Last week, incredibly sad news came from Bachelor Nation when Sarah Herron, a graduate of The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise shows, announced that her baby Oliver passed away shortly after birth at the age of 24 weeks. As she described being “shattered beyond belief,” her fellow reality show contestants rushed to express their condolences, love and support as Herron continued to talk about her heartbreaking postpartum journey and the grief she and her fiance experienced after “arriving.” home without Oliver.
Sarah Herron, who appeared in Sean Lowe’s season “The Bachelor” as well as seasons 1 and 3 “Bachelor in Paradise”, was expecting her and her fiance Dylan Brown’s first child after undergoing IVF procedures. Oliver Brown was born on January 28 and died in his father’s arms on the same day. Herron continued to talk about her experience, posting on Instagram about the transition from the second trimester to the fourth trimester and about not being ready for such an outcome. She said:
I didn’t know I was going to have milk. Or that I’ll need my bathroom filled with adult diapers, witch hazel, and ice packs at 24 weeks pregnant. I haven’t unpacked my breasts yet and haven’t learned how to express my breasts with one hand. But suddenly my days that should have been spent trying belly oils and rubbing my stomach are being spent on an accelerated course of postpartum relief through tears. I don’t want relief, I want my baby.
Several members of the Bachelor/Bachelor family have reached out via the comments section to her Instagram post to send messages of support after the tragic loss. These responses included love from some former bachelors:
- Emily Maynard: Oh dear Sarah. I am so sorry. I really don’t have the words. Oliver will remain a shining light in this world for you and Dylan. I wish I could do or say more. I will keep you both in my prayers and pray specifically for the grace of God, which transcends all understanding. I’m so sorry that my heart is completely broken because of you. Every time I logged into Instagram, I was so excited to see an update from you. I know it’s hard to believe right now, but God will redeem your story in such a great way. I promise. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
- Claire Crowley: Oliver, you are so loved ❤️ Sarah, you are the most wonderful mother, and your strength, no matter what, to fight so hard for your son, was nothing but a wonderful testimony 🙏🏼
- Katie Thurston: I send all my love and support to your family. My condolences on your loss. ❤️
- Trista Sutter: Oh, how my heart breaks for you and Dylan. I know I can’t say anything to help with your grief, but know that I’m there if you need a hug. 💔
Comments poured in from many others, including Lauren Lane (nee Bushnell), Vanessa Grimaldi, Becca Tilly, Natasha Parker, Jared Haybon and many others. Sean Lowe’s wife Catherine Giudici was among those who reached out as the outpouring of well wishes continued: - Catherine Giudici: Oh, Sarah, I’m so sorry. I wish I could hug you right now ❤️ what a heartbreaking experience for you, precious mom. I am sending you so much love and praying for both of you right now.
- Jade Roper: Oh, Sarah, I love you so much. I’m so sorry, my heart is broken and grieving with you. I send my love to you and Dylan. Dear little Oliver, you are so loved.
- Raven Gates: I’m sorry, Sarah. Words don’t even do justice. I pray for both of you in the days ahead. Oliver knew only love, and he himself IS love. 💙
- Courtney Robertson: My heart aches with you. I am sending you as much strength as possible. Let me know if you need anything, anything at all.
I hope Sarah Herron can find solace in all the kind words, as she explained in her post on the social network the incredibly sad task of moving on without Oliver. Herron said:
What was “forbidden” during pregnancy is suddenly allowed again, and it seems dramatically wrong. Even the thought of a turkey sandwich or a glass of wine (which I dreamed about during pregnancy) feels like a rejection of my child. And what I loved during pregnancy; like berries (so many berries!) it looks like a hoax.
Sarah Herron said she hopes that by sharing her experience with her followers, she can help others understand what women go through after such a tragic loss, including what they can do for their friends if they ever find themselves in a similar situation.
We at CinemaBlend are very sorry for the loss of Sarah Herron, and our thoughts go out to her and her family at this difficult time.
