October 15th - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Pictures, Images and Photos


In 1988 Ronald Reagan proclaimed October Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.  In 2006, October 15th became an official day of recognition by Congress - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.  It is a special day to honor and acknowledge pregnancies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, prematurity complications, neonatal death, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), illness, accidents, and other tragic causes. Pink and light blue are the awareness colors.


It is my privilege to serve as the co-chair of the Bereavement Committee at the hospital where I work.  This committee has a goal of raising pregnancy and infant loss awareness and supporting those affected by such a loss.  Our committee consists of nurses, social workers, and our hospital chaplain.  For the past several months, we have been planning our first ever ceremony to honor and remember the babies that have have been lost, not only in our hospital, but in our community due to the above mentioned circumstances.  On Friday, October 15, 2010, our ceremony was held and it was a precious time for everyone involved. 


We planted a tree in memory of Masyn - my friend and co-worker (BLD)'s, baby who she was never able to physically meet.  She never was able to hold her; but love her and cherish her, she did, does and always will. 


                    

Candles were lit at 7:00 PM on our north lawn, as they were all across the globe in all time zones at the same time in honor of babies lost.  One of our patients who has lost a baby to miscarriage and another at 24 weeks gestation to stillbirth shared her pain and grief.  It was a special and intimate time.



This was shared with me from a friend.....This month we remember babies born sleeping, or whom we have carried but never met, those we have held but could not take home, or the ones that came home but did not stay. 

My heart goes out to so many that have lost their children....their BABIES...it hurts.  God gives us a promise in Isaiah....

...to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair.  ~Isaiah 61:3

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