Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness
Pregnancy And Infant Loss Awareness Month
Written by Lauren Horlick
October is dedicated to honoring and remembering those who experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month serves as an opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise awareness about the profound impact of pregnancy and infant loss on families. It is a time to create a safe space for open and compassionate conversations about grief and loss. Pregnancy and infant loss are more common than most people realize, with millions of families affected worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control, miscarriage and stillbirth both describe pregnancy loss, but a miscarriage is usually defined as loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy, and a stillbirth is loss of a baby at 20 weeks of pregnancy and later. The March of Dimes suggests that more than 30 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. According to the CDC, each year about 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States. The CDC reports that 19,920 deaths occurred in children younger than age one year in the United States in 2021, with an infant mortality rate of 543.6 infant deaths per 100,000 live births. Despite 1 in 4 women experiencing pregnancy and infant loss, the grief that accompanies is often marginalized and men’s grief is often disregarded completely.
During this month of remembrance and support, everyone is encouraged to:
Offer support: Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Emotional reactions after pregnancy and reproductive loss are as unique as fingerprints. However, those that grieve can feel this pain for years – even decades. A simple message of empathy can go a long way in helping someone through their grief. Unsure of what to say? Here are some ideas for support:
“You are not alone. I am here for you, and I always will be.”
“Would it help to talk about it? I don’t know what to say, but I am here to listen.”
“I know it’s been weeks/months/years/decades since we talked about it. I just wanted to check that you’re okay. Would it help to talk about it?”
“My heart breaks for you. I am sorry for your loss. Is there anything that I can do to help?”
“Can I runany errands for you?”
“Here is some food that I made for you.”
Share stories: Encourage open and honest conversations about pregnancy and infant loss. Sharing personal experiences can help break the stigmas surrounding this topic and offer solace to those who are grieving.
Participate in Remembrance events: Many organizations hold events and activities throughout October to honor and remember the babies who are no longer with us. Participating in these events can be a meaningful way to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Seek help: If you or someone you know is struggling with grief after a pregnancy or infant loss, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Wellness & Courage has several counselors available you can help support during pregnancy and infant loss.
Free online support groups available through Postpartum Support International & Pregnancy After Loss Support:
https://pregnancyafterlosssupport.org/get-support/pals-private-groups/
https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month serves as a reminder that grief from such a profound loss is valid and that those affected deserve compassion, understanding, and support.