Wave of Light

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month (PAIL), a time for us to honor the babies held in our hearts. The heartbreaking reality is that 1 out of every 4 confirmed pregnancies ends in loss, and that number may be even higher for those who are navigating fertility and family building challenges.

When you experience loss, it becomes a permanent part of your story. The pain and grief never end, they ebbs and flows, changing with each passing day, month, and year. There are multiple layers of emotion and hidden pockets of grief that can bubble to the surface with each anticipated milestone that will never be met.

At times other people in your life may be hesitant to bring up a loss in an effort not to “remind you,” but you remember every single day.

Being surrounded by a community that understands your experience, acknowledges the impact that your little one(s) has had, and provides a safe space for you to speak freely about your experience can be immensely powerful and healing.

To help you find that community, AllPaths offers two free, virtual Pregnancy Loss Support Groups each month. Our Primary Pregnancy Loss Group is for people who are not yet parenting and our Pregnancy Loss Group is open to anyone who has experienced a loss/losses, including those who are already parenting.

Often people who have experienced loss also find it helpful to connect with a mental health professional who specializes in family building challenges. There are a number of providers listed in our professional directory, but if you’re using insurance, have a preference for in-person/virtual sessions, or any other factors, please let email us at admin@allpathsfb.org and we’ll be happy to help find people who fit those criteria.

As part of PAIL Month, International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed every October 15th, culminating with a wave of light around the world. To create the wave, families come together across the world and light candles to honor the little ones held in their hearts from 7-8p local time.

We invite you to add remembrances to the AllPaths Remembrance Lantern. You can add a name, a date, or anything meaningful to you that honors loss that has impacted your life. 

Together we can honor all of our community’s loved ones when these candles are lit during the Wave of Light.

We remember every day, but the Wave of Light can be such a beautiful reminder that we are not alone.