Yuma proclaims October Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to honor babies remembered by their families and support parents grieving a loss.

According to the CDC, one in 175 pregnancies in the United States ends in stillbirth, and roughly 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Behind every statistic is a deeply loved baby and a family experiencing grief that can last a lifetime.

News 11 Chief Weather Forecaster Melissa Zaremba and her partner, Kurt Nelson, are sharing their experience to bring attention to the pain families face after a loss.

"Even though your baby is not here, it's good to remember and to know that they are never forgotten. They're always with you in your heart. People need to understand it doesn't make you any less of a parent. It doesn't make you any less of a mother or father," Zaremba said.

Zaremba and Nelson lost their daughter, Evelyn Rose, last year at 16 weeks gestation after doctors were unable to find a heartbeat.

"It's hard for me to move on without her. It's hard for me to be happy," Zaremba said.

The couple worked together to have October proclaimed Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month by the City of Yuma.

"I, Douglas J. Nicholls, mayor of the City of Yuma, do hereby proclaim the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month throughout the City of Yuma," Mayor Doug Nicholls said.

Mayor Nicholls said the proclamation is a way to recognize grieving families and remind them that they are not alone.

"To make sure we are honoring our full population, that people don't feel isolated or alone, because this is very much a private type of grief and loss, but they need to know their community is behind them," Nicholls said.

Nelson said the proclamation is also meant to bring people together and raise awareness.

"Not a lot of people like to talk about it, and our goal is to spread the awareness and try to bring people together throughout the Yuma community," Nelson said.

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 23 million miscarriages occur worldwide each year, an average of about 44 every minute.

Onvida Health Perinatal Palliative Care Coordinator Jenn Driscoll recommended that families experiencing loss connect with Onvida Health's Spiritual Care Team, the LDRP Perinatal Care Committee or Postpartum Support International for support and resources.

"Another way we bring families together is through our annual Walk to Remember, which will be held Saturday, November 7, at Gateway Park," Driscoll said.

This month is a reminder to lead with compassion, listen without judgment and offer support to those who are grieving.