Breaking the Silence During Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
by Chelsea Fertility NYC · · Updated
Every year, tens of thousands of families go through the unimaginable pain of losing a pregnancy or an infant. Although the grief brought on by this loss is enormous, these stories are often shrouded in silence. Many people who have never experienced the despair of losing a pregnancy or an infant struggle to understand the magnitude of this grief or how to respond to it, which in turn causes bereaved parents to shrink back from talking about their loss.
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and it serves as a time in which those who have been affected by the loss of a pregnancy or an infant, as well as supporters, researchers, and healthcare professionals, can come together to spread awareness and create an environment of empathy and compassion.
The Star Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing pregnancy and infant loss, has organized a number of ways for you to get involved in breaking the silence that surrounds this important issue, and they range from social media campaigns to candlelight vigils.
The #NeverBeStill Social Media Campaign
One of the simplest methods of getting involved with Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is through the Star Legacy Foundation’s #NeverBeStill social media campaign, which “seeks to break the silence surrounding stillbirth and other pregnancy/infant losses by not only educating the public about ways to support bereaved families but also empowering expectant mothers to have a healthy pregnancy.”
To show your support, consider applying a #NeverBeStill frame to your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest profile picture. Or you can share infographics and videos to help spread awareness.
Spreading awareness doesn’t just have to be about making people familiar with your cause – it can also be about honoring the memory of an infant who has been lost. To do this, you can read and share stories from parents who have lost a pregnancy or infant. If you feel ready, you can also share your own story.
Special Awareness Events
If you’d rather participate in an activity instead of raising awareness on social media, there are plenty of events throughout October that are designed to raise funds, acknowledge grief, or honor the memory of lost infants. One of the biggest events is a global event known as the International Wave of Light. To participate, light a candle on October 15 at 7 pm and allow it to burn for at least an hour.
The Star Legacy Foundation also offers events throughout October and beyond so that you can spread awareness, promote education, and participate in a supportive community throughout the year. From virtual education courses to support groups to walks and runs, there’s something for everyone.
As members of the fertility care community, we at Chelsea Fertility NYC are deeply sympathetic toward this cause, and we encourage everyone to come together this October to help break the silence that surrounds pregnancy and infant loss.