october is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness MonthFor anyone who has ever experienced a pregnancy loss, whether it be through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death, the grief can be all-consuming. And yet, despite how common these losses are—1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss—there is often a deafening silence around the topic. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity for us to open up the conversation about pregnancy loss and to offer our support to those who have been affected by it.
The National Coalition for Maternal & Infant Health (NCMIH) has made it their mission to eliminate preventable maternal and infant mortality and morbidity by promoting health equity for women, infants, and families. They provide support and resources for those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, as well as for families who are struggling with infertility or miscarriage. How You Can Support Someone Who Has Experienced a Pregnancy Loss: If you know someone who has experienced a pregnancy loss, there are a few things you can do to support them: Listen without judgement. It can be tempting to try to offer words of comfort or advice, but sometimes the best thing you can do is simply be there for your friend or loved one. Let them know that you are available to talk whenever they need to, and resist the urge to tell them how they should feel or what they should do. Acknowledge their grief. Acknowledging that their grief is valid and real can go a long way in helping your friend or loved one feel supported. Avoid phrases like "it wasn't meant to be" or "everything happens for a reason," which can minimize the gravity of their experience. Offer practical support. Practical support might include babysitting their other children so they can have some time to themselves, cooking them dinner, or simply running errands for them. Doing something tangible to help lighten their load can make a world of difference. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is an important time for us to remember those who have experienced a pregnancy loss and to offer our support. If you know someone who has been affected by pregnancy loss, reach out and let them know you're there for them. Listen without judgement, acknowledge their grief, and offer practical support where you can. By coming together and breaking the silence around this topic, we can provide much-needed comfort and healing for those who need it most.
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