We all know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. We've seen the pink ribbons everywhere. Well, October is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. These are two issues that I hold close to my heart. But people feel more comfortable discussing cancer, than they do talking about losing a baby. There's so many commercials and walks for breast cancer, but never have I seen a commercial and events supporting pregnancy and infant loss are kept quiet. I know the March of Dimes in the States is working on finding answers. Unfortunately, both issues are all too common. I just wanted to share some numbers with you. We all know that
- Approximately 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. (Possibly twice that many miscarriages happen before the woman realizes that she is pregnant, but of course these are difficult to track.) Of the number of women who miscarry, 20 percent will suffer recurring miscarriage.
- Approximately 1 in 200 pregnancies end in stillbirth, which is a miscarriage after 20 weeks gestation.
- Approximately 1 in 200 pregnancies end in neonatal death, when the baby dies before it is 28 days old.
- Approximately 1 in 400 babies die between the age of 28 days and 11 months.
These aren’t just statistics – these are people. I bet there are women around you who fall into one of these categories, and you may not even know it.
Yesterday, October 15, is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It’s a day to remember these babies and to light a candle in their memory. There is supposed to be a “wave of light” across the world; everyone is asked to burn a candle for one hour at 7 PM in their own time zone to keep the wave going.
I don't spend just one day thinking of Kaitlyn. I think of her everyday, but yesterday, was a special day for her. I have the candle from her memorial. I get to light that candle every year. And next year, her little brother or sister will be with us to light that candle.
I was hesitant to write anything on facebook about yesterday. People get uncomfortable talking about losing a baby, but how are we going to step past that taboo without talking about it. After posting an message on facebook...I was so encouraged to see that other people had learned about October 15th, and they lite a candle or were thinking about Kaitlyn as well. I love knowing how much she meant to others as well. So thank you to all those who participated and who knows, maybe that wave will be even brighter next year.
Yesterday, October 15, is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It’s a day to remember these babies and to light a candle in their memory. There is supposed to be a “wave of light” across the world; everyone is asked to burn a candle for one hour at 7 PM in their own time zone to keep the wave going.
I don't spend just one day thinking of Kaitlyn. I think of her everyday, but yesterday, was a special day for her. I have the candle from her memorial. I get to light that candle every year. And next year, her little brother or sister will be with us to light that candle.
I was hesitant to write anything on facebook about yesterday. People get uncomfortable talking about losing a baby, but how are we going to step past that taboo without talking about it. After posting an message on facebook...I was so encouraged to see that other people had learned about October 15th, and they lite a candle or were thinking about Kaitlyn as well. I love knowing how much she meant to others as well. So thank you to all those who participated and who knows, maybe that wave will be even brighter next year.
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