By Rebecca Franklund, MD, FACOG, a physician in the Women’s Clinic at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
October brings crisp air, falling leaves and many fall traditions, but it is also a month of remembrance. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month honors the families who grieve them. This month you may see parents place a white pumpkin on their porch, sometimes with their baby’s name, as a symbol of remembrance.
Loss takes many forms; miscarriage, stillbirth, molar or ectopic pregnancy, and other conditions can cause a pregnancy to end before or during birth. Preterm birth, birth defects, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other health conditions can cause infant death. Heartbreaking and often uncomfortable to discuss, these losses are not rare: one in four women will experience pregnancy or infant loss in their lifetime. As an OB/GYN, I see firsthand the depth of this grief. Each family’s journey is unique, and each loss deserves acknowledgment.
Supporting families begins with compassion. It is OK to say nothing at all if words feel impossible, and it is powerful simply to listen. Ask if it’s alright to use the baby’s name. Remembering milestones, such as due dates, birthdays or holidays can be done with a card or text and can mean more than you realize. On Oct. 15, communities around the world join in the “Wave of Light,” lighting candles at 7 p.m. to honor these children and their families.
This October, consider displaying a white pumpkin for a personal loss, wearing the pink-and-blue ribbon for friends and family or lighting a candle with the global community. By breaking the silence, we can ease the isolation and help families feel seen, heard and supported. Together, we can create space for remembrance, healing and hope.