When most of us see a pink ribbon, we automatically think of Breast Cancer Awareness. Most of us also know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many take the time to celebrate our friends who have survived breast cancer, and we take a moment to remember those who lost their lives to this disease.
But there is a lesser known observance in October, and that is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, which is on October 15. This day has been designated as a day to remember and recognize families that have experienced the loss of a child or pregnancy. Many of these families grieve in silence, and certainly many friends of these families are at a loss to know how to comfort a parent or sibling after such a loss.
As with any other type of grief, it is important to remember the person, or in this case, infant or unborn child, Even before birth families have hopes and dreams for the child, and when the child is stillborn or dies shortly after birth, those dreams disappear. In some instances, pediatric hospice might be available to help a family grieve, but in the case like a SIDS death, there is no warning that the child might die.
If you don't know what to say, sometimes a hug and silence can be the best form of support for a family dealing with this type of loss.
