Remembrance Walk Helps Raise Awareness of Pregnancy & Infant Loss
Sometimes the hardest issues to talk about are the most important to raise awareness about. When a topic is hidden in the shadows, it is often even harder for those experiencing it to cope.
That is certainly the case with the topic of pregnancy and infant loss. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, which is an effort to bring the topic out into the light and help those experiencing to cope.
Julie Drexler is a Together, Learning to Cope Coordinator at Ministry St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.
“Together, Learning to Cope (TLC) is our special bereavement program at Ministry St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital,” said Drexler. “It is for parents and families that have experienced a loss during pregnancy, at birth or shortly after. We provide support before, during, and after the loss and offer a support group, closed Facebook page, Memorial Services, and our Remembrance Walk. It is supported by Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation.”
In early October, the group hosted their Remembrance Walk at Wildwood Park. The successful walk was able to increase awareness of the cause and hosted 80 participants.
“We do the Remembrance Walk to honor and remember all babies that have died during this time and to raise awareness that not all pregnancies end with a happy healthy baby,” she said.
Experiencing that sort of loss is incredibly difficult for families.
“Early pregnancy loss, stillbirth or newborn death shatters these parents’ and familys’ lives. It brings a sense of loss and grieving for their baby and the loss of an entire lifetime with that baby,“ Drexler said.
The depth of loss is part of the reason awareness on this topic is so crucial .
“By raising awareness we hope to support parents and their families and help those around them to understand and offer support to these families during this difficult time,” she said.
For more information on the Together, Learning to Cope program or how to connect to others experiencing pregnancy or infant loss, join their Facebook group or contact the Birth Center at 715.387.7071.
