FEATURE STORY | Honoring Life and Loss: Chrystal Johnson’s Journey

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

In October, during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, many come together to recognize the profound heartache that comes with losing a pregnancy or an infant. For Chrystal Johnson, a labor and delivery nurse at The Maternity Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital, this month holds a deeply personal significance. Chrystal’s journey to becoming a nurse was born from her own devastating experience—losing her first pregnancy. Her story is not just one of grief but of resilience, compassion, and a commitment to supporting others through their most vulnerable moments.

Chrystal Johnson, a labor and delivery nurse at Cabell Huntington Hospital, proudly wears this T-shirt in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month.

Chrystal’s first pregnancy ended in miscarriage after struggling with infertility for years, leaving her to wonder if she would ever experience motherhood.

"My life experience and loss of my first pregnancy was the drive behind me obtaining my RN degree and my passion for becoming a labor and delivery nurse," Chrystal shared. "When you’re in that grief, you can feel so alone. It is so important to remember to continue to take care of yourself."

She recalls how Dr. Brumfield, her physician, played an integral role in her journey, not only supporting her through the loss but guiding her through her options when she was ready to try again. This compassionate care left a lasting impression on Chrystal, inspiring her to offer the same level of support and understanding to the families she now serves in her career.

One in four pregnancies ends in loss, but Chrystal emphasizes how isolating that grief can feel. "Reaching out and being active in support groups can be so helpful when you’re feeling alone," she said. "Talking to someone else who has been through what you’re going through can help in ways that are hard to explain unless you have experienced it yourself."

Chrystal's special necklace includes the birthstones of the month she found out she was pregnant, the month she lost the baby and month of her original due date.

For Chrystal, one of the most meaningful parts of her healing journey was a simple necklace she had made in memory of her baby.

"I wanted to be reminded of my baby and didn’t want them to be forgotten," she said. "My loss was almost 14 years ago, and I still think of them often and wonder what they would be like now." That necklace, though small, became a tangible connection to her child, offering her comfort in moments of deep sorrow.

Now, as a labor and delivery nurse, Chrystal brings her personal experiences into her work. She is honored to help create meaningful memories for parents experiencing loss, ensuring they have the space to grieve in their own way.

"It is important for me to create a safe space for them to grieve however they need to," Chrystal shared. "I try to treat their delivery just as I would any other delivery, to help them bond and experience as many memories as possible. We ask the parents their wishes and do whatever we can to make that happen."

Sometimes that support means sitting quietly with a grieving mother, or helping parents create keepsakes like photos or footprints. Chrystal recognizes that the grief journey is personal, and her goal is to honor each family’s wishes.

Chrystal Johnson with her husband Derek, and two beautiful children, Grayson, age 10, and Paisley, age 9.

As someone who has walked through the pain of pregnancy loss, Chrystal offers thoughtful advice to those trying to support a loved one in grief.

"Please choose your words carefully," she advises. "It’s okay to not know what to say. Sometimes they just need someone to listen or be there with them in silence." She explains how well-meaning efforts to minimize the loss by encouraging someone to ‘look at the bright side’ can be unintentionally hurtful. Instead, she encourages offering practical support and remembering that everyone grieves differently.

This Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Chrystal Johnson’s story reminds us of the importance of compassion, understanding, and creating spaces where grieving families can honor their loss. In her role at The Maternity Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital, she continues to provide the comfort and care that was once given to her, making a lasting impact on the lives of the families she serves. 

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By sharing Chrystal’s journey, we hope to foster greater awareness and empathy for those navigating the heartbreaking reality of pregnancy and infant loss. Cabell Huntington Hospital offers a virtual Perinatal Bereavement Support Group the second Thursday of each month for those have experienced the loss of a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. The support group offers discussion and resources with other families dealing with the loss of a child. Group discussion can help you and your family through the healing process. Visit cabellhuntington.org to learn more.