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October is not only a month of falling leaves and pumpkin spice, but also a time to acknowledge and honor the strength and resilience of those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. This October 1 marks the start of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time for families and communities to come together in support and remembrance. This month has been observed since 1988 when President Ronald Reagan designated it as such. It serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about this often stigmatized topic and provide support for those who have suffered such a heartbreaking loss. Let's use this month to shine light on these brave individuals and spread love and understanding.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origination by Reagan</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan designated October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month to acknowledge the pain of grieving families.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of October 15th Movement</div><div class='timeline-text'>A campaign began asking for a specific day within the month, leading to October 15 to be traditionally recognized as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Congressional Support</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Countries around the world begin recognizing October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>New Resolution Proposal</div><div class='timeline-text'>A new resolution was proposed to the U.S. Senate for October to be a month to raise national awareness, remember lost babies, and support bereaved families.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Light a candle in remembrance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>On October 15th, light a candle at 7pm in your local time zone to honor and remember all the babies who have passed away too soon. This is a powerful way to show your support and raise awareness for pregnancy and infant loss.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a virtual walk or run</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many organizations hold virtual walks or runs during this month to raise funds and awareness for pregnancy and infant loss. Sign up, gather some friends and family, and participate in memory of a lost little one.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a local charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that supports families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and donate your time, money, or resources. Your contribution can make a big difference in the lives of grieving families.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, consider sharing your story on social media or with a support group. Your words could offer comfort and support to others who are going through a similar experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to educate yourself about pregnancy and infant loss, including risk factors, prevention, and ways to support those who have experienced it. Share this information with friends and family to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma around this difficult topic.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings awareness to a difficult and often overlooked topic</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Pregnancy and infant loss is a very sensitive and personal experience, and oftentimes, those who have gone through it feel alone in their grief. By dedicating an entire month to raising awareness about this issue, it helps to bring attention and support to those who have been affected.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides resources and support for families</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, many organizations and support groups offer resources, counseling, and events for families who have experienced loss. This can be incredibly helpful for individuals or couples who are navigating the difficult journey of dealing with pregnancy or infant loss.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It serves as a reminder to honor and remember lost loved ones</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month gives us a chance to reflect on the lives that were taken too soon. It's important to remember and honor these precious lives, and this month provides a platform to do just that. Whether it's through participating in events or simply lighting a candle in remembrance, this month reminds us to keep the memory of lost loved ones alive.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>1 in 4 Women Experiences Pregnancy or Infant Loss</h3><p class='facts-text'>It's estimated that about 25% of women experience a miscarriage or stillbirth at some point in their lives, making it a much more common occurrence than many people realize.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Family and Friends Often struggle to Respond Adequately</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many people don't feel equipped to provide emotional support after a pregnancy or infant loss. This can amplify the feelings of isolation and grief experienced by the bereaved.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Public Figures have Opened up About Their Experiences</h3><p class='facts-text'>Celebrities like Mariah Carey, Michelle Obama, and Pink have spoken publicly about their experiences with loss, helping to destigmatize the topic and promote open conversations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Medical Community Continues to Learn More About Pregnancy Loss</h3><p class='facts-text'>While the exact causes of many miscarriages remain unknown, ongoing research continues to shed light on potential risk factors and preventive measures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Real Progress is Being Made Toward Better Support for Bereaved Parents</h3><p class='facts-text'>Hospitals and health systems are developing bereavement programs and resources to better support families after a loss. While there's still much work to be done, the development of these programs marks an important step forward.</p></div></div>
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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