As many of you know, October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. Specifically, we as loss moms hold sacred the date of October 15th, on which the entire world (yes, world!) takes place in an act of remembrance known as the Wave of Light. On that date, wherever you are at 7PM, light a candle for one hour. This way, for 24 hours straight, a “wave of light” will spread across the globe to remind loss moms (and dads and families) that their little ones mattered and they are remembered, no matter how long their light was shining here on earth.
This year, we’re partnering with the Little By Little Podcast to bring that wave of light into the virtual world, sharing the names of the little ones lost too soon. Many of these names come from local moms in our ICM Loss Moms Support Group. If you or anyone you know could benefit from being a part of that group, please send us a request to join. In addition to meeting in-person once a month, we also have a very active online group for you to find community and support.
Many of these moms have bravely shared their stories of love and loss on Iowa City Moms, and last year they all helped to put together this helpful guide for what to do (or not do) when a friend loses a baby. Such a great resource if you’re trying to support a friend or family member through such an unimaginable loss–please take a moment to read it and share with anyone who could use it.
As you read through these names below, we’d love for you to light a candle and join us in saying them aloud and remembering them with their mamas today. It seems like a small gesture, but it is so, so important. And if you feel comfortable sharing, we’d also encourage you to post about Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness and the Wave of Light on your page, even if you’ve never experienced the loss of a child. You just never know who might be watching and how much comfort they could get from seeing you share it.
To all of you loss mamas who are hurting today: we see you. We’re remembering them with you. And we’re here if you need support. Message us anytime, or email me directly at [email protected] and I’ll help get you connected to the resources you need.
