“I thought I was going to the hospital to deliver a healthy baby girl, but in a matter of seconds, our world came crashing in on us."

That's how Tanya Jacobi, of Norwalk, described having a stillborn child in 2021.

She works with licensed perinatal and maternal mental health therapist, Abby Dixon, LPCA, of Westport, to build awareness and celebrate the memory of her stillborn daughter, Ryleigh.

"We honor her every single day. Our other children talk about her all the time, and they know they have a sibling," Jacobi says.

Dixon’s company, Joywell, provides personalized support and guidance for mothers and expectant moms.

"We need to support these moms. We need to make sure that they are recognized – that their babies are recognized," she says.

Jacobi, who's expecting a baby boy in February or March, says the therapy Dixon has provided has made her "stronger and better prepared for the future.”

For resources, you can visit the Ryleigh's Resources website and the Joywell website.