What is Baby Loss Awareness Week?
Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place every year from 9th to 15th October. It is a time to remember babies who have died during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy, while raising awareness of the long term impact that baby loss can have on parents, families and those around them.
For many families, the loss of a baby can be difficult to talk about. Baby Loss Awareness Week provides an opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us and to show support to anyone who has experienced this type of loss.
What Can I Do to Take Part?
There are many simple ways to take part in Baby Loss Awareness Week. You might light a candle, share a message of remembrance or simply take a quiet moment to remember a baby who is loved and missed.
On 15th October, families and communities around the world can also take part in the Wave of Light, lighting a candle at 7pm to remember babies who have died and joining others in creating a wave of light across different time zones.
There also may be local events happening around this time, so check in with your local funeral director if they have any candle lighting events happening if you’d like to attend.
How to Comfort Someone Who Has Experienced Baby Loss?
Everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a baby. Sometimes, simply being there and letting someone know that you remember their baby can mean a great deal.
Additionally, there may be ways you can help with basic household chores, such as offering to clean, wash clothes or providing meals, as these everyday activities can become more challenging when going through grief.
Listening without trying to find the right words, checking in with them and giving them space when they need it can all be ways of offering support.
It can help to reach out long after the initial loss, such as on holidays, anniversaries or birthdays as these times can be difficult for those grieving.
What Colour Represents Losing a Baby?
Pink and blue are used to represent baby loss and are associated with Baby Loss Awareness Week. You may see these colours in ribbons, candles, social media posts, and other awareness materials throughout the week.
Support for Baby Loss
If you or someone you know has experienced baby loss, there are organisations that provide information, advice and support. Speaking to someone who understands can be an important part of finding support while you navigate your grief.
If you need to make funeral arrangements following the loss of a baby or child, you do not have to know what to do next. Our team is here to explain your options and support you through the arrangements at your own pace.
Bereavement support that might be useful to you:
- Sands
- Aching Arms – Support for loss during pregnancy, birth or infancy
- Antenatal Results & Choices – Specialised bereavement support around termination of pregnancy after a prenatal diagnosis.
- Child Bereavement UK
- Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
See more resources on the official Baby Loss Awareness Week Support Page
We’re Here When You Need Us
You are welcome to contact Jackson Family Funeral Directors at any time. Our phone lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for you and your family.
If you have questions or simply need to talk through what happens next, we are here to help.
