Don't Forget to Acknowledge Grieving Mothers Sunday, May 10
SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Mother's Day celebrations throughout the United States today bear little resemblance to the events of the past. Originally formed in 1868 after the Civil War and called Mother's Friendship Day, the occasion served to comfort mothers who had lost sons in the war and to help reunite families divided by the war.
When you think of Mother's Day now, what comes to mind? According to the National Retail Federation, if you are among the many who contribute to the $19 billion spent on moms each year likely flowers, gifts, greeting cards and dining out are top of mind.
How about a therapeutic teddy bear?
For the 25,000 pregnant women who lose a child each year in the U.S. due to numerous causes and complications, a Teddy Bear, instead of flowers or cards, is likely what the doctor will order.
When Marcella Johnson, founder of the Comfort Cub www.thecomfortcub.com lost her son in 1999, her heart ached and she craved the feeling of wanting to hold her child. She learned through research that many grieving mothers experienced similar perinatal bereavement symptoms including depression, aching arms and stress-induced cardiomyopathy dubbed the "broken heart syndrome." Johnson recognized her symptoms subsided when she held onto a weighted object.
"I wanted to prevent mothers, who recently lost an infant, from experiencing the same symptoms that I did and from leaving the hospital with nothing in their arms," said Johnson. "The size and weight of the Comfort Cub is designed to mimic the shape and feel of a newborn and is one of the first steps in helping mothers manage their grief."
Finding comfort with a stuffed animal has a long history that continues today. The most common examples include babies and victims of trauma; however college students and adults can also find relief of stress in sleeping with a stuffed toy. A study by the American Psychological Association said stuffed animals have proven to serve as sources of comfort and stability. Surprisingly, a 2011 study of 6,000 British adults conducted by Travelodge found that 35% of adults still sleep with a teddy bear.
"These Comfort Cubs are priceless. They have been found to be most helpful in the grieving process for my patients who have lost a baby," said Scripps Clinic physician Kevin McNeely, OBGYN. "We are grateful we have this resource available to us when words fail."
"In the spirit of the original Mother's Day celebration honoring lost family members, consider buying a Comfort Cub in the name of your mother to be given to a mother in need," said Karen Anderson, Clinical Supervisor at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns. "I know firsthand how powerful this teddy bear can be—the comfort it provides is immeasurable."
Nearly 7,000 Comfort Cubs are in the hands and arms of grieving mothers and other people who have experienced a sudden loss of a loved one. Each therapeutic Comfort Cub retails for $49.95 and can be purchased directly through the company's website at www.thecomfortcub.com. Grieving mothers can also find resources on the website to help cope with the challenges of their loss.
Media Contact:
Allison Ward Moore
Ward Group PR
Tel: 941-961-3708
Email