National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day on October 15 is a special day to honor the lives of those lost due to pregnancy or infant loss. The origins of this day can be traced back to 1988 when President Ronald Reagan declared that October should be recognized as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This special day serves as an opportunity for families who have experienced such losses, to come together in solidarity and remember their loved ones with love, respect, compassion, and hope.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1912</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Infant Mortality Rates Recognized</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S government starts keeping record of infant mortality rates, increasing awareness on pregnancy and infant loss.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Grief Counseling Evolution</div><div class='timeline-text'>Grief counseling evolves to include pregnancy loss, recognizing the emotional toll on parents and families.</div></div></div><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'>Reagan's Proclamation</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan declares October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Robyn Bear's Campaign</div><div class='timeline-text'>Robyn Bear with a group of six mothers starts a nationwide campaign for a day of remembrance.</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'>Petition Success</div><div class='timeline-text'>The online petition began by Bear and her associates reaches over 20,000 signatures, leading to recognitions in all 50 states.</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'>House Resolution 222</div><div class='timeline-text'>U.S. House of Representatives passes House Resolution 222, supporting goals and ideals of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.</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</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Lighting a candle is a simple yet meaningful way to remember the children and families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. You can also light a virtual candle or set up a memorial page.</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'>Write a letter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to write a letter to your lost loved one. It doesn't have to be long – just enough to express your thoughts and feelings. Writing can be a therapeutic way to process grief.</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'>Plant something</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Planting something in memory of your lost child, such as a tree, flower, or garden, can be healing and help you honor their life. The physical act of planting can also give you a sense of peace.</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'>Donate</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Consider donating to an organization that supports parents who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. Your donation will help provide much needed emotional and financial support.</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'>Gather with friends</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend time with family and friends who understand what you are going through and can offer emotional support. Invite them over for dinner, go for a walk, or just sit down for coffee.</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 an issue that affects many families</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Pregnancy and infant loss is a heartbreaking experience that affects countless families each year. National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day helps raise awareness of this issue and allows bereaved families to commemorate the lives of their lost loved ones in a meaningful way.</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 can provide comfort and support for grieving families</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to raising awareness, National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day gives families who have experienced loss the opportunity to honor the memory of their loved one. It also allows them to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences, providing much needed emotional support and understanding.</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 promotes research on causes of pregnancy & infant loss</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In order to better understand the causes of pregnancy and infant loss, more research must be done. National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day can help bring attention to this important issue, encouraging organizations and individuals to allocate resources to supporting ongoing research efforts.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Wave of Light is a Global Show of Solidarity</h3><p class='facts-content'>At 7pm local time on October 15, people around the world light a candle for the "Wave of Light," joining in a global act of remembrance for those lost to pregnancy and infant loss.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Approximately 1 in 4 Pregnancies Results in Miscarriage</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Miscarriage Association states that an estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, illuminating just how widespread this experience is across the globe.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pregnancy and Infant Loss Can Cause Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)</h3><p class='facts-content'>The psychological impact of losing a child can be so great that up to 39% of parents experience symptoms of PTSD following a stillbirth or neonatal death, according to Tommy's, a UK-based pregnancy and research center.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>October 15th Became Officially Recognized in Canada in 2013</h3><p class='facts-content'>Blake Richards, a Member of Parliament in Canada, initiated a bill in 2011 to officially recognize October 15th as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The bill was passed in October 2013.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Groups Exist Around the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>Grieving families are not alone — numerous organizations around the globe offer support for those affected by pregnancy and infant loss, including the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network, The Compassionate Friends and Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Inc.</p></div></div>
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is celebrated on October 15 every year. In 2024 it falls on a Tuesday.
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