October is Infant and Baby Loss Awareness Month
Pregnancy and baby loss is a topic that is often surrounded by silence and stigma. Many people feel uncomfortable discussing it, which can leave grieving parents feeling isolated and unsupported. By raising awareness, we can break the silence and create a safe space for families to share their stories, seek support, and find healing.
Situations associated with pregnancy & infant Loss
Miscarriage: This is when a pregnancy ends on its own before 20 weeks.
Stillbirth: When a pregnancy ends after 20 weeks, and the baby can't survive.
Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube.
Molar Pregnancy: Abnormal tissue grows in the uterus instead of a baby.
Blighted Ovum: A pregnancy sac forms, but there's no baby inside.
Neonatal Death: The passing of a newborn within the first 28 days of life.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): A healthy baby dies suddenly and inexplicably during sleep in their first year.
Pregnancy Termination for Medical Reasons: Ending a pregnancy by choice (abortion) for medical reasons like severe health problems.
Infant Loss Due to Congenital Anomalies: A baby is born with severe birth defects that can't be treated or are incompatible with life.
Embryo Loss: A baby is an embryo up until the 8th week of pregnancy. Sometimes embryos are lost or discarded during the IVF process.
Vanishing Twin Syndrome: This is when, during pregnancy, one of the babies that were developing suddenly disappears, leaving only one baby to be born.
Childless not by choice: This describes people or couples who really want to have children but can't, either because of health issues or other reasons.
Infertility: Infertility means having a hard time getting pregnant or not being able to get pregnant.
Disrupted Adoption: This is when a plan for adoption doesn't work out before it's completed. It can be because of changes in the birth parents' decisions or unexpected issues, and it can be a tough situation for everyone involved.
If you are experiencing or have experienced any of these situations and need additional support our partners at Fly Mama have excellent support bundles.
See the links below
Early Pregnancy & Baby Loss (0-23 weeks) Support Bundle
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support Bundle
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Bundle
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