Bothwell to recognize National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Oct. 15

Bothwell Regional Health Center’s Women’s Health and Newborn Care staff will host a local event to mark National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Alicia Staus, a Registered Nurse in Women’s Health and Newborn Care and co-chair of the Pregnancy and Infant Loss committee knows personally the heartache and pain this loss can cause affected families.

“Seven years ago my second son, Myles, died at 5 months of age during naptime while with a caregiver,” she said. “This type of grief never goes away, and our hope is that people who have experienced the devastation of pregnancy or infant loss can come to this event and feel love and support and a path to healing.”

Pregnancy loss includes miscarriage and stillbirth, along with sudden infant death syndrome. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control indicates that about 1 in 100 pregnancies ends in miscarriage and each year more than 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States.

This year’s event will include remarks from Alix McNeel, founder of Addison’s Grace in Warrensburg, and the lilac tree planted at the first event in 2019 will be lit. A Wave of Light ceremony will happen at 7 pm where attendees may light candles in honor and remembrance of their loss. Refreshments will be available.

Staus said the Pregnancy and Infant Loss committee creates baskets and distributes informational packets for mothers and families who experience loss while in the hospital.

“We know so many mothers and families suffer in silence for years with these losses,” she said. “Our team is committed to hosting this event so we can remember the babies who are no longer with us and continue to be a resource for support.”

The free event is funded by the Bothwell Foundation and will be held outside on the southeast side of Bothwell Education Center at 600 E. 14th Street. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the Education Center.