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Saturday 6th December
3pm - 6pm
Seacombe Studio
75 Reid St North Fitzroy (Enter via Seacombe St)
Celebration & ceremony and connection for parents who lost babies to stillbirth, TFMR or neonatal loss.*
With Caz Butler + The Living Doula
*We would like to acknowledge that some parents may have had 2nd trimester losses and feel like they don’t quite belong in any camp. We welcome you with open arms to Stories of Knowing.
In 2023 I (Caz) lost my daughter Jean at birth. I recall my friend saying, “You’re in a shit club and you’re about to find out just how many people are in it.” Over the past two and a half years, I’ve been devastated, but I’ve also been uplifted with the connection I’ve experienced with other loss parents.
People often say that Christmas is one of the hardest times and so this year I thought, why not create an event for those of us who know the very real heartbreak of losing our baby to remember and celebrate. To commemorate our babies, to share joy, to say their names AND to have a nice time doing it.
Working with Charlotte (The Living Doula) was a no-brainer for this event. She is incredibly skilled at holding the big stuff, creating ceremony and all elements of life, birth and death.
Stories of Knowing is part circle / gathering, part workshop, part Christmas party and BOTH parents are welcome. Whether you lost your baby very recently or decades ago, we welcome you.
There will be time to reflect with exercises and conversation, time to share joyful and sorrowful memories and time for a glass of wine and a laugh. Together we wanted to create an event that holds our grief, and elevates our joy. A space for you to bring every part of yourself.
We have carefully curated an afternoon of creative contemplation, connection with each other and written words to our babies. While some elements are created for sharing aloud, participation is never compulsory (though events like this tend to bring out the chatterbox in us).
A space to honour your child. To share stories. To sit with those who understand the complexity of walking the path of loss - and to raise a toast to the beauty of love, life and light after the dark.
Because we hold it all and we deserve nice things. Let’s reclaim the holiday season.
In a nutshell:
Food and drinks (wine generously donated by Konpira Maru)
Gift bags AND door prizes donated by our sponsors
Activities
Discussion
Music
DRESS CODE
Smart casual (Caz would love to say cocktail, but realises it might be a bit of a stretch). An opportunity to dress up and feel good.
WHAT TO BRING
A journal and a pen
WHO WE ARE
Caz is a Chinese medicine practitioner in Melbourne. She has a passion for women’s health and has more recently discovered that she loves hosting events despite being a bit introverted. After losing her daughter Jean in 2023, she went on to have her son Freddie who is just learning to walk.
Charlotte is a mother and doula based on the Mornington Peninsula. For five years, she's been holding space for families navigating life's more tender and challenging moments. After surviving cancer nine years ago, her work naturally evolved to serve those who've walked through the shadowier sides of life—the ones who carry stories that have reshaped them. She's committed to creating spaces where trust can be found again, even in the midst of life's most profound transitions.
If you are purchasing for your partner as well please use code PARTNER for $20 off their ticket.
FAQ:
Will I need to talk in front of the group if I don’t feel up to it?
No, of course not. No one will be asked to do or contribute in a way that feels uncomfortable or disingenuous to them. We trust you to make the choice that feels right for you.
Will there be food and drink?
Yes! Wine and non-alc beverages will be supplied. Food will be grazing board style - there will be minimal gluten and dairy free options but we will do our best to cater to all.
What do I wear?
We are treating this as a bit of a end of year/christmas style celebration - so please throw a frock or shirt on and feel good! As long as you’re feeling a little festive/dressed up and comfortable - you’ve nailed it!
Can my partner come?
Yes! We are welcoming all couples who have walked the path of loss to join us. So many events are often designed for one parent but we feel its important to provide a space for both parents to feel seen and be surrounded by community.
Who is this event for exactly?
While we believe and validate that all loss is immensely painful and difficult this event is for parents who have experienced loss through still birth, TFMR or neonatal death or second trimester loss.
What if I can no longer make it on the day?
There are very limited tickets available and all ticket sales are final. We thank you for your understanding.