Idaho woman uses “Baby of the Year” contest to share story of loss and hope

McCAMMON, Idaho (KIFI) - Across the nation, thousands of babies are entered into the "Baby of the Year" competition. The contest offers these babies a chance to earn a cash prize while raising donations for other kids in need through Baby2Baby.

They are halfway through voting, but there are still many in the running, with the winner to be announced in December.

One mother is using this competition to celebrate her little miracle and advocate for many women's struggles.

Sammy Smith is his mother's rainbow baby and who she calls her little miracle.

"He's a miracle in more ways than one," Keelie Smith said. "Honestly, when I was 20, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Almost died. It was really crazy. I had a germ cell tumor that was roughly the size of a softball when they found it."

When the tumor was removed, her uterus and one of her ovaries had survived, meaning she could have children. After this experience, she realized she did want children, but she had no idea the struggle that awaited.

"It took two years and six miscarriages before I could get Sammy," Smith said. "So it was terrible. But we made it through."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, one in ten pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen because of random genetic problems that stop the embryo from developing normally. Instead of being able to see the causation, many are quick to look at themselves for the fault.

In a survey by St. Thomas' Hospital, they found that 82% of families blame themselves when a baby is lost. This leads to extreme feelings of guilt, shame, and alienation due to the stigma around miscarriages.

"That's the thing about miscarriage is nobody really talks about how normal it actually is and that you can do this," Smith said. "I think in society women feel responsible for things like that which they're not, you know. And so it's hard not to blame yourself or to feel bad about yourself when that stuff starts to happen."

Keelie feels comfortable to discuss her struggles and experiences because not many would do that for her. She feels miscarriage should be normalized.

"Honestly, not that I am somebody who wants that, per se. But the opportunity to share experiences and to talk openly is is amazing. It feels a little bizarre. I mean, he is a miracle, and I am so proud to have him. So I'm happy to share him with the world."

Even if Sammy doesn't win Baby of the Year, he will always be a champion in his mother's heart.

Here are more Miscarriage resources from the Cleveland Clinic.

And here is a link to the Baby of the Year competition if you are interested in learning more.