The Seneca County Health Department is raising awareness about a heartbreaking but often hidden reality: one in four women experiences a pregnancy or infant loss.
In a recent public outreach effort, the department shared resources and guidance for those who’ve been personally affected — as well as advice for friends and loved ones offering support. The message is clear: loss affects more than just women. Men and members of the LGBTQIA+ community also struggle with the emotional toll of pregnancy and infant loss.
Pregnancy and infant loss takes many forms. It could be a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Other scenarios include molar pregnancies, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or accidents during or shortly after birth.
The emotional impact can be overwhelming and isolating, which is why the department urges anyone affected to seek help. That includes talking to healthcare providers, grief counselors, or supportive loved ones.
For grieving families, finding ways to honor their child can bring comfort. The department suggests holding a memorial service, planting a tree, or collecting keepsakes like hospital bracelets or ultrasound images. Families can also choose to volunteer or donate to a charity in their baby’s name.
For those offering comfort, knowing what not to say is just as important as knowing what to say.
Phrases like “At least it was early on” or “Everything happens for a reason” can come off as dismissive. Instead, the department encourages people to say things like:
- “I know how much your baby was loved and always will be.”
- “What can I do to support you right now?”
- “I’m not sure what to say, but I’m here for you however you need.”
Seneca County encourages anyone dealing with loss to reach out for support. National resources like Star Legacy Foundation and March of Dimes offer help, along with local organizations such as Postpartum Support International’s CT Chapter and 211.
Whether you’re grieving or supporting someone who is, the department wants you to know: you’re not alone.
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