Postpartum Support International Recognizes Annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

October Is Dedicated to Supporting Millions of Grieving Families and Remembering Pregnancies and Babies Lost; Free Help Is Available

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Postpartum Support International (PSI), the world's leading organization dedicated to supporting families affected by perinatal mental health disorders, recognizes October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This annual observance recognizes pregnancy and infant loss while raising awareness about the profound mental health impact these losses have on families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), miscarriage and stillbirth both describe pregnancy loss. A miscarriage refers to loss before the 20th week of pregnancy, while a stillbirth is the loss of a baby at 20 weeks or later.

"Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is a time to create a safe space for open and compassionate conversations about grief and loss, said Wendy Davis, PhD, PMH-C, President and CEO of Postpartum Support International. "Miscarriage and infant loss can be very isolating, and many parents feel pressured to 'move on' too quickly. We want to ensure that every family knows they are not alone and that specialized mental health support is available to help them navigate their grief."

Each year, pregnancy and infant loss affect millions of families worldwide. The March of Dimes estimates that between 10 to 20 in 100 known pregnancies (10 to 20 percent) end in miscarriage. According to the CDC, each year about 21,000 babies are stillborn in the United States. The CDC reports that 20,553 deaths occurred in children younger than one year in the United States in 2022, resulting in an infant mortality rate of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. Many parents who experience pregnancy or infant loss develop perinatal mental health disorders that can linger for years, even after the birth of healthy children. PSI is committed to providing free resources, education, and support to help people navigate the unique challenges that come with these types of loss. 

Resources include:

• Helpline, Website, App: Call or text 1-800-944-4PPD (4773), visit Postpartum.net, or download the Connect by PSI app to connect to a wide variety of support and resources in English and Spanish.
  
  
• Online Support Groups : Specialized groups for pregnancy and infant loss, including Black Moms in Loss; Early Pregnancy Loss; Fertility Challenges; Parenting After Loss; Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support for Parents; Stillbirth and Infant Loss Support for Parents; Termination for Medical Reasons; and more.
  
  
• Provider Directory : Searchable database of mental health professionals with perinatal loss expertise.
  
  
• Educational Resources : Information for families, partners, and healthcare providers, including a loss discussion tool to help people track their symptoms and feelings and facilitate conversations with providers.
  
  
• Training Programs : Professional development for healthcare and mental health providers.

During October, PSI encourages everyone to:

Share Stories: Encourage open and honest conversations about pregnancy and infant loss. Sharing personal experiences can help break the stigma surrounding this topic and offer solace to those who are grieving.

Offer Support: Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. A simple message of empathy and care can go a long way in helping someone through their grief.

Seek Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with grief after a pregnancy or infant loss, don't hesitate to seek professional support. PSI offers a range of free resources, including a worldwide network of trained volunteers and mental health professionals who can provide guidance and assistance. PSI also offers online support groups and meetings for those who have experienced loss. 

Participate in Remembrance Events: Many organizations hold events and activities throughout October to remember pregnancies and babies lost. Specifically, you can participate in the International Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7 p.m. local time on Oct. 15 (World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day). Keep your candle lit for at least one hour to create a continuous "wave of light" across all time zones covering the globe. 

About Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International (PSI) was founded by a new mother in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties parents can experience during and after pregnancy. PSI offers a wealth of resources for a wide range of needs, situations, and audiences to give families the strongest and healthiest start possible through support and community. PSI also offers support, resources, best-practice training, and certification for healthcare professionals and volunteer coordinators nationwide and in more than 30 countries. PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring compassionate and quality care and support are available to all families. Need help? Call or text 1-800-944-4PPD (4773), visit postpartum.net, or download the Connect by PSI app.

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SOURCE Postpartum Support International