Fall…this one word can bring to mind many different things…piles of crunchy leaves, apple pie, football, cozy sweaters and evenings around the fire. Many people greet fall with open arms and welcome the change of season. However, when you are a parent grieving the death of your baby, the change of seasons can be difficult because it can feel as if time is marching on, while for you, life has come to a standstill. Summer giving way to fall can be an especially challenging time as we head into the colder season of shorter days and times centered around children, such as back to school and Halloween.
For many, the beginning of fall is impossible to separate from the upcoming winter holiday season, which bereaved parents often dread. This time of year can also be meaningful for bereaved parents, as October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. This month provides the perfect opportunity to share your baby with others while helping them become more aware (and perhaps more sensitive!) of what life is like when your baby has died. If you are looking for some ways to help spread awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, the following are some ideas: ·
Light up your house or business with pink and blue lights. Email photos to us, and we will share them on social media! rcarlson@nationalshare.org or spurcell@nationalshare.org
· Reach out to your friend or loved one who has experienced a loss
· Perform a random act of kindness in memory of your baby
· Make remembrance pins using plain pins and ribbons from a craft store. Hand them out to your family and friends to wear during October.
· If you work in a place with a break room or cafeteria, ask if you can put cards on the table about pregnancy and infant loss awareness month.
· Donate to an organization that is meaningful to you in honor of your baby.
· Purchase a candle to use all month. Some companies offer personalized candles
· Participate in the International Wave of Light--on October 15, light a candle at 7 PM and leave it burning for one hour. This creates a 24-hour wave of light around the world. Ask your loved ones to participate with you, and use the hashtags #SHAREWOL24 and #WOL24 to share your photos.
We also invite you to walk with us in memory of all the babies gone too soon on October 19. You can walk in person or virtually. Share photos of anything you do in honor of your baby this month on your social media; we would love to see them too, so please tag us. As always, please be gentle with your heart, not just in October, but always. All of you and your beloved babies will be held close in our thoughts. We are here for you.