Rocklin Family Launches Foundation to Aid Stillbirth Grief

BREAKING: A Rocklin, California family is urgently addressing the pain of stillbirth and infant loss through a newly established foundation. Katy and Brian Herman, who tragically lost their son, Wesley Dean Herman, during childbirth on April 11, 2021, are determined to provide support for grieving families.

Every year, over 21,000 babies are stillborn in the United States, with California averaging more than 2,100 fetal deaths annually. The Hermans’ heartbreaking journey began when Katy noticed a lack of movement from her baby just five days past due. “No one should have to go through this. The sad reality is people do,” Katy stated.

Doctors confirmed that Wesley died from a true knot in his umbilical cord, a devastating revelation that left the Hermans in a state of shock. “It was hard. Really hard,” Katy reflected, holding a framed photo taken shortly after Wesley’s birth.

Determined to make a difference, the Hermans founded the Born Sleeping Foundation in Wesley’s honor. Their mission focuses on providing essential tools for families navigating the trauma of infant loss. Recently, the foundation donated a Cuddle Cot to the Sutter Medical Center Sacramento’s High Risk Maternity Unit, which experiences three to five infant deaths monthly.

The Cuddle Cot, an infant-sized cooling pad, allows families to keep their baby close for as long as they need, fostering a more humane grieving process. “This Cuddle Cot has allowed that the baby can be at the bedside for really as long as the family is ready to let go,” said Cherie Abercrombie, clinical manager of the maternity unit.

Each Cuddle Cot costs approximately $3,000. Thanks to community support, the Born Sleeping Foundation has already raised enough funds to donate nearly 30 Cuddle Cots to hospitals across California, Nevada, Washington, and Texas. “It just gives the gift of time to families who go through stillbirth or infant loss,” Katy emphasized.

As the foundation grows, the Hermans are committed to saying “yes” to opportunities that arise to help others. “Let’s just see what happens and how we can help people,” Katy urged.

This initiative aims to provide families with the space they need to grieve and begin healing in their own way. If you would like to support this vital cause or learn more about the foundation’s work, visit bornsleepingfoundation.org.

This urgent mission highlights the importance of community support in times of profound loss and the need for more resources to help families cope with the heart-wrenching reality of infant loss.