​DID YOU KNOW?

October is National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month! 

During the month of October we honor the parents who have experienced the unimaginable loss of their baby and remember the babies that were gone far too soon. The death of an infant or the loss of a pregnancy is tragic and unexpected, leaving families shocked and unprepared. 
National Pregnancy and infant loss awareness month recognizes all those who have lost children because of miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, birth defects or other causes. 

If you or someone you know has experienced an infant loss there are several organizations that can provide support.

Infant Loss Resources:
ILR provides support and resources to families no matter where they are on their grief journey. Monthly peer support groups and private Facebook support groups are available along with in-home bereavement support.  All services are free of charge. The mission of Infant Loss Resources, Inc. is to promote safe practices which reduce the risk of infant death and to provide grief support for families who have lost babies.
1-800-421-3511
www.infantlossresources.org
 
First Candle:
First Candle is committed to the elimination of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths through education, while providing support for grieving families who have suffered a loss.
1-800-221-7437
www.firstcandle.org
 
The KIDS Network, Inc:
The Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network, Inc. serves those individuals who have been touched by the tragedy of infant death or SIDS and those individuals or organizations who strive to reduce the risk of infant deaths by providing supportive services, community education, professional training, and supporting associated research.
(316) 682-1301 
http://www.kidsks.org

How Can I support someone who has experienced a pregnancy or infant loss?

Families are never prepared for the unexpected death of a healthy infant. The feelings of shock, anger, guilt or depression may be overwhelming. Every bereaved parent experiences grief in their own way, but there are some general recommendations that may be helpful in supporting someone who is grieving.
  • Just be there! Be a good listener; let the family talk about the baby. The most valuable thing is a caring presence.
  • Don’t be afraid to say the baby’s name! Most parents just want to know that their baby won’t be forgotten.
  • Offering a heartfelt “I’m sorry” and “I’m here if you need anything.” can speak volumes.
  • Avoid saying things to try to make the family members feel “better,” happier, or thankful for what they still have. Comments of this sort only hurt and tend to discount the loss
  • Keep trying, even if a family does not seem receptive to calls or visits. Give it some time and try again.  After the blur of the funeral is over, life is expected to go back to “normal” but it is a whole new normal for the bereaved family. The pain and hurt will be present for the rest of their lifetime.
  • Run errands for the family, provide meals, and offer to care for the surviving children.
  • Keep your faith, beliefs, and clichés to yourself. If those beliefs help you, use them for your own comfort, but do not expect the family to appreciate or find solace in them.
  • Send the family a card on the baby's birthday or during the holidays. 
  • Help the family plan a memorial event for their baby. 
Memorial Suggestions:
  • Design a commemorative activity in memory of the baby, such as planting a tree or garden.
  • Make a donation to a food pantry or child care center.
  • Give presents you would have bought the baby to a needy child.
  • Make a donation for a religious observance or other charitable cause based on the family’s preference.


​By Leonae DeLaTorre
​Family Support Coordinator
Infant Loss Resources
913-735-7437
[email protected]
10/1/2019