A few years ago, two women named Robyn Bear and Lisa Brown started a movement to have October 15th declared Pregnancy and Infant Loss Memorial Day. The movement has gained a great deal of momentum and the media has been reporting on multiple different memorial efforts by hospitals and support groups around the globe.
In New Zealand, The Nurture Foundation for Reproductive Research is calling on New Zealanders to think of 600 empty bassinets to remember the 600 babies lost to stillbirth or within 28 days after birth in that country. A medical center in Alabama is holding a tree planting ceremony. Across the nation, various cities have held Walks to Remember this weekend, some raising money for research into preventing pregnancy and infant loss.
Even if you are not geographically near a pre-organized event, you can still participate. On October 15th, according to the founders' website, the suggestion is to light a candle at 7pm in whatever your time zone to observe the day. You can also try these suggestions for memorializing a baby lost to miscarriage or stillbirth.
I think it's wonderful that this movement has gained so much momentum, and I hope that in future years the profile will grow even more.
How can I find out about things going on for miscarriage awareness day in my area? I live in Birmingham, AL. and would love to remember my baby on this day…
Visit october15th.com or call your local hospital(s) to see if they are holding a memorial service.