October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Today we think about the families who have been affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or the loss of an infant. The loss of a baby usually occurs unexpectedly and is, of course, a terrible shock.  No one thinks it will ever happen in their family.

Miscarriage occurs in 1 in 4 pregnancies and refers to pregnancy loss before 20 weeks.

Stillbirth happens in 6 out of every 1000 pregnancies and refers to the death of a baby after 20 weeks. Around 3 or 4 stillbirths happen in Albany every year.

Two babies in Australia die every day, within 28 days of their birth.

Many parents who have lost a baby in pregnancy or later would like to talk about their child. But friends and family might worry about saying the wrong thing, so say nothing.

Please take the time today – or any day – to reach out to your family member, friend or work colleague who has been affected by the loss of a child.

Some helpful resources:

• Pregnancy Loss Australia offers support and guidance for miscarriage.
• Still Aware are committed to raising awareness of the very real statistics of stillbirth in Australia working to end preventable stillbirth.
• SANDS is a volunteer-based organisation providing individualised care from one bereaved parent to another, giving them support and hope for the future, following the death of a baby.

This article has been written by Dr Liz Tompkins