Every year, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is observed in October to remember babies lost to stillbirths, miscarriages, sudden infant death syndrome and many other causes during pregnancy and infancy. It’s a month to remember, raise awareness and acknowledge grief.

Member of the bereavement team at Red Nose Australia Till Heike said the month allows parents to speak openly and compassionately about their child: “It’s for the parents, so they can feel the grief. Grief can be so isolating and misunderstood, and having Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month helps break that silence.”

According to the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing, an estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. While over 3000 babies or children die of stillbirth, neonatal death, SIDS and other causes.

Even with pregnancy and infant loss affecting so many, it’s still common for people not to know how to comfort those they know who are experiencing this.

“Acknowledge their baby and acknowledge their grief. Don’t try to fix it for them. Just listen without minimising or trying to explain or fix their loss,” Ms Heike said.

Red Nose offers a free 24-hour support line, as well as free counselling and support to anyone who has been affected by pregnancy or infant loss, as well as support information. The organisation champions inclusivity as their primary goal, offering their services to anyone and everyone who needs them.

The Red Nose 2024-2025 annual report shows that they answered 2190 calls on their 24/7 support line. It also mentions over 165,000 page views on their grief and loss website.

The official Red Nose website offers support through phone calls, online chats and access to support groups where people can connect with others who understand the pain of loss. With approximately 185 peer support volunteers, Red Nose provides people with a compassionate companion prepared to sit and listen.

Lea-Anne Hamill experienced two consecutive pregnancy losses before having her three sons. She recalls first hearing of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month straight after her first loss through leaflets provided at the hospital.

Mrs Hamill said this month is needed to show people that it’s out there and they aren’t alone, and the best thing to do to support someone is to be their ears: “Just listen to them and never try to stop them; just let them go, because sometimes if you stop them, that’s where they stop. They don’t want to talk anymore. The best thing anybody ever did for me was let me talk about them.”

Mrs Hamill hopes this month lets people know: “They aren’t alone and it wasn’t your fault.”

Elaine Caird who found out she lost her twins at her 22-week scan said when it came to talking: “It didn’t help to start with because it was private to my husband and me and I wanted to hold onto them just the two of us. I was very aware that there was lots of support out there, but at the time all I needed was family and friends. Whilst we know they supported us; they gave us time to grieve and let us know they were there for us when we needed them.”

The Women’s Health Collective said that those affected may be unsure how to grieve and where to seek support.

If you or someone you know has experienced a pregnancy or infant loss, call the Red Nose 24-hour support line on 1300 308 307.