Today is pregnancy and infant loss awareness day. Although I am sad that a day need exist, I am glad it does. I had become more aware of how common miscarriages were after we lost our 3rd baby at 8 weeks, however, I was still very unaware of how often moms and dads had to bury their new bundles of joy until I now find myself preparing to do the same. I spent some time looking at the numbers and found that:
- 500,000 babies are lost to miscarriage each year
- Approximately 25,000 babies are stillborn each year in the U.S., according to the March of Dimes and 19,000 babies die within the 1st month of life.
- SIDS claims the lives over over 7,000 babies each year nationally
There are so many affected by the loss of their baby. If you are one of these people, I encourage you to share your story in a comment below - and I invite the people reading to take a moment and pray for the ones who have courageously shared their stories.
Also, as the http://www.october15th.com/ site has announced, you are invited to light a candle on October 15th at 7pm in your time zone to create a wave of light in remembrance of the child/children you have lost. or in honor of someone else who has lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.
Thank you for your stories, prayers and for participating in this event to bring hope to healing hearts.
Stacey, thank you for sharing the information of this day with me. Yesterday when we had the memorial service for baby Amelia who was born sleeping, we kept thinking of how we as an extedned family are not alone. I want to also thank you for alowing me the privlige to feel Rachel move last friday, What a gift!!
ReplyDelete-Katie McCauley
Having gone through 2 miscarriages, one each before my 2 beautiful daughters were born, it's never forgoten how hard it was. I just think to myself I would not have the 2 girls I have now if it were for the miscarriages. It's painful to go through, I remember the pain like it was yesterday.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this info, I have been hearing all about you through your sister, and I think about you, your hubby and kids everyday...my nephew Jared was taken at 2 and 1/2 months ..sids, my kids think about him often and I don't think I will ever stop thinking of him. My girls picked out the sweetest little outfits for him for Christmas, he passed shortly after Christmas and was never able to wear the outfits. about a month after he passed I took the girls to Build A Bear, they made their bears and put Jared's outfits on them. The bears are both named Jared and when they really need to give him a hug, they can cuddle with their bears. You will remain in my prayers now and always, I have to tell you that since Meagan started sharing your story with me, the little things my girls do that used to really get me mad, seems so small and I just thank God that they are here. I will share Eme's miracle with you in another post. Colleen
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