Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and Postpartum Depression

As a mom who experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage before our daughter was born, I understand the pain and confusion that comes with pregnancy loss.

It’s a journey that no one expects, leaving you feeling lost, broken, and searching for answers.

That’s why October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

It’s not just about awareness—it’s about giving space to grieve, share, and find healing.

Getting through it took time, tears, and the support of others who had been there. If you or someone you love is struggling after a pregnancy or infant loss, you don’t have to face it alone. This month reminds us to talk about the emotional toll that follows, including postpartum depression (PPD) and encourages all of us to reach out and support one another.

About Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It’s a time to recognize the grief that so many families carry quietly—families like mine who have lost a pregnancy or an infant.

While nothing can take away the pain, acknowledging it helps us start to heal. This month is an invitation for all of us to share our stories, seek support, and educate others about the emotional impacts of pregnancy and infant loss.

When Is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day?

October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, the culmination of Baby Loss Awareness Week (in the UK). On this day, families worldwide light candles at 7 PM as part of the “Wave of Light” to remember their babies. It’s a simple but powerful way to honor those we’ve lost and to remind ourselves that we are not alone in our grief.

When Is Miscarriage Awareness Day?

While October 15th is the main day of recognition, there’s also Miscarriage Awareness Day during the same month. Miscarriage can sometimes feel overlooked, even though it’s one of the most common forms of loss.

This day shines a light on those early pregnancy losses, giving voice to the pain that many women, including myself, have experienced.

How Many Families Face Pregnancy and Infant Loss?

It’s surprising to realize how many families go through this. When you’re going through it, it feels so foreign and like you’re the only one in the world who can understand. Maybe that’s because our children are so uniquely special to us on an individual level, but looking at the statistics, it surprised me how many people experience it.

About 10 to 20% of pregnancies in the U.S. end in miscarriage, and approximately 24,000 infants die before their first birthday each year. That’s thousands of families dealing with unimaginable pain.

Even harder is that so many feel they must suffer in silence. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Do Pregnancy and Infant Loss Lead to Postpartum Depression?

After my miscarriage, I felt a darkness settle over me that I couldn’t shake, and while it finally passed and became scar tissue, some can be triggered with pregnancy and infant loss leading to postpartum depression (PPD).

The heartbreak of losing a baby is compounded by the emotional whirlwind of postpartum hormones, making it a tough combination. Studies show that women who’ve had a miscarriage are 1.66 times more likely to develop depression in the first month after giving birth again (Bicking Kinsey et al., 2015).

It’s important to remember that postpartum depression isn’t just “being sad” about the loss—it’s a serious mental health condition that deserves care and attention.

Pregnancy and Infancy Loss: Stories of Hope and PPD Recovery

I’ve talked to so many moms who’ve experienced pregnancy loss, and one thing always strikes me: their incredible resilience.

Many of us have battled postpartum depression and come out on the other side stronger, but the path isn’t easy. Some moms find healing through medical treatment and therapy, others through support groups, and some through spiritual practices.

I found a mix of everything helped our family and me, with time playing a large factor as well. I needed to talk to other moms who truly got it—who understood that losing a baby is a unique kind of grief and that it’s okay to not be okay for a while.

When we lost our first child to miscarriage, I always expected that would be the most significant trauma I would ever experience during the supposed beautiful time of childbirth. However, I had no way of knowing that postpartum depression, panic, and anxiety would cripple me and threaten my life.

Ways to Recognize Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

If you’ve experienced a loss or want to support someone who has, there are so many ways to get involved this October:

  1. Light a Candle – On October 15th, join the Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7 PM to honor your child or the child of someone you know.
  2. Share Your Story – Whether it’s on social media or with friends, sharing your experience can be incredibly healing and help reduce the stigma around pregnancy loss.
  3. Wear Pink and Blue – These are the colors of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, and wearing them can help start conversations and raise awareness.
  4. Attend a Memorial Event – Many communities hold in-person and virtual events to bring together families who’ve experienced loss.

Resources for Families Facing Child or Pregnancy Loss

If you’re navigating the heartbreak of pregnancy or infant loss, there are supportive communities and trusted resources to help guide you through. Whether you need emotional support, educational materials, or connections to others who’ve experienced similar grief, there are organizations ready to walk this journey with you:

  1. Safe to Sleep Campaign (NICHD) – This resource offers information on infant loss and practical steps for prevention. It also provides educational materials for families coping with loss. Visit Safe to Sleep for more.
  2. University of Michigan Women’s Health Pregnancy Loss Resources – The University of Michigan provides a variety of support services and resources for families dealing with miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Learn more at UM Women’s Health Resources.
  3. CDC Stillbirth Communication Resources – The CDC offers comprehensive materials on stillbirth for families and healthcare providers, including grief support and prevention information. Visit the CDC’s Stillbirth Resources to explore available resources.
  4. Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health – A fantastic organization offering support for families who’ve experienced pregnancy loss, with a focus on mental health and healing. Explore their resources and virtual support groups at the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health (formerly) 2020 Mom.
  5. Return to Zero: H.O.P.E – This compassionate community supports families facing pregnancy or infant loss, providing tools for emotional healing and professional guidance. Visit Return to Zero: HOPE for more information.
  6. Postpartum Support International – If postpartum depression is part of your journey after loss, PSI offers online support groups and connections to therapists who specialize in grief and trauma. You can find more at Postpartum Support International.

No matter where you are on your healing journey, these resources can provide you with the support, information, and community you need.

Find Support for Families Facing Pregnancy and Infancy Loss

One of the most difficult parts about loss is feeling like you’re alone in your grief. But you don’t have to go through it by yourself. There are many ways to find support—whether through family, friends, or professional counselors who understand what you’re going through.

If you’re ready to seek professional help, we’ve created a directory of mental health providers at PostpartumDepression.org. Many of the therapists listed specialize in treating trauma and grief, especially for moms who’ve experienced pregnancy or infant loss.

You can search by location and find someone who’s the right fit for you, whether you’re dealing with postpartum depression, anxiety, or the emotional scars of your loss. Just know that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.