National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month takes place in October annually. Tens of thousands of families across the United States are devastated each year by the loss of their baby. However, the grief of these families and the value of their babies' lives are very rarely acknowledged. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan declared October the month for recognizing the grief experienced by thousands worldwide. On October 15th, at 7 p.m., people around the world will light candles and participate in the "Wave of Light" to remember and recognize those lost and affected by pregnancy and infant loss.
Pregnancy and infant loss is a heartbreaking reality for many, yet it is one of the most stigmatized topics within society today. When parents feel as though they can communicate, they often associate their grief with feelings of shame and stigma, which can be described as "disenfranchised grief." Disenfranchised grief encompasses grief and mourning that do not feel acknowledged socially or publicly. The silence surrounding this topic is multifaceted, with cultural, emotional, and social concepts intertwining.
Emotional Weight
Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and 2.6 million babies are stillborn annually. The emotional weight faced by those who experience pregnancy and infant loss is monumental. Some common feelings include shame and guilt, which can prevent parents from opening up about their experiences. Many parents fear receiving unsolicited advice or being misunderstood, further deterring them from sharing their stories. Those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss may also feel a sense of isolation after their loss, unsure of where they can share their experiences for fear that their grief may be too heavy or complex for others to understand.
What can you do to show your support?
"I am sorry."
Let them know you are there if they need anything.
When you reach out, ensure you let the recipient know they do not need to reply to you.
Open the Dialogue
After experiencing loss, everyone deserves respectful and comprehensive healthcare that acknowledges their loss and provides support and resources for the psychological effects that may follow. Respect and autonomy are central in reproductive healthcare practices. These environments can be fostered through open dialogue between doctors and patients. Moving toward an open dialogue in healthcare and social settings is a vital step in destigmatizing and breaking the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss. Everyone has the right to talk about their experience and their loss, and it’s about creating a space where they feel they can.
References:
Comments