Oct 15 October 15th is International Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day, where bereaved parents from Australia and around the world pause to remember their babies who’ve died. Thank you to all the families who stood with us and helped us to remember all the little ones gone to soon, but forever in our hearts. Every year, around 110,000 Australians have a miscarriage. 2,200 more endure the pain of stillbirth, 600 lose their baby in the first 28 days after birth and many more face the grief of termination for medical reasons. October is a time for Australia to break the silence and acknowledge the heartbreak happening too often right now. This October you are invited to join us to recognise Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month where we invite hundreds of Australian parents to share what’s hurting them right now – silence. “Countless times things were said to us that discouraged us from speaking about our loss ‘oh we able to have another one’, ‘I guess it was good she was so small and you weren’t further along’. Knowing how to approach people who have lost is such an important thing, we as a community need to know how to respond to loss in an appropriate way.” Kelly, NSW, whose daughter Leila was stillborn in September 2020 “This year saw the second anniversary of my loss, only a handful of people remembered. Also, I don’t feel like anyone acknowledges Leo’s birth as actually giving birth. There is no space to share my birth story.” Amy, NSW, whose son Leo was terminated for medical reasons at 24 weeks in September 2019 In 2021 a number of events and activities will be planned to mark the occasion. We warmly invite you to participate. Light a candle and stand silent with us this October 15 This year, thousands of families helped us shine a light on Pregnancy and Infant Loss by lighting a candle with us and sharing it online. October 15 and standing silent with other families across Australia. They shared their candle and moment of silent by tagging us and using the #standingsilent. Standing Silent This year, we were honoured to be joined by fellow support and research organisations, Pink Elephant Support Network, Miscarriage Information Support Service Stillbirth Foundation and Bears of Hope Family Stories To help break the silence this Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day a number of families shared their story with us. Follow the links to read more. Tara and Graeme’s story - My dreams Lucia’s Story - Talking about Teddy Matt & Shelley’s story - I feel sad that people feel they cannot speak about their journey Amy’s Story - Leo was very much wanted and loved Melinda’s story - It is important to keep Jacob’s memory alive Emily Jean’s story - We feel silenced Sky and Trisdan’s story - why I talk proudly and often of my twins taken too early Jessica P’s story - Stop and appreciate the memories Kathryn’s story - We never heard Noah cry Jessica and Kieren’s story – Having Gigi in my heart, not my arms Fotini’s story – The pain of terminating much wanted pregnancies Annabel’s story - A decision made out of pure love Sara’s story - Finding comfort in knowing I’m not the only one Kelly’s Story - why pregnancy and infant loss remembrance day is so important Penny’s Story - we need to share these stories Stephanie’s Story - We need to normalise the conversation about miscarriage Victorian Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Service This year, the beautiful and moving annual service, supported by the Victorian Government, went virtual. The event was accessible to anyone around Australia who wanted to attend. Walk to Remember Across Australia and virtually we invited families to Walk to Remember. The Walk to Remember is a special annual event around Australia. Events all over the country bring bereaved parents together with their families and friends to commemorate their babies who’ve died, to share their experiences openly and to support each other.In 2021 some of our Walks to Remember looked a little different due to local restrictions related to COVID-19. Our aim, was to ensure every bereaved family has an opportunity to participate. That's why, in addition to our traditional face-to-face events we also offered some virtual Walks to Remember in those locations where public gatherings can't take place at the moment. To see some of the photos from this year's events visit our Facebook page.