When a child loses a parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. I know a few mamas who bear the scars no parent should, who hold their children in their hearts because they can’t hold them in their arms …and they are some of the strongest women I know. Today, they and countless families the world over will light a candle to honor their babies in a wave of light that will wrap around the world.

Too many families carry their grief in silence, unsure of how to properly cope with the loss.  In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and for all the babies gone too soon, I want to share with you this printable art.

Click here to open the file in a new window, then right click and save.

Resources for Pregnancy and Infant Loss:

• American Pregnancy Association (APA) provides support for women and families facing pregnancy loss, as well as pregnancy and fertility education and support
• Angel Names Association a resource for counseling and financial assistance for end-of-life expenses
• Baby Steps a resource for parents and children who have lost a child or sibling
• Birthwaves a non-profit organization that provides doula services to families who experience pregnancy and infant losses
• Center for Loss in Multiple Birth (CLIMB) a resource for families facing the loss of one or more, both twins or higher multiples
• Grieve Out Loud a resource and support for pregnancy and infant loss
• Heavenly Angels in Need provides memory boxes and burial garments, as well as comfort items for premature infants
• Infants Remembered in Silence (IRIS) provides education and resources to families who have suffered loss, and to friends and professionals
• Love & Loss Project free healing programs and support
• MISS Foundation counseling, advocacy, and education for families
• Perinatal Hospice & Palliative Care support for families who wish to continue their pregnancies with babies who likely will die before or shortly after birth
• Project Sweet Peas mission is to empower and support families of fragile infants, and to inspire hope through remembrance for those affected by pregnancy and infant loss
• SIDS Network offers up-to-date information as well as support for those who have been touched by the tragedy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome