Zuckerberg & Chan Pregnancy Announcement

I am always so impressed when people are brave in sharing about their losses. It is not an easy thing to do in our culture. On July 31, the Facebook founder updated his public profile with the news of their growing family. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s pregnancy announcement confirmed the couple is pregnant – and with a baby girl, but also that they have been trying for years. Three miscarriages later, they posted a smiling maternity photo, Priscilla with a radiant smile and the glow of motherhood.

For those of you not on Facebook, or may have missed the announcement, here it is.

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan pregnancy announcement:

 

 

The announcement shares with the world some of the challenges and confusion around miscarriage.

“You feel so hopeful when you learn you’re going to have a child. You start imagining who they’ll become and dreaming of hopes for their future. You start making plans, and then they’re gone. It’s a lonely experience. Most people don’t discuss miscarriage because you worry your problems will distance you or reflect upon you – as if you’re defective or did something to cause this. So you struggle on your own.” – Zuckerberg

I strongly believe that openness in dialogue around loss is important to break down this feeling of loneliness. With how common child-loss actually is around the world, we need not feel alone or defective. One of my goals with Wanted Chosen Planned is to create a safe place to share our stories, support each other and find hope.

“In today’s open and connected world, discussing these issues doesn’t distance us; it brings us together. It creates understanding and tolerance, and it gives us hope.” – Zuckerberg

I love this perspective. On the other hand, I do worry that our “connected world” may not always foster true vulnerability. Sometimes I find social networks are bragging grounds and foster a distinction between public persona and personal reality. What do you think? Are you 100% yourself online?

“When we started talking to our friends, we realized how frequently this happened – that many people we knew had similar issues and that nearly all had healthy children after all.” – Zuckerberg

Talking to family and friends about your loss is so important. From my experience, this is when you realize how many people have been touched by miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a living child. Through communication, we can process our situation and learn from others who have been there. One of the tricky parts with this, though, is finding people you can trust to open up with. Not everyone will be understanding in the way you need. Talking to a counselor is also tremendously helpful.

“We hope that sharing our experience will give more people the same hope we felt and will help more people feel comfortable sharing their stories as well.” – Zuckerberg

I commend Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan for being open with their struggles. That takes courage. Through their announcement, more people are talking and that is a good thing.

Have you lost a child? What is your story?

I invite you to comment below or contact me at info@alexismariechute.com

Hugs,

Alexis Marie