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Recognition highlights the often unspoken, but significant need for compassionate healing and support for those suffering from reproductive grief
East County News Service
November 24, 2024 (La Mesa) -- In recently presenting its more than two dozen "Celebrating Women 2024" awards, San Diego Magazine recognized one individual as "Pioneer of the Year" for her groundbreaking work to support those suffering from the very personal and far-too-often unacknowledged grief that follows reproductive loss.
Dr. Michaelene Fredenburg, Founder and CEO of Institute of Reproductive Grief Care and long-time La Mesa resident, was honored November 6, following a panel of the magazine's judges reviewing hundreds of Pioneer and Rising Star nominations received in 15 different categories.
The award winners represent the diverse span of industries that make up the San Diego region, women paving the way, inspiring others, or just all around doing great things for our community.
"Dr. Michaelene Fredenburg is actively working toward calling attention to the maternal mental health crisis that exists in America today," said Claire Johnson, CEO of San Diego Magazine. "Her research, development, and implementation of grief counseling within the national healthcare system has made leaps and bounds in providing women with the resources they need during emotionally strenuous moments.
"Through her efforts, she has made this sensitive conversation more approachable and fostered the care and attention it desperately needs. She has not only advocated for the recognition of reproductive grief counseling but has made strides in providing the tools and training to those in need."
Dr. Fredenburg, who founded the non-profit organization in 2008, said, "I couldn’t be more honored and excited about receiving the 'Pioneer of the Year' award. This powerful affirmation gives voice to those who are silently suffering, while the recognition also bolsters the Institute's platform to more rapidly equip healthcare providers in giving compassionate care. To all those who have experienced reproductive loss -- help is on the way!"
More on San Diego Magazine Celebrating Women 2024 Awards:
About the Institute of Reproductive Grief Care
One in four U.S. pregnancies end in miscarriage – and this is just one kind of reproductive loss. Busy hospital Emergency Departments are reporting an average of five pregnancy losses each day. About 2.4 million fetal and neonatal deaths occur in the perinatal period in the U.S. – four times more than the annual number of deaths from cancer! These numbers don’t include infertility, which carries its own repeated, emotional pain.
At the Institute of Reproductive Grief Care, we educate frontline medical teams to reduce emotional trauma and set patients on a healthy healing trajectory, bringing comfort and hope during a time of great loss. We also offer healing resources directly to those touched by reproductive loss and conduct and promote research to help those who grieve.
More information: https://reproductivegrief.org/
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