October marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month – a special time to remember all of the treasured babies who light up our hearts.
This special month of remembrance helps bereaved families to honour, celebrate and remember babies who have died as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, and other causes of infant loss.
Pregnancy and infant loss heartbreakingly affects hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
In Australia, an estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage each year, and more than 3,000 babies die each year from stillbirth, neonatal death, SIDS and other causes.
Up to 60 people can be impacted by the death of each child during pregnancy, during birth, or in infancy. This means there are many people in our community deeply hurting from the loss of a baby or child.
Red Nose CEO Keren Ludski says that’s why marking this special occasion is so important.
“For every little life lost, we remember, to every bereaved parent, we see you” explains Keren.
“Recognition of the impact of pregnancy and infant lost gives bereaved families the opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on the precious little lives they have lost.”
“It gives families a safe space to come together to honour their child, connecting with others who have gone through a similar grief.”
“Recognition of the loss of a child is a crucial step in validating bereavement and starting conversations to reduce stigma and help people get the right support.”
“The death of a baby or child is an incredibly difficult topic for many people, which means it is often an unspoken topic.”
“For many parents, their grief can feel unrecognised and unacknowledged, which further adds to the pain, heartache and isolation.”
“Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month supports bereaved families to come together to remember their children and find connection with other bereaved families.”
Get involved
There are a number of special events planned throughout the month across Australia. Find an event near you.
Red Nose Grief and Loss provides free, specialised support for anybody impacted by the death of a child. Call our 24/7 Support Line on 1300 308 307 or visit rednosegriefandloss.org.au