Holidays, awareness months, and awareness weeks hold special significance in our lives, bringing communities together to celebrate, remember, and raise awareness for important causes. For parents who have experienced the profound loss of a pregnancy or infant, these occasions can be bittersweet, triggering a mix of emotions. In this blog post, we’ll explore various holidays and awareness events related to pregnancy and infant loss, highlighting the importance of these moments in fostering community, empathy, and healing.
October 15th: Wave of Light
Every year, on October 15th, the global community comes together to participate in the Wave of Light event. This poignant occasion encourages parents, families, and friends to light a candle at 7 p.m. local time, creating a wave of light across time zones, in honor of babies who have been lost through pregnancy and infant loss. This event serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of darkness, the light of love and remembrance continues to shine.
April: Infertility Awareness Week
Infertility Awareness Week, held in April, is a vital campaign that aims to destigmatize the conversation around infertility and support those who are struggling to conceive. This week offers a platform for raising awareness, sharing stories, and providing information about infertility. It’s a time to acknowledge the emotional and physical challenges that individuals and couples face on their journey to parenthood.
October: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, observed in October, is a dedicated time to recognize and remember the lives of babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. During this month, families, friends, and organizations come together to create a supportive environment for those who have experienced such profound loss. The awareness generated during this month encourages open conversations about pregnancy and infant loss, helping to break the silence and stigma surrounding these experiences.
In October, Share Parents of Utah holds a Walk of Remembrance event to celebrate Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, honoring all babies who were gone too soon. Learn more about the walk, and see our calendar of events.
Healing Benefits of Celebrating Holidays and Awareness Events
Creating Rituals: Participating in the Wave of Light event, lighting a candle, and joining in remembrance walks are all meaningful ways to honor the babies who are no longer with us. These rituals allow us to express our love and keep their memories alive.
Sharing Stories: Infertility Awareness Week and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month encourage individuals to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and reminding us that we’re not alone in our experiences.
Fostering Support: Engage with local and online support groups that offer a safe space for sharing emotions, finding resources, and connecting with others who understand the journey of loss and healing.
Advocacy and Education: Use these events as opportunities to advocate for greater awareness and understanding surrounding pregnancy and infant loss. Education is a powerful tool for reducing stigma and providing support.
Holidays and awareness events related to pregnancy and infant loss play a vital role in validating the experiences of grieving parents, raising awareness, and fostering a sense of community. At Share Parents of Utah, we stand by your side, offering support, resources, and a compassionate space to navigate these meaningful occasions. As we light candles, share stories, and raise our voices in remembrance, may we find solace, strength, and hope in our collective journey of healing and advocacy.