Pregnancy and Infant Loss
October 15 was National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage and 1 in 100 pregnancies end in still birth. The likelihood is that someone you know and love, or maybe even you yourself, has been effected by pregnancy or infant loss. Sadly, these losses are often misunderstood or even unknown to those in the lives of the grieving parents. The goal of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is to bring awareness to the often hidden and invisible pain of parents and family members who
have experienced this loss.
An important part of this awareness that’s helpful for both the grieving parent and their loved ones is understanding grief. Grief will likely look different for each individual. Some common
emotions associated with the loss of a pregnancy are denial, guilt, sadness or depression, anger,
and anxiety. However, you or your loved ones may experience many other emotions as well.
Know that you have permission to grieve and to feel whatever feelings arise.
Helpful Considerations for Processing the Grief
1) One of the healthiest ways to process the grief of pregnancy or infant loss is to give
yourself permission to experience your emotions. Allow yourself time to grieve.
2) It’s also very helpful to reach out to those closest to you; the safe people you know you
can trust with these emotions. Their support and understanding can help you process
the grief.
3) Another source of support from others might be going to a support group. Share:
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support (website listed below) has a list of support groups in
each state. You don’t have to go through this in isolation or silence.
4) If the emotions you’re experiencing feel too overwhelming, it may be helpful to find a
therapist to help guide you through the grief process. The therapists here at SureHope
would be honored to help you through this journey. You can contact us at 980-272-8180
(North Charlotte office) or 704-443-8866 (Matthews office).
Listed below are a few websites that may also be helpful on your grieving journey:
Share: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support: http://nationalshare.org/
– Jessica Winebarger
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/stillbirth/facts.html
