Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
Today is October 15th, which is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. This was passed in the United States House of Representatives on September 28, 2006 (House Resolution #222). At the meeting, there were several speakers, including California Representative Brian Bilbray, who told of his own personal story 22 years ago. He and his wife lost their precious baby to SIDS at 3 months of age. He was very emotional as he spoke about it (who wouldn’t be?). Soon after, House Resolution #222 was passed (aka Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day). The goal of this day is to help grieving parents to come to terms and live with their loss – not “get over” their loss – and to help others relate to their loss, know what to do and say, and what to not do and say.
I have been fortunate to have 3 healthy pregnancies, resulting in 3 healthy babies. However, I know there are many mothers out there who have lost babies in pregnancy and childbirth. My eyes are welling up with tears right now just thinking about it. My heart goes out to these women and their families. I want to extend my love and hugs to these incredibly strong women and their families. Take a moment today and count your blessings. Feel free to share your story if you’d like.
I have to tell you THANK YOU for posting this. Last night my 10 week old cousin passed away. I gave this link to my Aunt and Uncle in hopes that maybe they could find some comfort. Thanks for bringing this to attention. There is no pain like losing a helpess little one.
I cant even imagine losing a child.I suffered through 3 terrible pregnancies,almost losing 1 during delivery and 1 emergency c-section due to a ruptured amniotic sac, and that was terrible.My sister lost a baby at the age of 15 and she still has bad days because of it.I am like you,just the thought of losing one of my children makes me want to squeeze them tight and never let go.To anyone that has suffered through this,I can only say I am so sorry this has to happen to anyone,ever.If there ever was something we need a cure for ,it is SIDS.It has to be so much harder to lose an unborn or infant child just because you never have a chance to know what they could have been,and to be given such a gift and have it taken away is just wrong.
I know that I’m posting this a day late, but thank you. As a mommy that has had more than one miscarriage and two more preemie births, thank you. Thomas S. Monson once said that when we lose a parent, we mourn the past, but when we lose a child, we mourn the future. It is so very true. There are many times that I wonder what my life would be like with all THREE of my kiddos (I don’t usually talk about my miscarriage) running my life instead of just my ONE. I’m doing okay now, meaning my grief is healing and I’m not overwhelmed with those losses. Right now my heart is going out to many of my friends that have suffered losses in the last 6 months.
Thank you for this beautiful post… although I am late in acknowledging it, my heart goes out to all who have lost a child. I had one miscarriage between my two beautiful, healthy, boys, very early in my pregnancy with no complications and was easily able to conceive again.
It is such a hard thing for a parent to lose a child to SIDS, or any other reason, that to have others there to help you grieve is one of the most wonderful things you can share.
Please know I pray for all who have lost a child in any manner every day.