Every October, families around the world pause to remember the babies they hold in their hearts but not in their arms. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is a time to honor those lives, raise awareness about the reality of loss, and support the parents who carry this grief every day.
The Origins of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan declared October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. In his proclamation, he wrote:
“When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses their partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the great loss that so many parents experience.”
Since then, October has become a month of remembrance and advocacy. Families and organizations use this time to break the silence around miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, and infant death—losses that remain more common than many realize.
Why Awareness Matters
For parents enduring this grief, awareness means acknowledgment. It means knowing that their babies’ lives matter and that they are not alone in carrying this love and pain. For communities, awareness means learning how to show compassion, how to support grieving parents, and how to reduce the isolation so many feel.
Call Out: 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in loss. Chances are, someone you know is living with this reality.
The Wave of Light
On October 15th, families across the world participate in the Wave of Light. At 7 p.m. local time, candles are lit in honor of babies gone too soon. Because candles are lit in every time zone, the glow creates a continuous “wave of light” circling the globe for 24 hours.
For parents, this act is both intimate and communal. A single flame in the quiet of home says, I remember you, I love you, I miss you. And seeing photos shared from around the world reminds us: We are not alone. Our children are remembered alongside thousands of others.
Finding Meaning in Remembrance
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is not about dwelling on sadness—it’s about creating space for love. The Wave of Light, memory walks, community events, and personal rituals all give parents a way to honor their babies. They are reminders that even the briefest lives have lasting impact.
Self-Care Reminder: This month may stir emotions that feel overwhelming. Give yourself permission to rest, cry, or step back when needed. Light a candle, write your child’s name, or take a quiet walk. These small acts of remembrance are ways to care for both you and your baby’s memory.
Haven’s Commitment
At Haven, we stand with every parent who has endured the devastating loss of a child. We believe your child’s life matters, and your grief deserves to be seen and supported.
As we enter October, we invite you to:
- Join us in lighting a candle on October 15th at 7 p.m.
- Share your baby’s name or story with our community.
- Reach out if you need connection, support, or simply a reminder that you are not alone.
Together, we will continue to break the silence, honor our children, and walk with one another through the hardest parts of love.
