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Remembering Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month OCTOBER 22, 2024 / KELLI NAPOTNIK / 
October can be a difficult month for many parents who have lost a child. It is a month dedicated to raising awareness of pregnancy and infant loss, seeking to honor those who have faced this kind of grief. As this month comes to a close, here are some simple ways to comfort someone you know who is experiencing this loss!
Just Show Up
Whether or not the loss of an infant has recently happened or occurred years ago, the deep emptiness and unimaginable void in their lives is always present. Grief can come in waves and often presents itself without warning. Someone experiencing pain in this way may not be able to voice their needs if asked. Check on your loved one and be willing to offer help as needs arise. Instead of asking how you can help, drop off a comforting meal, give a hug, do the laundry, or take accumulated trash to the nearest landfill. Caring for them in specific ways is a wonderful way to show up!
Embrace Difficult Conversations
Many of us shy away from difficult conversations surrounding one's grief. We don't want to add to our loved one's pain or remind them of their loss at an untimely moment. Inviting your grieving friend to share their loss, however, can promote healing and show that you haven't forgotten what they've been through. Talking through their pain can be a way for them to process grief as it occurs. Don't be afraid to walk through conversations like this with someone who has lost their infant.
Be A Willing Listener
One of the greatest gifts you can give is being a willing listener. Listening opens the door for healing conversation. As mentioned in the quote above, you are building a deeper and stronger relationship with your loved one. That offers healing within itself.
Take Them A Meal or Send A Gift Card
While dealing with grief can be extremely stressful, having to think about a meal doesn't need to be. A well-timed meal is always a blessing even if a meal schedule has ended. Don't hesitate to offer this as an option, or surprise them, by sending a gift card to choose when a meal would be most needed.
Do you know someone who has experienced a miscarriage or lost an infant? We hope you take the time to remember and honor this loss by listening, being present for healing conversations, or taking a meal to comfort them during a time of need. If you are someone who has experienced this hardship firsthand, may you feel seen and encouraged. We also hope you continue to find ways to talk about your grief and experience healing in the process.
 #1: Baked sweet potatoes make the perfect side dish for any meal this fall. They're also great gluten-free and vegan. Give them a try!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#2: There's no escaping the flu and cold season, so why not bring a sick friend a gift basket filled with all the flu-fighting goodies? Check out this awesome basket Nadia put together and the free printable you can use!
#3: When taking a meal to a friend or loved one, follow these simple guidelines to guarantee success and avoid stress.
#4: See how you can get creative with packaging your soup to take to others!
#5: Whether it's her first or her fifteenth child, every mom needs to take care of herself while she cares for her new little one. Here are some great ideas for taking meals, snacks, gifts, and/or encouragement to a mom of a new little one.
Read other recent articles by Kelli Napotnik:
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Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you. Helpful Posts
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