More than anything, Kya Diehl and her husband, Andy, wanted to have a child. But their journey to parenthood was difficult and filled with heartbreak. They tried getting pregnant for two and a half years before deciding on an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure.
“I got pregnant but then miscarried six weeks later. It was right before Christmas of 2018,” she shared. “The following spring, I got pregnant with twins and miscarried at nine weeks.”
Kya opted to have a procedure at Aurora Medical Center – Sheboygan County that would remove any tissue leftover from her second miscarriage. Before surgery, a team member specially trained in bereavement came to see her.
“I was absolutely blown away; I was in such a horrible place at that moment, and she was an angel – literally a lifesaver who helped me heal.”
The team member had received training from Resolve Through Sharing (RTS), a comprehensive bereavement program that addresses the individual needs of families who have experienced a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. The goal is to reach every grieving family from the moment their baby is lost, through the period of grieving and for as long as the family desires.
“My fear was that it would be like the babies were never here and that no one would know them. But she brought memorial gifts for us – tiny diapers with a pin that said our babies were special, along with a candle. She made me feel like my babies were recognized,” she said. “It was so meaningful.”
In January 2020, Kya and Andy, along with her parents, Joan and Tom Schnettler, purchased a store in Kohler and opened Little Love Baby & Children’s Boutique.
“We were in year four of trying to have a baby. Owning a store for babies and children might seem like the last thing we’d want to do, but there’s a famous quote about grief that really resonates with me: ‘Grief is love that has nowhere to go.’ We needed somewhere to pour some of that love – and we understand what it’s like to lose a baby.”
Kya and her family are especially mindful of customers who may be struggling with infertility themselves.
“We strive to be a place of inclusion. There are so many emotions when you’re trying to become pregnant for a long period of time, especially if your friends are having babies or you’re shopping for a baby shower. We try to be mindful of that, and we want everyone to be comfortable.”
As the business grew, Kya’s mother-in-law, Shari Diehl, started making baby hats for the store. They’re displayed next to the register with a sign that explains what the RTS program does. The suggested donation is $10 per hat, and Kya and her family donate the proceeds to support the RTS program.
“Sometimes people start to read the sign and tear up, and sometimes they give a hundred dollars. It’s really beautiful,” said Kya. “We also hear from grandparents whose children are struggling with infertility. The hats and the opportunity to give back are a nice way to recognize their struggles and stories.”
A beautiful, happy ending
After a third miscarriage, Kya became pregnant again in 2020. On July 4, 2021, she and Andy welcomed their son, Kashton, into the world.
“He’s our miracle baby. We are so grateful that we have that beautiful, happy ending that not everyone gets. He’s a big, healthy, happy boy, and he wears his grandma’s hats all the time.”
Kya and her family are also grateful for the support they’ve received – and continue to receive – through the RTS program.
“They follow up with me to see how I’m doing and schedule time to talk if I need it. They gave me a book about loss and sent remembrance ornaments for our babies during the holidays,” she shared. “We appreciate the intentional ways the whole team recognizes and acknowledges all of our children. There have been so many things that have helped with the healing process.”
The program also hosts an annual memorial walk called Footprints in Your Heart.
“Everyone lights candles for their babies. There are musicians who play and read the names of babies lost. It’s comforting to meet other people who understand what you’ve been through. Miscarriage and pregnancy are very common, and the RTS program is so supportive of people going through loss.”
How you can help
The Resolve Through Sharing (RTS) program at Aurora Medical Center – Sheboygan County is supported by donors. To learn more or to make a gift to help families like Kya’s, contact Amy Odekirk. You can also support a hospital or program in your community.