By JCS’ Clinical Supervisor, Diana Huynh, LICSW, PMH-C
October is a month dedicated to Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, a subject that profoundly impacts many families in our community. This article sheds light on the prevalence of miscarriages, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths while emphasizing the importance of offering support to those who have experienced perinatal loss.
Miscarriage, unfortunately, remains a common experience for many families. Current statistics indicate that approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies result in a miscarriage, defined as a pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of gestation. Additionally, while less frequent than miscarriages, stillbirth is also significant in our communities, with statistics indicating that 1 in 100 pregnancies result in stillbirth, defined as the loss of a pregnancy after 20 weeks. Given statistics like these, it’s likely that you or someone you know has experienced perinatal loss.
Despite the prevalence of perinatal loss, families often grieve silently, with their sorrow going unrecognized by the community around them. An “unwritten rule” dictates that pregnancy should not be disclosed until after the first trimester, contributing to a sense of secrecy and shame surrounding miscarriages. The experience and the potential ensuing isolation can leave families feeling lost, disenfranchised, and unseen. Similarly, the intensity of grief associated with stillbirths can create a sense of disconnection from those around them. Regardless of the specific circumstance—be it miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death—the loss of a child forces us to grieve not only for what was but also for what could have been and the future we had envisioned. The goal of raising awareness is to provide hope that more families will find the support they need and foster a sense of connection with others who understand the complexity of this loss.
If someone you know has experienced perinatal loss, it can be overwhelming to know how best to support them. The most effective approach is to be a compassionate listener and create a safe space for their grief. Follow the lead of the bereaved parents and use the language they use. For example, refer to the baby by name if that is how the family identifies their child. While you cannot change their loss, you can share the emotional burden by being willing to listen, bearing witness to their experience, and remembering their child.
In October, as we observe Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, let us not only acknowledge the prevalence of perinatal loss but also commit to breaking the silence and offering support to those who have experienced it. By fostering a compassionate and understanding community, we can help families navigate the complexities of grief and find the hope and connection they need to heal.
There are resources available, both locally and nationally, that can offer support, counseling, and opportunities for connection.
Rhode Island Resources:
Hawthorn Grief Care (Hawthorn Grief Care): Miscarriage support groups. Groups are free and take place via Zoom. Peer Facilitated by Emerald Ortiz and Jessica Rosene de Brito. Open to anyone who has experienced miscarriage. 1st Tuesday of every month, 6 pm-8 pm.
Still Birth & Infant Loss Group: Groups are free and take place via Zoom. Peer facilitated by Ada. Open to anyone who has experienced stillbirth or infant loss. 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7 pm-8 PM.
Offerings from Women and Infants (https://www.womenandinfants.org/patient-resources/support-groups):
Miscarriage, Infant Death & Stillbirth (M.I.S.) Group: Meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The Ronald McDonald House, 45 Gay Street, Providence. Call (401) 274-1122, extension 44049. View the M.I.S./P.A.L.S. website.
Pregnancy After Loss (P.A.L.S.) Support Group: This support group is for women who are pregnant following a loss and would like to share their fears and concerns with other women. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. The Ronald McDonald House, 45 Gay Street, Providence. Call (401) 274-1122, ext. 44049. View the M.I.S./P.A.L.S. website.
National Resources:
Loss & Grief in Pregnancy & Postpartum | Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Online Support – Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support (nationalshare.org)
https://starlegacyfoundation.org/
Article Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 30). Pregnancy and infant loss. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/stillbirth/features/pregnancy-infant-loss.html
Miscarriage. March of Dimes. (2023, February). https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/miscarriage-loss-grief/miscarriage#:~:text=Miscarriage%20is%20very%20common.,What%20is%20a%20threatened%20miscarriage%3F
About Diana Huynh:
Diana is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker certified in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International. Diana treats adults with a primary focus on maternal mental health. Her passion is supporting mothers and families during all points in their family planning journey, including conception/infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Diana joined JCS in August 2023 as the Clinical Supervisor of The Counseling Center at JCS. Have questions about The Counseling Center? Give Diana a call today at 401.331.1244.