Since 2018, International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day has been an important day of commemoration at RBWH.

One in four pregnancies result in a loss, and this day of recognition offers acknowledgement along with an opportunity for those who have experienced this often unspoken about loss to gather and grieve.

Bereavement Midwife Natalie Muir and Midwifery Unit Manager Centre for Advanced Perinatal Care Susan Callan ran a pregnancy and infant loss awareness stall on the lower ground of the Ned Hanlon Building, as well as a memorial service on Thursday 12 October to mark the occasion.

“It’s all about recognising people’s loss and acknowledging them,” Natalie said.

“We have had many people stop by the stall to have a chat, including people who lost a baby many years ago.”

Approximately 30 people attended the 2023 memorial service, which began at the chapel and then made its way to the RBWH memorial garden.

The RBWH memorial garden was created as a private place for parents and families of babies who died prior to 20 weeks of gestation. Plaques are organised through the Chaplaincy service, who also offer support to those experiencing the loss of a baby.

As part of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day there is a global ‘wave of light’ where families light a candle at 7pm local time and leave it burning for at least one hour.

“We want to help people feel seen who have lost a baby throughout any period of gestation, including miscarriage, still birth and neonatal death,” Natalie said.