October Awareness

When most people talk or think about awareness in the month of October the subject that is usually at the forefront of peoples minds is Breast Cancer Awareness. There have been amazing strides in medicine with breast cancer research, treatments, testing, etc. Most people at least know one person who has been affected by breast cancer. I know several strong and beautiful women who have had the misfortune of fighting that battle. As much as I could write a whole blog about Breast Cancer Awareness this post is not intended for that. This post is dedicated to those affected by infant and pregnancy loss.
On October 25, 1988 United States President Ronald Reagan designated the entire month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. October 15 Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day campaign began in 2002.  By 2016 all 50 American states have yearly proclamations. The significance of this date is to recognize and raise awareness for families who have suffered bereavement due to pregnancy and/or infant loss and to offer resources, information and support. (Wikipedia, 2016)
President Reagan stated "When a child loses his parents, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his 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 loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes."
This is a subject that until recent years was not often talked about publicly. Families suffered their losses silently. People feel uncomfortable talking to someone going through this emotional time because what can one say? I have become more vocal in the last few years of my experiences. Sometimes it makes people uncomfortable to discuss but you never know who your words can reach and provide comfort to when they are silently going through their own loss. And so as a previous Labor and Delivery nurse and a woman who has suffered three miscarriages herself I will dedicate the rest of my posts in the month of October to opening the conversation of this sensitive subject. Some of my stories may be difficult for some to read but if I can help just one person not feel alone and to help raise awareness about this sensitive subject then my posts have done their job

To Be Continued.........

 On October 15th at 7pm people are invited to help raise awareness by lighting a candle. Whether you have been through this situation, know someone who has or just want to help raise awareness I invite you to light a candle for all of those babies who are no longer with us. Thank You.

For more information please go to WWW.NOWILAYMEDOWNTOSLEEP.ORG