October 15 is now OFFICIALLY recognised as International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. A welcome relief to parents, family and friends of those with babies who grew their angel wings far too early.
Today the House of Representatives passed a motion to officially – and eternally – recognise the date of October 15, as International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
Senator for New South Wales, Kristina Keneally, proudly posted on her Facebook page:
Finally, #October15 will officially and eternally be recognised by the Australian Parliament.
Nicole Ballinger initiated this campaign over ten years ago. John and Kate De’Laney at Pregnancy and Infant Loss Australia continued the vigorous work that led to this incredible achievement today. Thank you, and all the parents and families across Australia, who made this happen.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Australia also posted on their Facebook page:
JD and I could not be happier. Since we lost our first baby boy to miscarriage, we have worked tirelessly to make sure that no one in Australia feels the way we did on that day that completely broke our souls when we were told “I’m sorry, I can’t find a heartbeat”.
For all my friends and family who have lost babies to miscarriage and stillbirth, this will be a day to stop and think about their “missing piece”, the one that they hold in their hearts but not in their arms.
Naturally, the response from parents who have suffered the loss of a child was overwhelming. There was a plethora of comments thanking others for their perseverance and advocacy. And of course, short quips shared by commenters of babies lost.
Just as birth and first days of school unite parents, so too does the grief of losing a child.
A day to remember babies gone far too soon
The day itself is for families to officially honour, celebrate, and remember babies who have passed away due to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, and other causes of infant loss.
And of course, the calendar date brings more opportunities to raise infant loss awareness in the community, offer support and give an opportunity for people to talk, share their stories and to be recognised and heard.
Finally after so much advocating, Australian bereaved parents are being seen and heard. #October15
