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Parents
Together, we can honour the memory of babies who have died too soon.
October is recognised globally as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It is a time for families, communities, and healthcare professionals to come together to break the silence surrounding miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death. This month holds particular significance for those who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of support, awareness, and education in addressing pregnancy and infant loss.
At the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence (Stillbirth CRE), we are dedicated to shining a light on this important issue.
In Australia each year, around 3000 families experience a stillbirth or the loss of a newborn baby. This number dramatically increases when miscarriage and early pregnancy loss are included. The loss of a baby at any time during pregnancy or soon after birth represents a family forever changed.
By raising awareness, we can help to normalise conversations around pregnancy and baby loss, and create a safe space for families to share their stories. It also provides an opportunity to highlight the resources available to support those navigating the loss of a baby.
On October 15, the International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day will culminate in the #WaveOfLight, a powerful event where people around the world light candles at 7pm in their local time zone to honour the memory of babies who have died. This wave of light symbolises solidarity and remembrance, helping to create a sense of global connection for grieving families.
We encourage everyone—whether you have experienced pregnancy loss personally or know someone who has—to join the #WaveOfLight on October 15. By lighting a candle, you send a message of love and support to those who have lost a baby. It’s a small but meaningful way to show that no one is alone in their grief.
For families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death, support is crucial. Support is available in many forms. Parents and family members may have different needs at different times. At the Stillbirth CRE, we offer resources to guide families through their loss and connect them with professional services.
We encourage families who need support to explore the following resources:
To see a list of national support organisations and resources that are available in Australia please visit our Seeking Support page.
There are many ways to get involved in Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and show your support. Whether it’s participating in the #WaveOfLight event, sharing information on social media, or having a conversation with a friend, your actions can help raise awareness and break the silence.
We invite you to follow the Stillbirth CRE on social media for updates and resources throughout October, and to share your participation in the #WaveOfLight with the global community. By coming together, we can foster a more compassionate world for grieving families.
Parent voices are central to the work that the Stillbirth CRE does to raise awareness and create meaningful change. Research can help prevent stillbirth and improve care for families who have experienced this devastating loss, and your voice is important in this process.
Join our national registry to learn about opportunities to be involved in research.
Click here for more information : https://stillbirthcre.org.au/parents/get-involved/
Level 3, Aubigny Place
Mater Research Institute
Raymond Terrace,
South Brisbane QLD 4101
The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine