Awareness is needed to reach more moms and Dads
By: Marie Kriedman
I never knew there was a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. In my mind, October was a month of crisp fall air, pumpkin spice overload, colorful leaves, and pink breast cancer ribbons, before beelining into Halloween.
I am now very familiar with the pink and blue ribbon that represents a baby loved and mourned. I recently learned that there is a Baby Loss Awareness week, October 9-15. How many parents are out there missing their babies? One in four women can experience a miscarriage but how many moms and dads are carrying their babies in their hearts? How many friends and families are holding someone else’s baby in their thoughts?
After my loss, I met more and more mothers who also experienced a miscarriage. Some reached out after reading my books, Saying Goodbye to Olivia and Olivia had Trisomy 18. People I have known for years shared that they too lost a child nearly 15 and 20 years earlier.
Miscarriage is not a secret to be hidden, and I am glad more people are speaking up about their experiences, but it is not a topic that is easy to bring up in everyday chit-chat. I hope those grieving have a safe space to share their feelings and receive support.
Perhaps media and news outlets will bring more awareness to Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I am trying to do my part – writing is part of how I choose to honor my daughter and share her story. Each October I write a new piece to share on local and national blogs and mom groups. Maybe the right writing style and words will make their way to the person who needs to know they are not alone.
I also speak at support groups. I am honored to talk with other parents. It takes a great amount of strength to walk through the doors of a support group meeting, especially when working through a fog of grief. It doesn’t feel like I’m doing enough, but I try my best. In a small way, talking about my daughter helps keep her alive. She has inspired a positive impact in the world, and I am grateful to be part of her important work.
About Marie Kriedman
Marie started her journalism career as a copy editor and paginator for a newspaper. She eventually left the newspaper business and has continued as a freelance writer for more than 20 years. She founded Write Away K and is the author of many children’s books. She published two books to honor her daughter, Saying Goodbye to Olivia and Olivia Had Trisomy 18. Marie and her husband are graciously permitted to live in a house with their cats. They are also parents to two children and one angel baby. Please visit BooksbyMarie.com to learn more.