Every October, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) & National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month is observed to bring attention to this unfortunate problem. Losing a child during pregnancy or while in infancy is a painful experience many families face. For this reason, the month of October is also dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have lost a baby during pregnancy or infancy.
Dealing with death in the family is never easy. And losing a baby – whether through miscarriage or infancy – is no exception. Pregnancy and infant loss are devastating forms of loss that come with their own unique challenges. Janet Jaffe, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, and co-founder of the Center for Reproductive Psychology in San Diego stated, “One of the biggest differences is that losing a pregnancy, or a baby is a loss of the future rather than of the past.”
The loss of a child does not come with instructions on how to grieve. Grieving families often experience a variety of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, shame, and emptiness. But It’s important for parents to allow themselves as much time as necessary to recover from the grieving process. Healing time between family members will vary, but eventually, all members will find peace again. So, remember that your body and your emotions need time to recover after pregnancy. There’s no right amount of time to grieve. It takes as long as it takes for you. Over time, you can find peace, but in the meanwhile take care of yourself, physically and emotionally.
