Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month

“Each new life, no matter how brief forever changes the world.”

The loss of an infant during pregnancy or stillbirth is painful and devastating for many families. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 pregnancy in 100 at 20 weeks of pregnancy and later is affected by stillbirth, and each year about 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States. 

In 1988, US President Ronald Reagan declared October as a month to recognize the unique grief of bereaved parents in an effort to demonstrate support to the many families who have suffered such a tragic loss. Here are some ways to remember and honor the loss of an infant this month. 

Light a Candle 

It seems like such a simple way to remember and mark an occasion, but the act of lighting a special candle to remember a loved one is a time-honored tradition. A candle is a soft and gentle symbol of light shining through the darkness. You can speak or read words of remembrance, light the candle on the exact time of your loss, or simply light the candle by your favorite place to reflect. 

Charity Event 

It seems like there is never a shortage of charitable events or ways to contribute. If you have experienced a loss and like ways to give back, educate, or simply be with individuals who have experienced a similar loss, a charitable contribution or volunteering might be for you. A simple google search should yield several events in your area or organizations you can help with to honor your loss. The March of Dimes is just one organization you can walk to raise money for, team shirts can be customized for all the lives cut short. 

Symbolic Jewelry or Tattoo

Special remembrance jewelry or a meaningful tattoo, whether it’s a bracelet or a pendant can bring comfort to parents who have experienced a loss. A simple statement bracelet with a quote, the baby’s name, or date can quickly become a favorite cherished piece. Jewelry can be for men and women so if you know someone who has experienced the loss of a baby, consider honoring their child with a piece of everlasting jewelry. Tattoos such as tiny footprints, the date, name, or special symbol is an everlasting reminder of the life lost.  

Plant a tree

There is something incredibly poignant about planting new life when one has ended. Planting and looking after a tree is a symbolic way of marking the baby’s life. Consider purchasing a plaque or a special marker to place near the tree. You’ll marvel at the growth of the tree and it will be a special living reminder of the age your child would have been each year. 

Stillborn and pregnancy loss can be devastating for parents and all family members involved but there are numerous heartfelt ways to honor the precious loss. Even the smallest gesture can have an impact.  Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.

Sources:

https://starlegacyfoundation.org/awareness-month/

https://www.cdc.gov/features/pregnancy-infant-loss-day/index.html