Visit the cemetery and decorate - either with flowers or seasonal decorations; go as often as needed for your own grief journey.
Just as everyone's grief journey is different, so are the ways a grieving parent can remember and honor their baby. Your special remembrance for your baby might be as simple as lighting a candle, releasing balloons, or even holding a birthday party. As the days and years go on, how you remember, honor and celebrate your baby might change, and that's okay too. We have put together suggestions we pray help you and your family remember / honor your little one. We pray you find comfort, love and healing as you find your own special way to remember and honor your baby.
Visit the cemetery and decorate - either with flowers or seasonal decorations; go as often as needed for your own grief journey.
Make a place in your home an area for some of your baby’s things - this can be a shelf in your living room, a section of an outside garden or a special collage of pictures.
Wear a reminder of your baby. This can be a personalized necklace, tattoo, a locket with your baby’s hair or carrying an item in your pocket or purse.
Take time to celebrate your baby on what would have been their 1st birthday. Holding a remembrance gathering or volunteering in their honor are beautiful ways to remember your baby.
For each “1st” (holiday, 1st birthday, special milestones), take time to make your own traditions of how you will honor and celebrate your baby.
Celebrate Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day on October 15th.
Keep a journal or write a blog. Writing is therapeutic and a healthy release of emotions.
Plant a garden or tree to watch it grow. Add something new to the area each year.
Make or order a birthday cake each year. If you chose to, celebrate each individual year for your baby that they would have turned. Sing happy birthday to him/her.
Write a letter to your baby. Do this each year and keep them in a journal or memory keepsake box. Friends and family could participate, each writing their own letter.
Celebrate Bereaved Mother’s Day which is the first Sunday in May. Seek out local grief organizations which may sponsor an event or support group to honor moms on this special day.
Perform Random Acts of Kindness in honor of your baby. Encourage others to join you.
Book a photo session and pose with some of your baby’s items such as a special teddy bear, blanket or framed photo of them.
Include your baby in family photos - either holding their framed photo or a special memento in their honor.
Make or buy a personalized piece of jewelry. Include their name, initials or special dates.
Buy a book that is age appropriate for how old your baby would be turning each year. Write an inscription to your baby on the inside cover.
Have a lantern or butterfly release. Invite friends and family to join in this moment.
Help other parents suffering a loss. Many find comfort in being there for others to pay forward the kindness they personally received during their loss.
Make a donation to a charity in your baby’s name.
Experiencing the passing of your child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death is a trauma. Many of us have utilized counselors, pastors, and other mental health services to support us along the grief journey. Please seek out support.
Find Help NowAs we work together to raise awareness for pregnancy and infant loss, we also want to share some important dates throughout the year that are recognized by so many of us in the bereavement community.
International Bereaved Mother’s Day: This occurs the 1st Sunday in May (the Sunday before the traditional Mother’s day) and is a day to recognize and honor bereaved mothers. This day is celebrated by many in the bereavement community across the globe. Many bereaved mothers and families will gather with others that day to honor and remember their children gone too soon. Bereaved Mothers are celebrated, honored and remembered as well.
National Nurses Week: We celebrate the nurses who have stood by our side and are a huge part of our lives during National Nurses week which begins every year on May 6th and ends on May 12th. We appreciate the hearts and dedication of the nurses who not only remember our babies, but work everyday to help raise awareness and improve care for bereaved parents.
