Postpartum Support International Observes Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
October Dedicated to Honoring and Remembering Those Who Experience Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Baby Loss; Awareness, Essential Practice
PORTLAND, Ore., October 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Postpartum Support International (PSI) joins the global community in recognizing October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month. This poignant month is dedicated to those who have lost a pregnancy or baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or any other reason.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, miscarriage and stillbirth both describe the loss of a pregnancy, but miscarriage is usually defined as the loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy, and stillbirth is the loss of a baby at 20 weeks. of pregnancy and later.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month serves as an opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise awareness about the profound impact of pregnancy and infant loss on families. This is a time to create a safe space for open and compassionate conversation 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 approximately 24,000 infants die The united state. The CDC reports that 19,920 deaths occurred in children under one year of age The united state in 2021, with an infant mortality rate of 543.6 infant deaths per 100,000 live births. PSI is committed to providing resources, education, and support to help individuals and families navigate the unique challenges that come with these types of losses.
“PSI stands in solidarity with those who have experienced the pain of pregnancy and infant loss and is committed to fostering a community of understanding and support,” said Dr. Wendy Davis, executive director of Postpartum Support International. “We are focused on educating and training medical and mental health professionals to ensure that families receive compassionate care during and after the trauma of loss. Together, we can create a world where families feel listened to, supported, and never alone.”
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 around this topic and offer comfort 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 help someone through their grief.
Ask for help: If you or someone you know is struggling with grief after pregnancy or the loss of a baby, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. PSI offers a range of free resources, including a global 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 who are no longer with us. In particular, you can participate in the International Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7 p.mlocal time, at October 15 (World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day) to honor all pregnancy losses and babies lost early. Keep your candle lit for at least an hour to create a continuous “wave of light” across all time zones spanning the globe. Participating in these events can be a meaningful way to connect with others who have 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/ or call the helpline at 1-800-944-4773. 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
Founded by a new mother in 1987 to increase awareness in the public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties women can experience during and after pregnancy, Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers many resources for a wide range of needs, situations, and audiences to help give families the strongest and healthiest start possible through support and community. PSI offers support, reliable information, best practice training and certification for health care professionals, and volunteer coordinators nationwide and in more than 30 countries. PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring that compassionate, quality care is available to all families. Need help? Call 1-800-944-4PPD (4773). Learn more at https://www.postpartum.net/
Contact: Kim Lehman, 717-599-0891 kalehmanpr@gmail.com
