Infant Loss Awareness Month

October is a month of remembrance, reflection, and hope for many families in the North Country and around the world. At the Family Resource Center, we honor Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month by recognizing the profound impact of pregnancy and infant loss on our community, fostering open conversations, sharing support resources, and remembering every baby gone too soon. 

The Reality of Infant Loss 

The loss of a pregnancy or an infant is among the most heartbreaking experiences any family can face. Every year, nearly 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, and 1 in 160 pregnancies in the United States ends in stillbirth. Infant loss—whether from miscarriage, stillbirth, sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), or complications in the first year—touches thousands of families in silence, each story unique and each pain deeply felt. 

This month offers an opportunity to break that silence, acknowledge the grief so many families carry, and help one another find paths to healing. 

Why Awareness Matters 

For families experiencing loss, grief often goes unspoken. There is no word in any language that fully captures the heartbreak parents feel when they lose a child. Raising awareness honors their experiences, reduces stigma, and helps friends and neighbors understand how to support one another. 

October 15th is recognized as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. On this day, families around the world participate in the “Wave of Light,” lighting candles at 7 p.m. to remember their babies and to stand in unity with others facing similar journeys. 

Community and Support 

Nobody should face infant loss in isolation. The Family Resource Center is committed to supporting families on their journey toward hope and healing. Our staff, including dedicated specialists, are here to listen, offer guidance, and connect you with peer support, counseling, and community events.  

There are also many national and regional organizations offering resources: 

• Support groups and remembrance ceremonies (look for events like the “Wave of Light” on October 15) 

• Peer support networks, both in-person and online 
• Grief counseling and referrals through FRC and our partners 

If you are in need of support, consider joining one of our family programs or connecting with us to find a safe space to share. 

A Message for Our Community 

To families who have experienced a loss—your child’s life mattered, and your grief is seen and honored by our community. To friends and neighbors, being present, listening, and remembering with compassion makes a difference. Simple words of acknowledgment, offers to help, or participating in remembrance events can provide comfort. 

At the Family Resource Center, our mission is to strengthen families and communities in every season, including the hard ones. This October and beyond, we encourage everyone in Coos and Northern Grafton Counties to reach out, whether in need of support or ready to support others. Healing begins when we stand together. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from a listening ear, support group, or more information about Infant Loss Awareness Month, please contact FRC. Together, we remember, support, and hope.