Hounouring our babies: pregnancy & infant loss awareness month

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time set aside to honour the babies we hold in our hearts, but not in our arms. For me, this month holds deep meaning. Our son, Josiah, was born prematurely at 24+4 weeks. We had 7 precious weeks with him in the NICU before he passed away unexpectedly. His life, though short, forever changed ours.

Grief after pregnancy and infant loss is something no parent imagines walking through. It is heavy, complicated, and deeply personal. Yet it is also a journey no one should have to carry alone. This month, we remember, we speak their names, and we raise awareness so that families don’t have to suffer in silence.

All too often, as bereaved parents, we find ourselves feeling like invisible parents. We are Mum and Dad, but don’t have a child that the world can see. We have been through pregnancy, birth, and bonding with our child, yet, we no longer get asked about our experience, or about our child, or get to share stories or memories.

It is why something like Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is so important. It helps those who have experienced this unimaginable loss to feel seen and heard. It gives us all tangible ways to honour those babies gone too soon, and to express our grief.

If you have experienced loss, I want you to know you are not alone. There is a community of families who understand, and there is support available. I will share about some beautiful people and organisations doing amazing things for this community over the next couple of weeks on my social media.

On October 15th, families all around the world will take part in the Wave of Light - lighting a candle at 7pm to honour the little lives gone too soon. My husband and I will be lighting one for Josiah, and I invite you to join me by lighting one for your baby, or for a friend or family member’s baby. Together, we create a wave of love and remembrance across the world.

💛 For bereaved parents: I see you, I honour your baby with you.
💛 For friends and family: Thank you for walking gently with us, for saying their names, and for holding space.

If you are seeking support during this month or beyond, I offer counselling for individuals navigating grief and loss. Please reach out if you’d like to connect.

Josiah, we love you, we remember you, always.