Today is a day of remembrance for pregnancy loss and infant death, which includes, however is not limited to, miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, and the death of a newborn. Pregnancy and infant loss is not uncommon, occurring in one of every four pregnancies in Canada.
For those needing help and support due to a loss or who have loved ones who have lost, you can find resources through:
- Parents Orphelins is a Québec Association of parents grieving from pregnancy and infant loss. Their mission is to help other parents through this difficult ordeal by breaking the isolation, by documenting, by informing and by educating the population of Québec on the subject of pregnancy and infant grief. The Association encourages mutual assistance among bereaved parents in Québec, health care professionals and supporters to the cause.
- Bereaved Families of Ontario – Ottawa Region also offer support to those who are grieving from pregnancy and infant loss. Services and support include: weekly support and share walks and days, monthly support and share nights, and new to the organization are the closed groups, which will run over a nine-week period for different types of losses. For more information, make sure to check-out their BFO Ottawa brochure. They are in the midst of organizing a Paint Night Event.
How can you show your support? On October 15th, everyone is invited to light a candle at 7 pm all over the world. By keeping your candle lit for at least an hour, you will be participating in a worldwide “wave of Light” in observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.
