October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to recognise and promote the importance of early and ongoing support for the 1 in 4 parents who experience the loss of their baby in Australia.
Lighting a candle is the global tradition each year, to honour the precious life that has been lost. More than half a century ago, Eleanor Roosevelt said “It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Worldwide families are asked to light a candle in remembrance, to hope they see a flicker of hope through that light.
Emma Robertson Blackmore (British Journal of Psychiatry, 2011) found that of 13,000 women followed three years post birth, 21.7% miscarried and of these, 15% developed clinical depression and anxiety symptoms whilst pregnant, or up to three years after. There is further evidence that mothers can continue to struggle even after having a healthy child, with up to 45% of infants born following a still birth, displaying disorganised (confused) attachment styles. Partners also reported impacts on relationship intimacy.
Creating Change Psychology understands that the loss of an unborn baby or newborn can bring about feelings of heartache, low mood, isolation and can make you feel lost and unsure how to move on with your life. Even many months or years after your loss you are likely to experience these intense feelings, maybe momentarily or for prolonged periods. It affects many women but men too can experience the loss of hopes and dreams for the future.
We are here to help you and your family through this time of loss. Please Contact Us to find out how we can assist you.
Written By Rebecca Deane - Senior Clinical Psychologist - www.creatingchange.net.au
