October is SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

From the Press Release (not that I actually qualify as "the Press" but anyway):

On this day, in communities across America, expectant moms will feel their baby’s first kick; parents will listen joyfully to their newborn’s first cry; and families will celebrate their healthy baby’s first birthday.

Also on this day, seven babies will be lost to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); more than 70 new parents will have listened sadly to their stillborn baby’s silence; and countless lives will be lost to miscarriage and other sudden, unexpected infant deaths.

October 15 has been designated “National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. On this day, in homes across our nation, families will light candles to celebrate the lives that have been lost, and will continue to be lost, until we reach our goal of a future where all babies survive and thrive.

First Candle has established a 2006 Awareness Month Action Center on its website. Interested individuals can access information on ways they can help create awareness and/or show support for families and babies in their local community. Bilingual crisis counselors are also available 24/7 by calling, toll free, 1-800-221-7437.

{end of press release}

Additionally, I just want to highlight that October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

I know that some people reading this blog are not in the U.S., but the idea is that at 7:00 p.m. "families around the United States will light candles in memory all of the precious babies that have been lost during pregnancy or in infancy." If anyone else from another country wants to participate, that would be wonderful.

My nephew died from SIDS seven years ago. My Mother had two miscarriages and her firstborn child died from undetected birth defects 47 years ago. At least one good friend suffered a miscarriage and another lost two boys one year apart, both little ones still born. And then there was my own miscarriage earlier this year. Obviously, this hits pretty close to home (my emotional home, not the sooty, smokey physical home). I may not be able to light an actual candle (have no idea where my nephew's memory candle is at this point) but I may light one here in memory of all the babies who did not have a chance to grow up.

If you are so motivated, you are welcome to light a candle for all the little ones too.