October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

In the month of October, we recognize everyone who has lost children through miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant/childhood death, abortion, and other reproductive losses. Although circumstances of these losses greatly vary, Vida is here for you; you are not alone. 

Pregnancy Loss

Nearly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriage is the most common form of pregnancy loss and happens within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Stillbirths occur when a baby is lost after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most stillbirths happen before a pregnant person goes into labor, but a small number happen during labor and birth. Every year more than 20,000 pregnancies in the U.S. result in a stillbirth.

If you or a loved one experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth, Vida has information and support as you work through your grieving process. Whether you have just been given the diagnosis of a pregnancy loss and want to connect with a nurse regarding the use of a miscarriage kit or need resources to help you process your grief, we are here for you.

Infant Loss

Birth defects, preterm birth, and sudden infant death syndrome are the leading causes of 0.005% of infants passing before the age of one. Those who have held a child and lost them suddenly, or watched them slowly pass on from this earth, know that healing can be found from this insurmountable grief. Vida Medical Clinic provides Adverse Prenatal Diagnosis support for moms and dads who receive a variety of prognoses for their unborn babies. Vida Support Services also offers support during and after an infant or child loss by connecting you with mentors and resources to help you move forward on a path to healing.

Abortion Loss

It’s normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, including the loss of a child by abortion. Vida has staff members and volunteers who have been where you are. You are not alone. Help is available. Vida’s Abortion Recovery Roadmap provides steps and recourses to help you through your loss including, mentoring, support groups, studies, and retreats. 

Healing Can Be Found

On October 14, Vida will host Walk to Remember, where those who have lost a child at any time from any kind of loss, can come to remember, grieve, and heal.

We are sorry you are experiencing this and desire to offer you comfort. Every individual uniquely processes grief; there is no right or wrong way to process. Your thoughts and feelings are valid and should be empathized with. How you process this may change throughout the months and years that go by, and that is normal.

If you lost a child yourself and are looking for ways to cope, or you know someone who needs resources for healing, call Vida at 920-731-4354.