Serviam Ltd Creating Awareness & support for baby loss here in trinidad & tobago

Baby Loss Awareness Week

2023 marked the 21^st year of Baby Loss Awareness Week. Undoubtedly, this week may have been extremely painful for parents who have suffered the loss of a baby. Please know that you are not alone and we at Serviam are here to support you throughout your journey. This post will highlight this year’s focus of Baby Loss Awareness Week, common causes of baby loss and how you can show support for those affected. 

What is Baby Loss Awareness Week?

Baby Loss Awareness Week is a global event observed annually from 9^th– 15^th October and aims to raise awareness on baby loss and its impact. This campaign also aims to provide a safe space for those who have lost a baby to share their experiences and let them know that they are not alone throughout this journey. This year, the 2023 campaign focused on the steps along the journey of loss and its differing impact for everyone.

We would like to reassure any parent who unfortunately finds themselves on this journey, no matter the timeframe, recent or long ago, that there is a community that exists to support you.

Common Causes of Baby Loss

Baby loss can happen because of many reasons, sometimes even unknown reasons. Here are some common causes of baby loss:

• Miscarriage: According to UK statistics, due to mother’s age, infections, and maternal disease amongst others. General advice on preventing a miscarriage focuses on lifestyle factors such as eating healthy, exercise, smoking cessation, avoiding drugs, and alcohol as well as controlling stress. Sadly, lifestyle choices can result in women feeling guilty that they have personally contributed to their miscarriage.

• Stillbirth: This is where a baby dies in the womb after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirths can occur for several reasons such as genetic abnormalities, maternal disease such as diabetes, infections such as Rubella, problems with the placenta and uterus. However, the cause is unknown.

• Premature birth: This is where a baby is born too early- before the 37^th week of pregnancy. Premature babies are often born with serious health issues and require special care. Some maternal health problems such as multiple pregnancies and infections can increase the risk of premature birth. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking while pregnant are also risk factors.

How can I show support?

Far too often, those affected by baby loss feel alone and even ashamed to share their story. Thus, it is very important that we provide a safe space and community for the bereaved by showing our support.

Here are some ways in which we can show support to those affected:

• Providing a safe space: When affected by baby loss, the bereaved can feel overwhelmed with their new situation. Inviting them to share their experience, listening and being present and available throughout their journey. These are ways in which you can provide them with a safe space and alleviate their feeling of loneliness.

• Join the Wave of Light: This is a globally recognized event whereby persons show support for the bereaved and departed by lighting a candle at 7PM and leaving it to light for at least one hour. This event unites those affected around the world to break the silence surrounding baby loss. Hashtags such as #WaveOfLight can be utilized on social media to facilitate the widespread sharing of the event.

• Offer practical assistance: When dealing with the loss of a child, it is common for the bereaved to experience depression. It is difficult to get through the day and get simple tasks done such as food preparation and cleaning. Therefore, it can be highly beneficial to the bereaved to offer your practical assistance with day to day tasks.

Resources

If you or a loved one are suffering from baby loss, there are many online platforms which provide a community to support you through your journey. Some of these include:

Baby Loss Awareness Week

Baby Loss Awareness Week – Break the silence around baby loss (babyloss-awareness.org)

SANDS- Saving babies’ lives. Supporting bereaved families

Baby Loss Awareness Week | Sands – Saving babies’ lives. Supporting bereaved families.