- Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter
- Posts
- Mending Piece By Piece Newsletter
Mending Piece By Piece Newsletter
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
Linda Falasco
October 10, 2024
Honoring and Supporting Families
October marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the profound pain of parents and families who have faced the heartbreak of losing a pregnancy or an infant. Whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a newborn, these losses affect thousands of families every year. Yet, despite how common these experiences are, they remain some of the most silent and misunderstood forms of grief.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the loss of a baby—whether through miscarriage or in infancy—is no exception. Pregnancy and infant loss are particularly devastating because they represent not only the loss of a child but also the loss of a future.
When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them.
Miscarriage affects about 1 in 4 pregnancies, while stillbirth impacts 1 in 160. The causes can range from chromosomal abnormalities, health complications, preterm birth, or unexpected medical conditions. For many, the grief of these losses can be overwhelming, leaving parents feeling isolated, confused, and heartbroken. Adding to their burden is the fact that the public often doesn't fully understand or acknowledge these losses, making it difficult for grieving parents to openly share their sorrow.
This month provides a vital opportunity for us to break that silence. At Mending Piece by Piece, we aim to raise awareness about the emotional and psychological toll all loss takes on individuals and families and this month we are reflecting, remembering and raising awareness on pregnancy and infant loss.
On October 15th, we observe Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day with the Wave of Light—an international event where families light candles at 7:00 p.m. to remember the babies who are no longer with us. This shared moment of reflection unites people across the world in solidarity, helping to bring light to those walking through the darkness of grief.
As a community, we have the opportunity to extend our hearts and hands to those who need it most. This October, we invite you to join us in showing compassion, starting important conversations, and helping to break the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss. Together, we can create a space where grief is not only acknowledged but embraced with understanding and support.
Let us honor the memories of the little ones gone too soon and provide a source of hope and healing to the families who continue to carry them in their hearts.
This month is a time to shine a light on the painful reality many families face.
Mending Moment
Mending Moment is a special segment that invites you to share your personal stories of healing and growth or seek advice on the challenges you’re facing. Whether it’s sharing a comforting memory of your loved one, a poem, responding to our monthly question, or asking for guidance, your experiences and inquiries can inspire and help others.
Last month’s question was “In what ways do you keep your loved ones legacy alive? How do you honor and remember your loved one?” |
I participate in walks that raise awareness and funds for cancer in their memory.
By watching their favorite videos and shows, as well as listening to their favorite artists/songs.
By sharing stories with my grandchildren and showing them pictures.
Monthly Question:
“What helps you cope and deal with grief during the holidays?”
To submit a Mending Moment:
Message Us on Instagram: Direct message us your 'Mending Moment' on Instagram.
Email Us: Send your story, response, or question to [email protected]. Please include 'Mending Moment' in the subject line.
Feel free to share as much detail as you’re comfortable with. Stories can be anonymous if you prefer.
Mending Piece By Piece Podcast
Season 2 is out! This season will have some new features. We have added video and will be featuring guests who have had various types of loss. They will be sharing their stories and what has helped them navigate grief.
Listen to Episodes 1 & 2 today!
Click the episode to listen/watch on Spotify or the button below to watch/listen on YouTube.
In this episode, Linda Falasco reviews the previous season of her podcast and provides updates. She also discusses coping with the emotions that arise after suicide loss, including feelings of guilt, anger, and confusion. Linda shares information about the candlelight vigil she hosts every year to remember those lost to suicide. She emphasizes the importance of honoring the memory of loved ones and finding ways to keep their legacy alive. Linda encourages listeners to seek support and not isolate themselves during the grieving process.
In this heartfelt conversation, Linda Falasco sits down with Ann Sardella to explore the profound journey of grief, loss, and healing. Ann shares her deeply personal experiences with multiple losses, starting at the age of 7, and the heartbreaking loss of her son Joey to a fentanyl overdose. She reflects on how her life has been shaped by grief and how loss became a central part of her story. The discussion highlights the impact of addiction on families, the importance of sharing grief openly, and the resilience needed to face unimaginable pain. Through their dialogue, Linda and Ann emphasize the significance of support, understanding, and finding hope even in the darkest times.
Subscribe to see more videos and the Podcast on YouTube
Support Mending Piece by Piece
If you’ve found comfort, inspiration, or support through our podcast and newsletter, consider helping us continue this important work by buying us "a cup of coffee." Your support goes a long way in allowing us to produce meaningful content, host guests who share their powerful stories, and create a compassionate space for those navigating grief. With your help, we can continue to offer hope and healing to those who need it most.
Thank you for being a part of our community and helping us make a difference—one step at a time.
Resources for Pregnancy & Infant Loss
March of Dimes
Website: www.marchofdimes.org
Offers support and resources for families dealing with pregnancy complications, premature birth, and infant loss. Their focus includes research, education, and advocacy for maternal and infant health.
Website: www.nationalshare.org
A national organization that offers grief support for families who have experienced the death of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. They provide online and local support groups, memorial events, and educational resources.
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
Website: www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org
This nonprofit provides remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby. Their free professional photography services capture precious moments, offering families a way to remember and honor their baby.
The Compassionate Friends
Website: www.compassionatefriends.org
An organization providing support to families who have lost a child of any age, including during pregnancy or infancy. They offer local chapters, online support, and resources for navigating grief.
First Candle
Website: www.firstcandle.org
Focuses on providing support for families dealing with stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), along with raising awareness and advocating for safer infant sleep practices.
MISS Foundation
Website: www.missfoundation.org
A nonprofit organization that offers counseling, support groups, retreats, and resources for grieving parents, especially those affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, or child death at any age.
PALS (Pregnancy After Loss Support)
Website: www.pregnancyafterlosssupport.org
Provides support to women who are pregnant again after a previous loss. They offer peer-to-peer support groups, online communities, and resources to help navigate the anxiety and grief that can accompany pregnancy after loss.
Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.
Website: www.returntozerohope.org
Focuses on supporting parents and families after the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. They offer retreats, virtual support groups, and educational resources.
Star Legacy Foundation
Website: www.starlegacyfoundation.org
This nonprofit is dedicated to stillbirth awareness, research, and education. They provide support and resources for families experiencing stillbirth and other forms of pregnancy loss.
Website: www.griefshare.org
Provides faith-based grief recovery groups for those who have lost a loved one, including infants. They offer local group meetings and an online community for support.
SANDS (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Support)
Website: www.sands.org.uk
A UK-based charity providing support to anyone affected by the death of a baby, whether during pregnancy, at birth, or shortly after. They offer online resources, support groups, and a helpline.
Looking for additional resources to assist with the grief process check out Mending Piece by Piece Workbooks & Journals. Coming soon a new cover and book layout with additional room to write in - “Mending Piece by Piece After a Suicide Loss: A Workbook & Journal to Health the Survivor’s Heart”.