PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS

October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. It provides an opportunity to recognize the complex grieving experiences and to acknowledge and support individuals and families affected by pregnancy loss and infant death, including but not limited to miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, and ectopic pregnancy.

The purpose of setting aside this day is to remember lives lost. This includes babies who died too early in pregnancy or infancy while recognizing that their existence was important to individuals and families. It designates a day to be aware of support needed for grieving families with navigating the unique experience of losing a pregnancy or an infant. This type of grief is often hidden and not acknowledged widely by society. Therefore, designating October 15th to remembrance helps to break the silence and open up conversations about the significance of these losses.

To understand how to best support someone navigating pregnancy and infant loss, it is

important to recognize that these types of losses can be traumatic experiences for individuals and families. Learning about trauma-informed support can empower individuals to support friends, family members, or others who are navigating this type of grief. Many who experience pregnancy and infant loss might end up experiencing isolation, anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, etc. Noticing when a loved one might be having a hard time and encouraging seeking help through support groups or individual therapy can help provide gentle acknowledgement of how difficult this type of loss can be.

Some additional ways to support loved ones navigating pregnancy and infant loss include:

• Being mindful of the language you use: Avoid clichéd statements, such as, “everything happens for a reason” or “it wasn’t meant to be.” Replace these statements with

  empathetic statements, such as, “I’m thinking about you and your baby” or “I’m hear to listen.”

• Offer practical support: Consider bringing food, driving them to appointments, or making note of special dates for remembrance.

• Honour the baby: Use the baby’s name if your loved one has shared it. You may also consider sending a card or small memorial gift or participating in walks/runs in memory of their baby.

An additional thing you can do to support those navigating pregnancy and infant loss is to light a candle in remembrance on October 15 th . There is something special about light. It can help us see past darkness and can give hope in that darkness that there is a future

Submitted by: Walking Through Grief Society

Funded by FCSS; City of Lloydminster, Towns of Vermilion and Wainwright, Village of Kitscoty, and County of Vermilion River.