Honoring Idaho Families
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
A History of Loss
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month (Proclamation 5890). It addressed that tragically, each year approximately one million pregnancies in the United States end in early pregnancy loss or stillbirth.
This October, Our Idaho Stories invites Idaho families to join us honoring families who have grappled with loss, trauma and struggled to get the care they need. Pregnancy loss is often suffered in silence. Some have a name they say every day. Others carry a loss few people know about.
We strive to make space for Idaho families to remember, shatter that silence, find support and hear from others who understand. By sharing our stories and finding connection, we can realize we are not alone. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, you are welcome here. You do not have to share your story to belong.
Every experience adds perspective. More voices help deepen understanding“I didn’t realize the severity of the situation when it came to my wellbeing and my health until I looked over at my husband’s face. He looked terrfied that he was going to lose his wife. And that’s when I realized I could die from this.”
-Sadie & Aaron, Idaho Parents
October 15:
Remembering Together
Many families carry the grief of pregnancy and infant loss in silence. You are not alone. On October 15, join the Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7 p.m. local time to honor the family members we never got to meet. Keep it lit for one hour to join a wave of remembrance across the globe. Whether you remember privately or share a photo with #WaveOfLight, your loss matters, and there is a community here for you. Your voice may help someone feel less alone and lead them to greater support.
Finding Others Who Understand
Grief can look different from one person to the next, even within the same family. You may want to talk about your baby, listen to someone else’s experience, or find private support. Our Idaho Stories has a wide array of resources to help you and your loved ones through the process.
Join Our Community
Our Idaho Stories has a Facebook group where families affected by pregnancy loss can connect.
Connect in Idaho
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support has support chapters across Idaho
Find Ongoing Support
Chasing the Rainbows offers support services for people experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss.
Understand Grief
March of Dimes’ guide offers guidance for families after the death of a baby.