Gaia’s Post

I hate October. In theory, I should love this month. I love fall weather, I love the leaves changing, I love apple cider both in liquid and donut form, but the truth is that the minute Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month really meant something to me, I began to hate this month. Why would I hate an awareness month on some of the very topics that I write, speak, and share about? ↔️ Come October 1, yes, your story matters, we want to hear your story only for the calendar to turn to November and with it everyone's interest in hearing my story ↔️ I live with the grief every single day of losing two of my babies and yet during this month, it is so in my face that it becomes overwhelming (a few years back, I even ended up having a major panic attack on October 15) ↔️ People act surprised every October that this is a problem and yet, the statistics are out there: 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss. This means that everyone knows someone who has lost a baby and yet, it still seems to be some unheard of event. Today, please learn about all of these things and reach out to anyone you know who has lost a baby, but then put a note in your calendar to reach out again in a month, three months, three years, and keep doing that for the loss parents in your life. The grief and pain do not just exist in October, they happen every day, all year long. #colettelouisetisdahl #cltfoundation #grieflastslongerthanamonth #pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessmonth #lifeafterloss

As we enter Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024 I'd like to share a link to a page on the Tommy's website which provides incredibly helpful advice on what to say to someone who has lost their baby: https://lnkd.in/epkPFPv6 The main points are these but please take the time to read the full page. As someone who has experienced 8 losses it is so very comforting to have someone acknowledge that this baby, no matter how tiny, was deeply loved and wanted. We remember them always (even when we have living children). 👼 Saying something is better than nothing If you aren’t sure what to say, you could simply say ‘I’m so sorry’ 👼 Acknowledge their baby – if they want to If they refer to their baby by name, remember it and don’t be afraid to use it if you’re asking about them 👼 Offer comfort, not reassurance Empathy rarely starts with ‘at least’. Phrases such as ‘at least you know you can get pregnant’ or ‘at least it was just an early loss’ are deeply upsetting and offensive. 👼 Be understanding Grief isn’t linear. Just because a colleague has returned to work, doesn’t mean they’re ‘back to normal'. 👼 Don’t dismiss the grief of dads and partners It feels natural to ask after a friend or colleague’s partner if their pregnancy ended in loss, but don’t forget to show them support too. At least 1 in 4 of us will experience pregnancy or baby loss at some point which means that even if its not you it WILL be someone close to you. We never forget our angel babies, never. Sending love to all angel parents, grandparents, auntie's, uncles' siblings ❤️ #mumto10

* Trigger warning * This post is about Baby Loss Awareness Day. On Baby Loss Awareness Day, we remember the families forever changed by the loss of a child during pregnancy or shortly after birth. This day serves as a poignant reminder that many of our colleagues may carry this experience close to their hearts. We are very grateful to those colleagues who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss and have helped us to put together a helpful guide on how to create a safe space for open conversations about baby loss in the workplace. When a colleague experiences such a loss, a supportive workplace can be a source of comfort and understanding. By establishing clear and compassionate policies, and enabling open conversations, it can help to create a culture of empathy that is more supportive to those going through what can be an incredibly isolating time. We can all play a part in allowing bereaved parents, families and friends to feel connected and supported as they navigate their grief. Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q02Tp9mc0 On this day, and all year round, we extend our heartfelt support to all those who have experienced the trauma of pregnancy or baby loss. It is an incredibly difficult topic, but we need to break the silence to help support those touched by loss to feel less alone in the workplace. #WaveOfLight #BreakTheSilence

Today we are thinking of the parents and families who have experienced the unimaginable heartache of losing a child during pregnancy or infancy. Whether it's a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the grief is deep, and often silent. To those who have walked this journey—your grief is valid, and your story matters. 💔 You are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing this kind of loss, here are a few ways to offer support: 🤍 Acknowledge the loss – Tell them that you're thinking of them today. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m here for you” can mean the world. 🤍 Be present – Offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. 🤍 Hold space – Every person’s grief is unique. Allow them to feel their emotions without rushing the healing process. Let’s break the silence surrounding this type of loss and create a compassionate community that supports healing and remembrance. 💫 #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwarenessDay #BreakTheSilence #YouAreNotAlone #HonoringTheLost

Today we are thinking of the parents and families who have experienced the unimaginable heartache of losing a child during pregnancy or infancy. Whether it's a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the grief is deep, and often silent. To those who have walked this journey—your grief is valid, and your story matters. 💔 You are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing this kind of loss, here are a few ways to offer support: 🤍 Acknowledge the loss – Tell them that you're thinking of them today. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m here for you” can mean the world. 🤍 Be present – Offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. 🤍 Hold space – Every person’s grief is unique. Allow them to feel their emotions without rushing the healing process. Let’s break the silence surrounding this type of loss and create a compassionate community that supports healing and remembrance. 💫 #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwarenessDay #BreakTheSilence #YouAreNotAlone #HonoringTheLost

Today we are thinking of the parents and families who have experienced the unimaginable heartache of losing a child during pregnancy or infancy. Whether it's a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the grief is deep, and often silent. To those who have walked this journey—your grief is valid, and your story matters. 💔 You are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing this kind of loss, here are a few ways to offer support: 🤍 Acknowledge the loss – Tell them that you're thinking of them today. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m here for you” can mean the world. 🤍 Be present – Offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. 🤍 Hold space – Every person’s grief is unique. Allow them to feel their emotions without rushing the healing process. Let’s break the silence surrounding this type of loss and create a compassionate community that supports healing and remembrance. 💫 #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwarenessDay #BreakTheSilence #YouAreNotAlone #HonoringTheLost

Today we are thinking of the parents and families who have experienced the unimaginable heartache of losing a child during pregnancy or infancy. Whether it's a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the grief is deep, and often silent. To those who have walked this journey—your grief is valid, and your story matters. 💔 You are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing this kind of loss, here are a few ways to offer support: 🤍 Acknowledge the loss – Tell them that you're thinking of them today. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m here for you” can mean the world. 🤍 Be present – Offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. 🤍 Hold space – Every person’s grief is unique. Allow them to feel their emotions without rushing the healing process. Let’s break the silence surrounding this type of loss and create a compassionate community that supports healing and remembrance. 💫 #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwarenessDay #BreakTheSilence #YouAreNotAlone #HonoringTheLost

Today we are thinking of the parents and families who have experienced the unimaginable heartache of losing a child during pregnancy or infancy. Whether it's a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the grief is deep, and often silent. To those who have walked this journey—your grief is valid, and your story matters. 💔 You are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing this kind of loss, here are a few ways to offer support: 🤍 Acknowledge the loss – Tell them that you're thinking of them today. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m here for you” can mean the world. 🤍 Be present – Offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. 🤍 Hold space – Every person’s grief is unique. Allow them to feel their emotions without rushing the healing process. Let’s break the silence surrounding this type of loss and create a compassionate community that supports healing and remembrance. 💫 #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwarenessDay #BreakTheSilence #YouAreNotAlone #HonoringTheLost

Today we are thinking of the parents and families who have experienced the unimaginable heartache of losing a child during pregnancy or infancy. Whether it's a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the grief is deep, and often silent. To those who have walked this journey—your grief is valid, and your story matters. 💔 You are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing this kind of loss, here are a few ways to offer support: 🤍 Acknowledge the loss – Tell them that you're thinking of them today. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m here for you” can mean the world. 🤍 Be present – Offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. 🤍 Hold space – Every person’s grief is unique. Allow them to feel their emotions without rushing the healing process. Let’s break the silence surrounding this type of loss and create a compassionate community that supports healing and remembrance. 💫 #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwarenessDay #BreakTheSilence #YouAreNotAlone #HonoringTheLost

Today we are thinking of the parents and families who have experienced the unimaginable heartache of losing a child during pregnancy or infancy. Whether it's a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the grief is deep, and often silent. To those who have walked this journey—your grief is valid, and your story matters. 💔 You are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing this kind of loss, here are a few ways to offer support: 🤍 Acknowledge the loss – Tell them that you're thinking of them today. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m here for you” can mean the world. 🤍 Be present – Offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. 🤍 Hold space – Every person’s grief is unique. Allow them to feel their emotions without rushing the healing process. Let’s break the silence surrounding this type of loss and create a compassionate community that supports healing and remembrance. 💫 #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwarenessDay #BreakTheSilence #YouAreNotAlone #HonoringTheLost