Postpartum Support International Recognizes Annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

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Oct 01, 2024, 08:30 ET

October Dedicated to Honoring and Remembering Babies Lost and to Supporting Millions of Grieving Families; Free Help Is Available

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Postpartum Support International (PSI) joins the global community during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month this October in recognizing people who have lost a pregnancy or an infant to miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or any other cause. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), miscarriage and stillbirth both describe pregnancy loss, but a miscarriage is usually defined as loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy, and a stillbirth is the loss of a baby at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later.

"Miscarriage and infant loss are a very real and important part of the pregnancy experience for many, although people experiencing these tragedies often feel so alone," said Dr. Wendy Davis, president and CEO of Postpartum Support International. "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the profound impact of pregnancy and infant loss on families. It is a time to create a safe space for open and compassionate conversations about grief and loss."

Pregnancy and infant loss are more common than most people realize, with millions of families affected worldwide. The March of Dimes suggests that more than 30 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. According to the CDC, each year about 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States. The CDC reports that 20,553 deaths occurred in children younger than one year in the United States in 2022, with an infant mortality rate of 560.4 infant deaths per 100,000 live births. Many parents who lose a baby in pregnancy can go on to develop perinatal mental health disorders that can linger for years, even after the birth of healthy children. PSI is committed to providing free resources, education, and support to help individuals and families navigate the unique challenges that come with these types of loss.

During this month of remembrance and support, PSI encourages everyone to:

Share Stories: Encourage open and honest conversations about pregnancy and infant loss. Sharing personal experiences can help break the stigma surrounding this topic and offer solace to those who are grieving.

Offer Support: Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. A simple message of empathy and care can go a long way in helping someone through their grief.

Seek Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with grief after a pregnancy or infant loss, don't hesitate to seek professional support. PSI offers a range of free resources, including a worldwide network of trained volunteers and mental health professionals, who can provide guidance and assistance. PSI also offers online support groups and meetings for those who have experienced loss.

Participate in Remembrance Events: Many organizations hold events and activities throughout October to honor and remember the babies lost. Specifically, you can participate in the International Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7 pm local time on Oct. 15 (World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day) to honor all lost pregnancies and babies gone too soon. Keep your candle lit for at least one hour to create a continuous "wave of light" across all time zones covering the globe. Participating in these events can be a meaningful way to connect with others who share similar experiences.

For more information about Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month or to access resources for pregnancy and infant loss support, please visit http://www.postpartum.net/, call the helpline at 1-800-944-4773, or download the Connect by PSI mobile app. In addition to providing support and resources for families, PSI offers grief and loss training for medical and mental health professionals.

About Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International (PSI) was founded by a new mother in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties parents can experience during and after pregnancy. PSI offers a wealth of resources for a wide range of needs, situations, and audiences to give families the strongest and healthiest start possible through support and community. PSI also offers support, resources, best-practice training and certification for healthcare professionals and volunteer coordinators nationwide and in more than 30 countries. PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring compassionate and quality care and support are available to all families. Need help? Call 1-800-944-4PPD (4773), visit postpartum.net, or download the Connect by PSI app.

SOURCE Postpartum Support International