Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month

October 11, 2015
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PAIL Month 2015

by Lindsey Wimmer, RN, MSN, CPNP, CPLC

Welcome to October!  In the US, it is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month.  And it is a bittersweet month for me.

It is amazing because we have an entire month to hold special events or wear PAIL ribbons and pins.  We have a sense of community that isn’t always present.  This year, many of us are turning our facebook profiles pink and blue to remember our babies and spread awareness.  Thee are memorial services and waves of light. Here in Minnesota, we just had our annual Run/Walk with over 900 people coming together to share memories and create hope for the future.

I recently returned from two international conferences where we had the opportunity to discuss pregnancy loss/stillbirth issues.  We have been asked for newspaper, radio, and TV interviews.  There is so much good energy and positive action.

I am also frustrated and upset that we even need this awareness.  I am saddened that so many families join this community every year and have a reason to be with us.    It breaks my heart that many more families are grieving in silence.

Please take this month to remember all the babies gone too soon.  But think about our community as well.  Reach out to those who may not be able to reach out for themselves.  Remember that we all grieve differently and have different needs.  Look for opportunities to share your story so that the larger community will know about our efforts and other families will not feel alone.  Celebrate the organizations, businesses, and individuals around you that are making a difference for families.  Let the world know about their good work!

This is a month where it is easy to feel that our solitary efforts are minor.  But every effort is significant. When all of our efforts are combined, we can do incredible things for this cause.  We may not have the entire NFL wearing pink and blue (yes – I admit I am jealous of breast cancer awareness!)  But we know that we are remembering our precious babies in our own ways.  We are working to reduce heartache of tomorrow’s families.  We know that this month is special because we get to say that our babies matter – every month.

If you are struggling with your grief or would like to talk to someone who has been on this path, please call our support line:  952-715-7731.

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