At Family Creations, we assist people who have overcome many obstacles in their journey to parenthood, including those who have experienced grief and hardship. Our team is passionate about supporting our intended parents every step along the way and honoring them for the challenges they’ve faced. In October, we put a special focus on acknowledging the women and couples who have suffered loss and the bereavement of those who have had a miscarriage or infant death, including stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or any death of a newborn. The research shows that approximately 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, which causes a flood of emotions, and feelings of pain and loss. A miscarriage awareness day helps bring to light the silent suffering of those who lost their child.
The History of Pregnancy Loss Month
October 15th was designated as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, who also named October as Pregnancy and Baby Loss Awareness Month to support women and families who have suffered such an insurmountable loss. In 2003, a lighting ceremony called the Wave of Light was founded. It sweeps the globe starting at 7 pm on October 15th. Beginning in the first time zone and moving westward, people light candles and illuminate lighting displays for one hour as couples, families, and friends remember those innocent flames that were extinguished.
The Stigma Surrounding Pregnancy Loss Month
Many people are unaware of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day; however, we bet everyone knows October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Why is it that more people don’t know or talk about pregnancy and infant loss? There is a stigma associated with this topic, and many people prefer not to talk about something so sad and isolating. Women are often left to suffer alone through one or more miscarriages as they struggle to grow the family of their dreams. Designating October as Baby Loss Awareness Month is designed to break the stigma and help people through the grieving process.
Pregnancy Loss Month is for Sharing Your Story
It can be a challenge to find resources or support groups. Having a miscarriage awareness day to recognize women who have encountered this devastating loss helps build a community of those who share this experience and can offer support. If you have had a pregnancy or infant loss, we are sending you strength. We encourage you to be open and share your story — getting the message out there helps make sure people don’t have to suffer alone any longer.
You can wear a pink and blue ribbon during Pregnancy Loss Month, light a candle during the Wave of Light, or provide support and empathy to someone you know who has suffered a loss. If you are struggling to conceive, we also want you to know there are options available to make your family dreams a reality. Please browse the Family Creation website to learn more about our surrogacy options and read our success stories.