July is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, with the goal of raising awareness and providing support to those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant. At GHC-SCW, we understand the profound impact these losses have on individuals and families. We commit to offering resources and support to help navigate this difficult journey.
Understanding Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Pregnancy and infant loss are more common than many realize. It’s also important to understand the terms associated with these losses as well. A miscarriage, or an early pregnancy loss, is when a pregnancy loss occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy. According to the March of Dimes, about 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. The number may actually be higher, as some pregnant people may not realize they are pregnant when they are experiencing a miscarriage. A stillbirth is when the pregnancy loss occurs in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. In the United States, stillbirth affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies.
Despite these numbers, many misconceptions surround pregnancy loss. One of the most harmful is the belief that it is often the pregnant person’s fault. It is crucial to understand that pregnancy loss rarely happens because of anything the pregnant person did or didn’t do. Some miscarriages may be caused by problems with chromosomes. Regardless of the cause, the emotional toll of these losses is immense. Feelings of guilt, grief and isolation are common. It is important to note that most people who have a miscarriage or a stillbirth and get pregnant again have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Behavioral Health Resources at GHC-SCW
GHC-SCW offers a range of behavioral health resources to support those affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Our counseling services provide a safe space for individuals and families to express their grief and begin the healing process. Our therapists handle the unique challenges that come with such a loss. They offer compassionate and professional care.
Our behavioral health staff may also be able to connect you to local support groups. These are safe spaces where grieving parents and families connect with others who have experienced similar losses. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding., and participants may feel less isolated in their grief. Our goal is to ensure that no one faces this journey alone. If you have questions, please call (608) 441-3290.
Community Support
GHC-SCW deeply commits to supporting our local community. We partner with organizations focused on pregnancy and infant loss. One such organization is Mikayla’s Grace. Mikayla’s Grace was started in March of 2011 by Mike and Melissa Terrill after the loss of their babies, Mikayla Grace and Chase Gabriel. This organization is their way of giving back to the community, and keeping their babies’ spirits and memory alive while helping other families. Mikayla’s Grace provides comfort and support to families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. They offer angel memory boxes, baby loss comfort packages and other resources to help families through their grief. We proudly support Mikayla’s Grace and their mission.
Visit the Mikayla’s Grace website.
How to Seek Help and Get Involved
If you or someone you know is affected by pregnancy or infant loss, reach out for support. Accessing GHC-SCW’s behavioral health resources is straightforward. Contact our Behavioral Health services to schedule an appointment or learn more about available support groups.
Supporting Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is also a meaningful way to get involved. Consider participating in local events, donating to organizations like Mikayla’s Grace, or volunteering your time to help those in need. Every effort helps raise awareness and provides much-needed support to grieving families.
At GHC, we offer management of confirmed miscarriage at less than 13 weeks of gestation via expectant and medication management. We also offer support, resources and understanding during this difficult time. Remember, pregnancy loss is not the pregnant person’s fault. No one should navigate this journey alone. Reach out, seek support and know that help is available.
Additional Information and Resources
March of Dimes – Miscarriage, Loss, and Grief
GHC-SCW Behavioral Health
If you or someone you care about is struggling with grief after the loss of a pregnancy or infant, please contact our Behavioral Health Team for help and resources.
