'You'll always be a mother': Navigating Mother's Day after loss

MEQUON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- While many celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday, the holiday can also be a reminder of loss for others. 

Emily Landers will celebrate this Mother's Day with her three boys: Jack, Rowan and Barrett, but there will be someone missing. 

"On Mother's Day, it can be a really hard reminder of what is not there," Landers said.

Landers had a miscarriage in 2021. 

"We were pregnant, everything was going great until 15 weeks and they couldn't find the heartbeat," Landers said.

After her loss, she started "A Little Something A Lot of Love" for other moms who've lost their babies. 

"It's something that happens very frequently but it's not often talked about," Landers said.

She donates "joy bombs" or care packages to hospitals to give to women suffering from pregnancy loss.

Each package is different, but typically has things that are comforting, including a homemade bracelet, a wishing jar, a rainbow maker, a mug, tea, a flower voucher, chocolate and lotion. 

"We want people to know they're not alone," Landers said. 

She's donated nearly 500 care packages and meets monthly with other moms going through similar situations.

"We actually make the bracelets together, we write the notes for the bags together and we kind of heal through community and art," Landers said. 

UW Health psychologist Dr. Shilagh Mirgain said Mother's Day can be an emotional trigger for many.

"Almost in anyone's life, there are going to be years where Mother's Day is really challenging," Mirgain said. 

Mirgain encourages people to find their own way to celebrate, while treating others with generosity. She said certain struggles, like infertility, can often hide as silent grief. 

"It's important to prioritize your own self-care and just pick one thing that will bring a little bit of joy," Mirgain said. 

"A Little Something A Lot of Love" opened a door for Landers to find joy again.

"I've seen a lot of love; I've seen a lot of kindness from complete strangers, and I've become a part of this community that I didn't even know existed," Landers said. 

Now, she's holding that door open for others who need somewhere to heal. 

"You are a mother. You carry all those attributes already. You're strong. You're brave. You're courageous. You'll always be a mother," Landers said.

Donations to "A Little Something A Lot of Love" can be given on its website. For every bracelet purchased, one is donated to a mother suffering from pregnancy loss.