Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness: Supporting the Fertility Community
By: Rosie Buckley
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day falls each year on October 15th. On this day, people come together to remember babies who have passed during pregnancy or shortly after and acknowledge their grief. People going through fertility treatments like IVF and IUI often experience a range of feelings, like grief and disappointment, to hope and excitement. This day creates a safe space for people all over the world to grieve, as well as for those in the fertility community.
The Importance of Remembrance
So many families are affected by pregnancy and infant loss, yet this topic isn’t really spoken about. For those getting fertility treatment, the experience of loss is heavy as it often comes after lots of waiting and hope. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day brings people together to acknowledge grief. It breaks the silence, enabling people to initiate conversations about loss, which can foster healing and connection. Through events, social media, and support groups, people can connect with others in similar situations, which can help them feel less alone. Publicly shared remembrance is powerful, reminding people that they have support around them.
The Journey of Hope – IVF and IUI
Fertility treatments like IVF and IUI help people who are struggling to conceive to start a family. Although the journey involves hope, some families experience tragic loss along the way. The emotional weight of failed embryo transfers, early miscarriages, or chemical pregnancies isn’t always publicly recognized, but October 15th gives communities the opportunity to acknowledge and validate these losses. It also gives families going through fertility treatment room to grieve, remember, and honor any loss they might have experienced throughout their journey.
Taking Part in Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
What is The Wave of Light?
On October 15th at 7 pm, families around the world light candles in memory of their babies and leave them to burn for at least an hour. Several families do this in the comfort of their own homes, but there are also Wave of Light events around the globe. Many people also post a photo of their candle on social media with the hashtag #WaveOfLight. This simple act is powerful and provides comfort for families who have experienced loss.
Other Ways To Get Involved
As well as taking part in The Wave of Light, there are other ways you can get involved:
- Some charities are holding fundraising events, such as walks. You can participate in these events or even organize your own fundraising event. Many people also donate to a charity on this day.
- Request that local buildings and landmarks be lit up pink and blue.
- Share your story on social media.
- Join remembrance events online and in-person.
- Dedicate a blue or pink ribbon on the Sands BLAW memory tree.
Hope After Loss
Loss is something that’s always there, yet it can coexist with hope. This is something many people in the fertility community experience as they continue IVF or IUI treatment, explore new options, or give themselves room to grieve before making plans for the future. Through the powerful presence of community, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day can allow them to feel less alone, and acts of remembrance can be helpful in the healing process.
There’s support out there to help people experiencing grief, like support groups, which provide a safe and non-judgmental space for people to share their feelings and connect with others in similar situations. This can provide validation, help them navigate their own journey, and provide peer support. Some people benefit from counselling as it can help them adapt strategies and understand their emotions.
Share
At Share, we provide a community to anyone who experiences the tragic death of a baby. We serve parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members, as well as professionals who care for grieving families. Find out more about us and how we can support you on our website.
About Rosie Buckley
Rosie Buckley is a freelance writer with a passion for writing and a love for exploring diverse topics. She enjoys diving into subjects close to her heart and bringing them to life through engaging well-researched content