Honoring Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month: Making Space for Grief, Love, and Healing
Every October, we observe Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month—a time to honor the babies who are no longer with us and the families whose lives were forever changed by their loss.
For many, this month is filled with quiet remembrance, complex emotions, and a longing that words can’t fully express. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, whether it happened early in pregnancy or after birth—your grief matters.
A Grief Often Carried in Silence
Pregnancy and infant loss can be an incredibly isolating experience. Parents may feel like the world keeps moving while theirs has stopped. The grief is real and profound, yet often invisible to others.
Because loss during or after pregnancy is not always openly discussed, many parents struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame. You might wonder if you’re allowed to grieve “this much,” or if others will understand.
But the truth is: your grief is valid. Your story deserves space. Your baby’s memory matters.
The Emotional Impact of Loss
Pregnancy and infant loss affects both the body and mind. It can bring waves of sadness, anger, anxiety, or numbness. Many parents experience symptoms of depression or post-traumatic stress in the weeks and months following their loss. Others may notice changes in relationships, identity, or faith.
It’s common to feel a mix of emotions—grief alongside love, heartbreak alongside gratitude. Healing after loss isn’t about “moving on”; it’s about learning to carry your grief in new ways while still finding meaning and connection in your life.
Supporting Yourself Through Grief
There is no “right” way to grieve, but having compassionate support can make the process less lonely. Here are a few ways to care for yourself during this time:
💛 Give Yourself Permission to Feel
Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. Allow yourself to feel whatever arises—sadness, anger, relief, confusion, even moments of peace. All of it is part of healing.
🌿 Connect with Support
You don’t have to grieve alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a therapist who understands perinatal loss. Sharing your story with others who have experienced similar loss can be incredibly healing.
✨ Honor Your Baby in Meaningful Ways
Lighting a candle, writing a letter, planting a tree, or creating a small ritual can offer a sense of connection and remembrance.
Healing After Loss
Grieving the loss of a baby is not something you “get over.” Healing often means integrating your loss into your life story—allowing space for both sorrow and hope. Over time, many parents find ways to carry their baby’s memory forward with love and purpose.
If you are pregnant again after loss, you might notice new layers of anxiety or fear. Therapy can be a supportive space to process those feelings and navigate the complex emotions of pregnancy after loss with compassion and care.
You Are Not Alone
At Becoming Mental Health Counseling, we hold space for parents navigating grief, loss, and the emotions that follow. Whether you are in the midst of loss, preparing for pregnancy after loss, or seeking support years later, your experience matters.
You don’t have to carry it alone. Healing begins with being seen, heard, and supported—exactly where you are.