October: A Month of Awareness and Support for Miscarriage

October is a month dedicated to raising awareness about miscarriage, infant loss, and infertility, three heartbreaking experiences for many families. It's a time to offer support, understanding, and resources to those who have been affected by these losses.

Understanding Miscarriage, Infant Loss, and Infertility

• Miscarriage: The loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation.

• Infant Loss: The death of a baby within the first year of life.

• Infertility: The inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term.

Types of Miscarriage and Infant Loss

• Miscarriage:

  • Chemical Pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but is unable to develop further.

  • Normal Miscarriage: This is the most common type of miscarriage and occurs when a pregnancy ends naturally due to a variety of factors.

  • Stillbirth: This occurs when a baby dies in the womb after the 20th week of pregnancy.

  • Ectopic Pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube.

• Infant Loss:

  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): This is the unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant.

  • Birth Defects: These can cause a baby to be born with conditions that may lead to death.

  • Prematurity: Babies born too early may have difficulty surviving.

  • Other causes: There are many other factors that can contribute to infant loss, such as infections, accidents, and genetic disorders.

Supporting Those Affected by Miscarriage, Infant Loss, and Infertility

If you know someone who has experienced any of these losses, it's important to offer your support in a compassionate and understanding way. Here are a few things you can do:

• Listen without judgment: Allow the person to share their feelings and experiences without offering unsolicited advice or trying to fix their problems.

• Offer practical support: Help with tasks like running errands, cooking meals, or taking care of children.

• Validate their emotions: Let them know that their feelings are normal and that it's okay to grieve.

• Connect them with resources: There are many organizations and support groups that can provide additional support and resources for those who have experienced miscarriage, infant loss, and infertility.

Resources

• Miscarriage Association of America: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/

• March of Dimes: https://www.marchofdimes.org/

• Resolve: https://www.resolve.ngo/

• The Hopeful Heart: https://www.hopeful-hearts.org/

• The Compassionate Friends: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/find-support/chapters/chapter-locator/

• RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association: https://www.resolve.org/

  
  

Remember, you are not alone. If you have experienced any of these losses, know that there are others who understand what you are going through. Seek support from loved ones, friends, or professional counselors. Together, we can raise awareness about miscarriage, infant loss, and infertility and create a more supportive community for those affected by these devastating experiences.

A Note on Healing

The healing process after a miscarriage, infant loss, or infertility can be long and difficult. It's important to be patient with yourself and allow yourself to grieve in your own way. There is no right or wrong way to mourn, and everyone's experience is unique. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to support you.

On October 15th, every year, there is something called the Wave of Light. When, at a specified time (6PM and 7PM normally) people are encouraged to light a candle for their lost babies to remember them.