Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is held every year on 15 October. It is a day for families and communities to remember and honour babies who have died during pregnancy, through miscarriage or stillbirth, at birth, during the neonatal period, or later in infancy. 

It is an opportunity to recognise the love that surrounds these babies, the hopes and dreams their families held for them and the special place they will always hold in their hearts. 

For families who have experienced the death of a baby, remembrance can bring many different emotions. You may feel sadness, longing, anger, love or gratitude for the time you shared. Special dates, milestones, places and memories may bring grief closer to the surface, even years after your loss. Whatever you are feeling, there is no right or wrong way to remember your baby. 

Remembering your baby 

If you are visiting this page after the death of your baby, we are so sorry for your loss. We recognise that your baby is an important part of your family's story and that the love you have for them continues. 

Whether your baby was with you for a short time during pregnancy, was born sleeping, or spent time in a neonatal intensive care unit before they died, your connection to your baby is meaningful. 

You may find comfort in remembering your baby in a way that feels right for you. This could include lighting a candle, planting a tree, looking through photographs, keeping a special item, saying your baby's name, writing a letter or sharing memories with people you trust. 

There is no set way to grieve and no timeline for healing. You may wish to remember your baby privately or connect with other families who understand your experience. Whatever you choose your baby's life and the love you hold for them deserve to be acknowledged. 

On this day, we remember the babies who are no longer physically with us, the families who carry their love and grief and the importance of making space for every story. 

The Wave of Light 

The Wave of Light is a global act of remembrance held on 15 October. At 7 pm local time, families, friends and supporters around the world light a candle in memory of babies who have died, creating a wave of light across different time zones. 

You can take part by lighting a candle in your home, remembering your baby in your own way, or sharing the moment with family and friends. 

Light a candle in memory of your baby. 

You can purchase a remembrance candle from the Miracle Babies Foundation shop. The price includes free shipping Australia-wide and all proceeds support families of premature and sick newborns. 

Purchase your remembrance candle here 

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Wall 

Every baby has a story and every life matters. The Miracle Babies Foundation Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Remembrance Wall provides a space for families to honour their babies by sharing their names and keeping their memories alive. 

Seeing a baby's name acknowledged can be a meaningful way to recognise their place in a family and community. Whether your loss was recent or many years ago, you are welcome to remember your baby. 

Add your baby's name: https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/pail-day-form/gomdv4 

Visit the PAIL Remembrance Wall: https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/pail-wall/gomgy8 

Finding support 

Grief can feel overwhelming and you do not have to face it alone. You may find comfort in talking with someone you trust, connecting with other bereaved parents or reaching out to a support service. Help is available whenever you feel ready to seek it, whether your loss happened recently or many years ago. 

Miracle Babies NurtureLine 

Free family support helpline, available 24/7: 1300 622 243 

Lifeline 

24/7 crisis support: 13 11 14 

Red Nose 

24/7 Grief and Loss Support Line: 1300 308 307 

You do not need to have the right words or know what to ask for before reaching out. 

On Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, and every day, we honour the babies who are loved and missed, the families who carry their memories and the importance of compassion, understanding and connection.