The State of Iowa, the City of Ottumwa, and the City of Oskaloosa signed proclamations this month proclaiming October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and October 15th as Wave of Light – Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
The Ottumwa Jefferson Street Bridge and the Oskaloosa Gazebo will be lit blue and pink for the entire month of October in remembrance and honor of all babies gone too soon.
Local, state and national resources are available to help support families experiencing loss are available at: https://www.resilientcommunitieswapello.com/pregnancy-infant-loss/
Some ways to support Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month are:
- Participate in the Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7 pm on October 15th
- Wave of Light is an event that is observed annually nationwide on October 15th at 7 p.m. Wave of Light is a day of remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss –
- which includes but is not limited to miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or the death of a newborn.
- Wave of Light is an event that is observed annually nationwide on October 15th at 7 p.m. Wave of Light is a day of remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss –
- Check in on someone you know who has experienced a pregnancy or infant loss- no matter how long ago it’s been and let them know you are thinking of them.
- Wear a blue and pink ribbon or bracelet for the month of October.
- Send a donation to an organization that helps with research and support related to pregnancy or infant loss.
- Perform a Random Act of Kindness in memory of a baby gone too soon.
