National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Rememberance Day - October 15th

Did you know that October 15 is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day? Many people aren't aware that this day has been designated a national day of remembrance for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss.

Sadly 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth. In this country a stillbirth is the term given for a baby that has died after 20 weeks. Before 20 weeks this sad loss is termed miscarriage.

In addition to October 15 being declared a remembrance day, October is also National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. For those of us that have said goodbye it is an important time to perhaps reflect on the life that was and to help raise awareness of these tragic statistics.

The Howard Government here in Australia pledged $800,000 to the Bonnie Babes Foundation to help fund research into miscarriage and stillbirth - sadly the Rudd Government has not honoured this pledge.

For anyone reading this who is seeking support - we have a wonderfully caring and supportive community of women here on Belly Belly - many who have endured the pain of miscarriage and/or stillbirth... Bonnie Babes and Sids for Kids are other organisations who are unsung heroes supporting families on the difficult journey of healing after loss.

At present people can go into Target now and by a soft toy, tote bag or badge 100% of the proceeds will go to Bonnie Babes.
On the 17th October 5% of all kidswear sold in Target will go the Bonnie Babes Foundation. The funds raised are invaluable to fund the support of these families.

So, National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day (which was begun due to the hard work of women who themselves sought recognition of Goodbye Babies) is tomorrow and it is recommended that at 7pm we each light a candle to remember our own and others babies that are no longer with us. The aim is that with all the differing time zones in the world there will be a stream of light that shines in rememberance.

Even if you have never had to say goodbye - tomorrow is a wonderful opportunity for us all to remember that somewhere right now a parents arms are empty and their hearts are breaking...

To my own Angels - my candle will be alight - my tears are ever ready to come - my heart will never again be whole...

Thanks for the reminder...

i light my candles each year

Thanks for letting us know Deb i will be lighting my candles.

Is there any way we can organise a petition to the rudd govt to try and sway them to honor the pledge?

My special candle will be lit for my Harry, his angel mates and every little soul that has grown wings.

I'll be lighting my candle this year, especially for my very much wanted angel who didn't make it to this world last year. I miss you Philabena with all my heart.

We'll be lighting our candles for our twins that we m/c - Sunni and Willow last year in their gardern.

And ive been wondering why I havent been so happy :(

Thank you for the reminder flowerchild. The statistics are scary. My heart goes out to all babies that are now angels and their mums and dads. And that all babies who are here on earth or growing in their mummy's tummies a safe and wonderful journey through life.

Thanks for the reminder Deb. I think not a day goes by that I don't think of our angels...but it is comforting to know there is a special day when our babies lives are remembered. Miss you everyday my little ones xxxx

Thanks for the info. I knew about tomorrow, but didn't know about the pins etc, the donations at target, the candles, or the government funding.

I'll be remembering tomorrow. Such a sad day.

I will mostly definately light a candle, especially for my little angel that never made it past 7 weeks after work tomorrow

For my three little angels, and for all the angels of all my wonderful friends, my candle will be lit.

And especially for my niece who was stillborn this month ten years ago... :(

BW

Thank you for the reminder!

I will light a candle this year in memmory of the angles my mum lost and for all the women in the worldwho have a lil angle watching out for them that is in there hearts!

For my little angel :angel: (Nov last yr) I will light a candle. I will also be lighting this candle for all angels and for their parents.....

What a very special day....

I will light a candle for my little angle and I will rub my belly for my growing bub, hugs and kisses to all angles and parents who are left behind.

remembering all the precious :angel: today, I know we dont normally do image posts but I hope this one will be ok for today

I light my candle in honour and memory of my tiny :angels:

ectopic m/c Oct 2002
Katy Rose my beautiful :angel: s/b @ 21 weeks 23/09/03
m/c @ 6 weeks March 05
m/c tiny baby boy @ 10 weeks Nov 05
m/c @ 7 weeks May 08

http://i34.tinypic.com/xo1jpd.jpg

Just wanted to say to everyone who has lost a little angel - I will be thinking of you today. Hope and :pray: that your heartbreak heals with time.
And to all those who find the courage to try again after such a tragedy - you have my most profound admiration and heartfelt best wishes.

For my tiny tiny angels, and for all those who have an angel baby with them, my thoughts and prayers are with you all today and everyday.

I'll be lighting my candles again this year. They will be on display near my window, lighting up the night.
Remembering you every day my precious, beautiful angels ~Noah Thomas~ & ~Little Wing~