Infant Loss Awareness Month
While I have not experienced infant loss myself, several of my friends and clients have.
October is Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death are great losses. The pain does not go away and families need to be supported during this time and compassion offered for families experiencing loss.
Hospitals and care providers usually have compassionate policies for those experiencing loss. Through time to be with baby, compassionate care, and space for privacy, the desire is to come beside these families.
For stillborn babies, some organizations offer special services to honor the baby and help the family to make memories with the baby. Two of these are:
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep are photographers who take pictures of baby with family.
A Heart to Hold sews hearts weighted to the weight of baby for family to hold. This has been very meaningful for parents and siblings in one family that I know.
Families can feel very alone. Many have a hard time understanding the healing journey that follows loss. One book I have found very helpful is Grief and Grace. Here is a link to the facebook page and book;
If you know of someone who has experienced infant loss, sharing their loss will mean so much. A listening ear for what they wish to share, practical help they may need to sometimes being aware of the financial needs that can feel even more overwhelming are all ways we can help bear their loss.
There are days that will come – the due date and the anniversary of the baby’s loss – where a special note would be greatly appreciated.
Here is a link to post about one sweet mother’s infant loss. May it comfort those with angel babies and help those who love them offer comfort.
Marcie Hadley
Marcie Hadley, CD(DONA), PCD(DONA), CLC, and LCCE(LAMAZE), has been serving families since 2010. She especially enjoys getting to know her families, meeting their unique needs, and sharing evidence-based care information. Marcie has worked with unmedicated, medicated, C-section, family friendly C-Section, and VBAC labors, Her postpartum experience includes working with families of first children to families of 10. She has worked with mothers who have experienced postpartum depression and illness following birth. Her goal is to empower mothers in their own mothering wisdom.
