SHARE Atlanta - Pregnancy and Newborn Loss Grief Support

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October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Awareness Month

Reasons for this Month: Hope and Healing


Taken from the SHARE Atlanta brochure on
"October is Loss Awareness" by Marcia McGinnis






Permission to Grieve and Options by Marcia McGinnis (2003)

Every bereaved parent should be given permission to grieve and given possible options for healing. If and when they choose to grieve, and what they choose to do is their decision.

Being given some possible options lets them know that they are not alone in their grief, pain, and confusion. Parents who have experienced similar losses are there for them when they need support. We appreciate that not everyone will ask for support. For many, the realization that they are not alone gives them comfort.

Death at birth is not understood by society.

Reactions are usually driven by misunderstanding, denial, and fear of the unknown. Society questions is it “right” to grieve a person that no one knew even though the parent usually feels as though s/he did know this little one. Parents often fear what others will think or that recognition of their loss will make them hurt more.

Awareness activities

These activities lessen the misconceptions so parents may own their true feelings and reactions. Hopefully, they can feel safe to ask for the support they need to move through the grieving process.

Death before and at birth does cause grief.

Death of a baby during pregnancy or of a newborn occurs more often than society realizes. The good news is that many of these deaths are no longer mysteries because of the connections made from groups such as SHARE Atlanta, the March of Dimes (MOD), research and medical professionals. There is advocacy, now, for intervention and prevention of the difficult pregnancy.

A “voice” as we support one another

Parents who have experienced pregnancy or newborn loss have a voice with groups such as SHARE Atlanta and MODs. Our issues, both emotional and physical, are important and by facing them, more babies will live, and less parents will suffer alone after the death of their unborn or newly born child. Hope, not pain and confusion, will be the lasting memory as healing occurs. by Marcia McGinnis

Awareness Month Observance Ideas The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center's Loving Arms Newsletter
(Fall '91, Sept./Oct. '92):

  • Notices in church bulletins, newspapers, and a focus by local media can bring great comfort to grieving families. Here is a sample press release.

    "Life can be the same after the loss of a trinket but never after the loss of a treasure. Each year over 1 million of God's treasures are lost though miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death. These little treasures are lovingly remembered by their grieving families. During October, which is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, please hold all bereaved families who have lost children (of any age) in your prayers! For more information, support, resources, or to make a donation in memory of a special child, please contact [local support group information here]."

  • Plan a newsworthy activity to get publicity and draw attention to your cause. Write an article and submit it to your local papers. A letter to your local media should include names of real people with real stories they would be willing to share.

  • Plan a memorial service or "service of remembrance" for babies who have been miscarried, stillborn, or suffered death in infancy. Such an event may include a tree planting ceremony, dedication of a park bench, or other such memorial.

  • Make posters or flyers to display at churches, medical facilities, stores, and other public places and promote your local support group.

  • Conduct community workshops. Invite clergy, funeral directors, medical professionals, bereaved parents, media, and the general public.

  • Contact your mayor, governor and legislators about issues related to this special month.

  • Conduct a fund-raiser for an area support group or organization. A raffle, garage sale, bake sale, car wash or ????? is a great way to raise awareness as well as raising funds.

    Much of the above was taken from...Aug./Sept. '91,Loving Arms Newsletter, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center, Inc., 1421 E. Wayzata Blvd., #30 Wayzata, MN 55391 or call 612-473-9372.







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