“We lost our desperately wanted baby. This was not news we ever wanted to have to share with you,” she said.
Boyack said she decided to share the news with the community for two reasons.
She said she wanted to explain why she had been absent while she recovered and healed, and also wanted to raise the issue of infertility, miscarriage and baby loss, which are often kept secret.
“Many people who suffer from infertility, miscarriage and baby loss suffer in secret and in silence. Scott and I want you to know that we see you, and we truly understand,” Boyack said.
She said deciding on how much to share is a highly individual choice for women, partners, husbands and support people.
“If you are reading this and reflecting on your own loss, please know that we are sending you all our love and care,” she said.
Boyack then thanked her family and friends for their support, alongside her staff and colleagues.
She said that in particular she wanted to send her “sincere and heartfelt” thanks to the staff at Nelson Hospital who looked after her with skill, compassion and care.
“To our midwife Ruby, words can not express how much we appreciated your care and advocacy,” Boyack said.
The post was flooded with supportive comments from Nelson locals and colleagues.
Many spoke of their own experiences of pain and loss, and others shared messages of support for the decision to share the news publicly.
“Kind wish [sic] to both you and Scott at a difficult time and best wishes for recovery,” Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said.
Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford said, “I’m really sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and Scott. Thank you for sharing something so personal; I know that can’t have been easy.”
Boyack said she missed doing the job she loved while she was absent and said she was set to return to work later in the week.
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