Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and October 15 is Remembrance Day—A time to acknowledge and remember the profound impact that pregnancy loss has on parents and families.
#Iam1in4
Pregnancy loss, whether it occurs in the early stages of pregnancy or later on, is a unique form of grief. Though 1 out of 4 pregnancies will end in loss, stigma, isolation, and feelings of grief and/or guilt often keep parents from telling their story.
The depth of the emotional pain experienced by parents after a pregnancy loss is often underestimated or misunderstood. The loss of a pregnancy can trigger a range of intense emotions, including grief, guilt, self-blame, isolation, anxiety, depression, or confusion. Be assured that you are not alone, and you are not to blame.
Understanding the Perinatal Mental Health of Pregnancy Loss
Allowing parents the space and emotional support to grieve is an important aspect of emotional healing after a pregnancy loss.
If you or someone you love as experienced a pregnancy loss, here are some ways you can find support:
Seek professional support from mental health professionals who specialize in perinatal mental health. They can provide guidance and therapy tailored to the unique challenges of this experience.
Partner support: Partners also grieve and may cope differently. Open communication and understanding between partners are crucial during this time.
Self-compassion: Parents should practice self-compassion, acknowledging their pain and allowing themselves to grieve at their own pace. Healing is a journey, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Support groups: Joining support groups or online communities of parents who have experienced pregnancy loss can provide a sense of belonging and understanding.
Honoring the loss: Finding meaningful ways to remember and honor the lost pregnancy, such as creating a memorial or participating in a memorial event, can help with the healing process. Many families choose to light a candle on October 15th in remembrance.
During Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, let us remember and support those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy, providing them with the compassion and understanding they deserve.
Online support groups specific to pregnancy/infant loss
Grounded Roots has in person and online therapy appointments available.
