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Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Pregnancy and infant loss is often called the "Hidden Loss" or the "Unspeakable Loss" because of society's reluctance to recognize these losses and the grief that is associated with such a loss as "real".
Unfortunately some will experience the pain of losing a baby during pregnancy or shortly after
birth.
This loss is very real. We do miss and grieve for
our lost babies".
We want our babies lives to be recognized and their death to afforded the same dignity as that of any other person.
A need to remember
Oct. 15th
International Day of Remembrance
A day to remember all pregnancies and infants lost in order to heal and be comforted in a time of pain and heartache, and to have hope for the future.
Why a national day of remembrance and a month of awareness ?
Why does anyone need to be made aware of such a subject as pregnancy and infant loss?
Why plan activities aimed at community awareness?
Pregnancy and Infant loss occur much more often in our country than people might believe. Close to 2000 families are affected by this tragedy each year. Miscarriage occurs in 20 to 30 % of all confirmed pregnancies. 75 to 80 % of miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of conception, sometimes so early that a woman may not even know she is pregnant, it is therefore believed that 50 % of all conceptions result in miscarriage. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in 2 to 3 % of all conceptions. Molar pregnancy occurs in 1 out of 1000 pregnancies, 4 of every 1000 births ends with a stillborn baby and almost 1 of every 100 births results in a baby who dies during the first 28 days of life (not including SIDS which occurs 2 per 100) Chances are, we all know someone who has been affected by pregnancy or infant loss.
Stillbirth is one of the most misunderstood "accidents," often viewed as an unfortunate, but minor, nonevent by those outside the family. Not everyone understands the emotional investment parents put into their unborn children, in some cases even before that child is conceived. The hopes, dreams, plans, love and anticipation are real, even if no one has yet seen this child.
Families who suffer this tragedy need sensitive caregivers, understanding friends and supportive family members.
Yes, awareness is important. A supportive environment can make all the difference in how parents incorporate this loss, this precious child, into their lives in a healthy manner.
Why Have an Awareness Month?
*Because life, even the tiniest life, is special
*Because life, even the tiniest life, must be remembered
*Because parents want to remember
*Because grieving parents need sensitive doctors, nurses, clergy, funeral directors and families
*Because the larger community needs to be reminded that pregnancy and infant losses occur often
*Because the larger community needs to know how to help grieving families
*Because the larger community needs to be reminded that life, even the tiniest life, is special
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