Acknowledging Pregnancy and Infant Loss
At Breastfeeding Perspectives, we want to use this opportunity to stand in solidarity with all the parents who have experienced the pain of infant loss. Pregnancy and infant loss is a deeply personal topic and it can be a very isolating experience, filled with grief, guilt, and uncertainty. By acknowledging Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, we seek to break this silence and provide an opportunity for mothers and families to openly share their stories, seek help, and connect with others who have experienced similar losses.
A Conversation About Infant Loss
According to the World Health Organization, miscarriage is the most common reason for infant loss during pregnancy. Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, generally before 28 weeks, and 2.6 million babies are stillborn, half of whom die in childbirth (Simelela, n.d.). Different cultures have different definitions for pregnancy loss, but in general, a stillbirth usually refers to when the baby dies at or after 28 weeks, while a miscarriage refers to when a baby dies before 28 weeks of pregnancy. The sad truth is that miscarriages and stillbirths are often unrecorded due to poor healthcare systems, stigmatization, and lack of research so the stats may be higher than we know. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness is a call for increased research, better healthcare practices, and more conversations around stillbirths and miscarriages.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day is acknowledged every year on October 15th as a time to recognize and remember the innocent lives that have been lost during pregnancy, at birth, or shortly after. It all began in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed that October would be Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Over the years it has grown to become a widely recognized period of awareness, remembrance, and reflection.
A Wave of Light
On the 15th of October at 7 pm, families and communities around the world light candles in memory of the precious babies who have departed the Earth too soon. They will be forever loved, missed, and cherished in the hearts of their loved ones. The “Wave of Light” moment is a key period when everyone, including yourself, is invited to light a candle at 7 pm and leave it burning for at least 1 hour in memory of the babies who have died too soon. This will also be a livestream global event in which anyone can participate. Click here to visit the website and learn more.
Final Thoughts
On October 15th, let us take a moment to stand in solidarity with the families around the globe who have experienced the loss of an infant. By sparking a conversation around infant loss, reaching out to a family member who has dealt with loss, or lighting a candle in the Wave of Light, you can help break the silence. If you have experienced loss, then by sharing your story, you can offer support to others who may be going through a similar experience. We hope you found this article informative, please don’t forget to share. To learn more you can visit the official website at october15th.com.
Sources
www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/why-we-need-to-talk-about-losing-a-baby/unacceptable-stigma-and-shame
