October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring babies lost too soon and supporting the families who carry that grief every day.

Pregnancy and infant loss can be deeply isolating experiences, yet they are far more common than many people realize. This month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and remind grieving parents that they are not alone.

At Pacific Reproductive Center, we recognize the profound emotional impact of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. We are committed to supporting families with compassion, education, and access to meaningful resources throughout every stage of their journey.

What is Infant Loss Awareness Month?

Infant Loss Awareness Month is observed every October to acknowledge pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and infant death. It provides space for remembrance, education, and community support while encouraging greater understanding of the emotional realities families face after loss.

Why is October dedicated to pregnancy and infant loss?

October was officially recognized as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in 1988, when then U.S. President Ronald Reagan declared the month a time to acknowledge the unique grief experienced by parents who have lost a child. This declaration was made to demonstrate national support for families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, and other forms of pregnancy loss.

Dedicating October to pregnancy and infant loss awareness helps bring visibility to experiences that are often endured quietly. Promoting awareness not only encourages compassion and understanding for grieving families but also supports improved education, advocacy, and prevention efforts that may help reduce the incidence of these losses in the future.

The importance of raising awareness

Raising awareness around pregnancy and infant loss plays a vital role in reducing stigma and validating the experiences of grieving parents. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month creates space for conversations that are often avoided or overlooked, helping families feel seen rather than isolated.

Awareness is critical given how widespread infant loss remains.

According to the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card, more than 20,000 babies in the United States die before their first birthday each year, with an infant mortality rate of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. These numbers represent thousands of families navigating profound loss, underscoring the need for compassion, education, and support at both the community and healthcare levels.

The impact of pregnancy and infant loss on families

The loss of a pregnancy or an infant can lead to profound emotional distress, including grief, anxiety, depression, guilt, and feelings of isolation. Parents may struggle not only with the loss itself, but also with navigating daily life while coping with intense emotional pain.

Breaking the silence surrounding miscarriage and stillbirth

Miscarriage and stillbirth are frequently experienced in silence, which can intensify feelings of loneliness and shame. Open conversations help normalize grief and remind families that their loss matters and deserves acknowledgment.

How awareness helps families feel seen and supported

When pregnancy and infant loss are openly discussed, families are more likely to seek support and receive understanding from their communities. Awareness initiatives help create environments where grief is met with compassion rather than discomfort or dismissal.

Common types of pregnancy and infant loss

Pregnancy and infant loss can occur in different ways, each carrying its own emotional challenges. Understanding these distinctions can help families better process their experiences.

Miscarriage and early pregnancy loss

Miscarriage refers to pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of gestation and is one of the most common forms of pregnancy loss. Despite its frequency, miscarriage can be emotionally devastating and is often accompanied by unanswered questions and self-blame.

Stillbirth and neonatal loss

Stillbirth occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, while neonatal loss refers to the death of an infant within the first 28 days of life. These losses can be especially traumatic and often require extended emotional and psychological support.

Recurrent pregnancy loss and its emotional toll

Recurrent pregnancy loss involves multiple miscarriages and can significantly affect emotional well-being, relationships, and future family planning decisions. The cumulative nature of repeated loss often intensifies grief and uncertainty.

Coping with pregnancy and infant loss

There is no single path through grief, and healing does not follow a timeline. Each family’s experience with child loss is unique, and all emotions are valid.

Healthy grieving and emotional healing strategies

Healthy coping may include allowing space for emotions, engaging in self-care, and finding meaningful ways to honor the loss. Physical well-being, including adequate rest, nutrition, and gentle movement, can also help support emotional stability during grief.

Supporting your partner through loss

Partners often grieve differently, which can sometimes lead to misunderstanding or emotional distance. Open communication, patience, and mutual compassion are essential as each person navigates their own healing process.

When to seek professional mental health support

If grief feels overwhelming or interferes with daily functioning, support from a therapist, counselor, or grief specialist can be an essential part of the healing journey. Professional support offers tools for processing emotions in a safe, supportive environment.

How can loved ones support a grieving parent?

Support from friends and family can be deeply meaningful when it is offered with sensitivity and respect.

What to say—and what not to say

Listening without judgment and acknowledging the loss are often more helpful than trying to fix the pain. Avoid minimizing statements or reassurances that unintentionally dismiss the family’s grief.

Offering practical and emotional support

Providing meals, helping with childcare, or assisting with daily tasks can ease the burden on grieving parents. Being present and available often matters more than finding the perfect words.

Ways to honor and remember babies lost too soon

Many families find comfort in honoring their baby’s memory in personal or symbolic ways.

Light a candle on October 15th

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed on October 15. Families are encouraged to light a candle at 7 p.m. local time to create a global wave of light in remembrance of babies lost too soon.

Creating memorial keepsakes or rituals

Memory boxes, keepsakes, planting trees, or writing letters can help families feel connected to their child and provide a tangible way to honor their memory.

Participating in community walks and events

Community walks, remembrance events, and awareness gatherings allow families to connect with others who understand their experience and offer shared support.

Resources for pregnancy and infant loss support

Access to trusted resources can help families feel less alone during the grieving process.

Support groups and grief counseling

Support groups and grief counseling offer safe spaces to share experiences, receive validation, and learn coping strategies from professionals and peers.

Books, online communities, and helplines

Educational books, online forums, and national organizations dedicated to pregnancy and infant loss can provide guidance, connection, and reassurance at any stage of grief.

Pacific Reproductive Center: supportive care for families throughout California

Pacific Reproductive Center is committed to caring for the emotional and physical well-being of individuals and couples across Southern California. Our compassionate team supports families before, during, and after pregnancy, including those navigating loss.

With locations throughout California, we offer respectful, patient-centered care and access to supportive resources. To learn more or speak with our team, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a consultation.

Frequently asked questions about infant loss awareness

How can families begin healing after losing a baby?

Healing often begins with acknowledging the loss, allowing space for grief, and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals.

What are meaningful ways to honor a baby on the due date?

Many families choose to light a candle, create a keepsake, write a letter, or spend time reflecting in a meaningful place.

Are there support groups specifically for fathers?

Yes. Many support groups and counseling services offer resources specifically for fathers and partners experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.

What role do fertility specialists play after pregnancy loss?

Fertility specialists can help evaluate medical factors, provide guidance for future family planning, and connect families with emotional support resources.

How can couples strengthen their relationship after a loss?

Open communication, mutual understanding, and shared support, sometimes with professional guidance, can help couples navigate grief together.