The loss of an unborn baby or child is a devastating experience that affects each parent in unique ways, leaving behind a heavy emotional burden.
In Australia, six babies are stillborn every day, two more pass away during the neonatal period, and someone experiences a miscarriage every five minutes. Each of these statistics represents a baby and a family whose lives have been changed forever.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (15 October 2024) serves as an important moment to recognise and support families who have experienced the loss of a baby. Raising awareness and encouraging open conversations can greatly benefit those who are grieving, but it’s also essential that parents know where to seek help if they are struggling.
Our new data highlights the widespread impact of pregnancy loss, showing that nearly two-thirds (62%) of expectant and new mothers experience a loss while trying to conceive, with half (53%) having faced a recent loss. These figures further highlight the widespread impact of pregnancy loss, and the need for easily accessible support.
The loss of a child affects all parents involved, often leaving them feeling isolated and uncertain about where to find help. While the support available tends to focus on expectant parents, those who experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death can often be overlooked. If you or someone you know is struggling with pregnancy loss, the first step is to speak with a trusted friend or healthcare provider about how you’re feeling. You can also reach out to your GP to discuss whether you may benefit from our online GP Referral and Mental Health Care Plan.
At Gidget Foundation Australia, we provide parents with up to ten GP-referred, free face-to-face or telehealth counselling sessions per calendar year with a specialist perinatal clinician. We have supported thousands of expectant and new parents, and our support extends to potential parents and those who haven’t had a full-term pregnancy.
While healthcare professionals play a vital role in creating a safe environment for grieving parents, the wider community can also make a positive impact. You may not know someone who has openly spoken about pregnancy or child loss, but our data shows just how many parents may be suffering in silence.
By being clued up about accessible support options such as those we provide at Gidget Foundation Australia, you might just be able to point a loved one in the right direction should they ever experience the unexpected.
Each year, approximately 100,000 Australian families experience pregnancy or infant loss. The emotional aftermath may show up as sadness, guilt, and shock – significantly impacting parents’ overall wellbeing.
Research also shows that mothers who experience pregnancy loss before their first live-born child are more likely to require postpartum psychiatric treatment. This emphasises just how crucial early intervention is for supporting parents during this challenging time, but also improving future outcomes for their mental health.
If you know someone who has experienced child loss, asking, “How can I support you best?” is a meaningful first step. This approach can empower the parent to share what they need in that moment – either practically or emotionally.
Communities can also help by validating the feelings of grieving parents, and providing practical support, such as meals or childcare. Respecting boundaries and acknowledging challenges faced by bereaved parents are also so important and a crucial element of us as a society being able to better support them.
This Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (15 October 2024), Gidget Foundation Australia is urging healthcare professionals and the community to learn about the available supports and resources for pregnancy and infant loss, to ensure grieving parents don’t suffer alone. More information and resources for expectant, new, and potential parents navigating loss can be found at www.gidgetfoundation.org.au.
Feature Image: CEO of the Gidget Foundation, Arabella Gibson.