Postpartum Support International Highlights Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

October has been designated as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time when many organizations and activists, including Postpartum Support International (PSI), come together to honor grieving families and raise awareness about the profound mental health implications of pregnancy and infant loss. With supportive initiatives, PSI emphasizes the importance of recognizing these losses and the emotional challenges that can follow.

As documented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy loss can fall under two categories: miscarriage and stillbirth. Miscarriage refers to pregnancy loss before the 20th week, while stillbirth occurs at 20 weeks or later. These experiences can be incredibly isolating, and PSI works diligently to remind parents that they are not alone.

Wendy Davis, PhD, PMH-C, who serves as President and CEO of PSI, emphasizes that this month is a time to foster compassionate dialogue surrounding grief. "Loss can be deeply isolating, and many parents feel pressure to move on too quickly. PSI stands in solidarity with these families, offering crucial support resources and training for professionals who care for them," she stated.

The statistics surrounding pregnancy and infant loss are startling. According to estimates from the March of Dimes, approximately 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. In the United States alone, around 21,000 babies are stillborn every year, which translates to approximately one in every 175 births. Moreover, the CDC reported over 20,000 infant deaths under age one in 2024, leading to an infant mortality rate of 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Many families grappling with these tragedies may develop perinatal mental health disorders, underscoring the critical need for community support.

To aid families experiencing these challenges, PSI provides a plethora of resources:
- Helpline: Individuals can call or text 1-800-944-4773 (available in English and Spanish) or access the Postpartum.net website and the Connect by PSI app, which offers a wide range of support options.
- Online Support Groups: Specialized groups cater to different needs such as Black Moms in Loss, Early Pregnancy Loss, and more, creating a safe space for sharing experiences.
- Provider Directory: A searchable database of mental health professionals adept in handling perinatal loss.
- Educational Resources: Tools designed for families and healthcare providers, including loss discussion tools that aid in expressing emotions during consultations.
- Training Programs: Professional development for healthcare and mental health providers focused on perinatal loss.

Throughout October, PSI encourages community involvement by:
- Sharing Stories: Initiating open discussions around pregnancy and infant loss can help dissipate the stigma. Personal narratives can provide comfort and solidarity.
- Offering Support: Simple gestures, such as checking in on friends or family members who have faced pregnancy loss, can significantly aid in their healing process.
- Seeking Help: Those struggling with grief after pregnancy loss are encouraged to pursue professional help. PSI’s resources and trained volunteers are available to assist.
- Participating in Remembrance Events: Activities across various organizations honor lost pregnancies and babies. Notably, participants can partake in the International Wave of Light on October 15, lighting a candle at 7 p.m. local time to create a global wave of light across time zones.

Founded in 1987, PSI's mission has evolved to offer extensive resources for families facing perinatal mental health struggles. By eliminating stigma and ensuring compassionate, high-quality care is available, PSI aims to support as many families as possible. Whether needing guidance from trained mental health professionals or finding peer support, those impacted by pregnancy and infant loss can rely on PSI as a robust source of assistance.

For more information or support, you can reach out to PSI by calling or texting 1-800-944-4PPD (4773), vising Postpartum.net, or using the Connect by PSI app. PSI also operates a free perinatal psychiatric consultation program specifically for U.S. healthcare providers.