding families with assistance and providing ideas for funeral and memorial planning, and hosting a walkathon and balloon release event.