October’s National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Unites Parents Around the World Who Have Lost a Pregnancy or Infant

Losing a child is one of the most devasting, emotional experiences a parent can have. Around 90,000 infants die before the age of one, and over 10 percent of known pregnancies come to a sudden end due to miscarriage. To support those who have lost a child, whether through miscarriage, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), stillbirth or sudden death of a newborn, our caring and experienced team of fertility specialists in Idaho Falls, Idaho, invite you to join us in recognizing National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

History of Infant Loss Awareness

This national day of remembrance began in 1988 when then U.S. President Ronald Reagan designated October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Then, in ​​October 2002 ​National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day was officially named, thanks to a movement by Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak who wanted to bring awareness around pregnancy and infant loss throughout the country. In ​2004, ​The International Wave of Light was initiated to invite those observing this day to light a candle at 7p.m. in your timezone, creating a wave of light spanning the globe to honor pregnancy and infant loss in unison.

This nationally recognized observance occurs every year on October 15th where we can come together to join others in holding space for reflection and to honor those who have suffered a pregnancy and infant loss. This day of remembrance is to help those who experienced this loss as well as their loved ones and friends. On this day, we encourage reaching out and offering love and support. Around the country, participants offer candle-lighting vigils and remembrance ceremonies.

What You Can Do on Your Healing Journey

Grieving is healing is expressed in a variety of ways unique to you and your situation. Some participants prefer remembering silently, yet others want the company of others to grieve openly. Some find solace joining in a “Walk To Remember” where non-profits hold walks to raise money while honoring those who have had a pregnancy loss and death of an infant. The monies are often donated to awareness groups or advocacy groups to support research on how to help stop miscarriages and stillbirths from happening.

Remembering Your Baby
If you are grieving the loss of lost an infant, you could honor your loved one through personal reflection, journaling your feelings and your memories of your infant or by planting a memorial tree with others. Some create or buy a piece of memorial jewelry, purchase a stuffed animal or pillow to remind you of your infant or donate to a charitable organization on your infant’s behalf.

There are many ways to honor your experiences that are unique to you and your loved ones, whether you do so privately or with others. Our team of board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologists at Idaho Fertility Center is here to help you with emotional support and treatment tailored to your needs on your fertility journey with the compassion and dignity you deserve. Our fertility Center offers one of the highest success rates in the country so you can be assured that you are in good hands. We welcome you to give us a call at 208-529-2019 today to learn more.