News & Events

Every year on October 15th, people across the world come together and mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. This day is dedicated to those remembering the lives lost too soon and acknowledging the grief and love carried on by families.

For those in the fertility community where the path to parenthood can often involve treatments such as IVF¹ (in vitro fertilisation) or IUI (intrauterine insemination), this day can particularly hold deep significance. Not everyone's journey is straightforward, and for some, this can include heartbreak; however, alongside that, we also have hope for new beginnings. 

IVF, IUI, and the Journey of Hope

In the fertility community, treatments such as IVF and IUI represent more than just medical procedures but they represent hope. Each cycle brings the possibility of new life and one step closer to parenthood. Some families may experience loss along the way, whether that be through unsuccessful cycles, miscarriage or stillbirth. Yet what shines through is the strength and resilience that carry these families through with the help of the community and local support groups. 

Why Remembrance Matters

Pregnancy and infant loss affects more families than many people realise, yet it is often a topic that remains unspoken. For those navigating fertility treatment, the experience of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss can be particularly heavy. Not only because of the grief itself, but because it comes after so much waiting, medical intervention, and hope.

Marking this day helps to:

- Create a community: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day brings people together. Connecting with others in similar situations through social media, events, and support groups can help people who are grieving feel less alone. 

- Acknowledge grief and validate experiences: Going through grief can feel lonely, but validating their experience can help them feel less isolated and more understood. 

- Break the silence: Creating conversations not only raises awareness but also supports connection, healing, and normalises conversations around pregnancy and infant loss. 

The Wave of Light

One of the most recognised traditions on 15th October is the Wave of Light². At 7pm local time, families are invited to light a candle in memory of their babies. As candles are lit across the world, a continuous wave of light shines for 24 hours in remembrance.

This simple but powerful act provides comfort for many and reminds families that their loss, while unique, is shared and understood by others.

Finding Hope After Loss

Loss is something that never fully leaves us, but it can exist alongside hope. For many people in the fertility community, this means continuing IVF or IUI treatment, exploring new options, or simply giving themselves the space to grieve before deciding what comes next.

Support plays a vital role:

- Support groups³ can offer a safe space for individuals to share their feelings. Being surrounded by people who don’t understand what they’re going through can make them feel like they have to pretend ‘they’re okay’, but support groups allow them to voice how they’re really feeling. Hearing someone else's story can also be inspiring, allowing them to better navigate their own journey. 

- Counselling also allows people to discuss how they’re feeling and learn more about navigating certain emotions.

- Peer connections can help people feel less alone. Tell close connections⁴, such as friends and family, how they can best support you and be there for you.

- Acts of remembrance can aid in the healing process. Grief can feel chaotic at times, but an act of remembrance helps people turn these emotions into an action that carries strong meaning.

How You Can Show Support

Even small gestures can mean a great deal to those affected by pregnancy and infant loss. You might:

- Light a candle at 7pm as part of the Wave of Light

- Join a virtual or local event 

- Wear a Loss Awareness ribbon pin badge⁵

- Post on social media using the hashtags #BLAW, #WaveOfLight, and #BabyLossAwareness

- Start important conversations about baby and infant loss. You could even share stories on social media and change your profile picture to support BLAW

- Fundraising and making donations 

Closing Thoughts

This 15th October, let us join together to honour the lives lost and to support the families who carry them in their hearts. The power of community is often underestimated, but this day brings people together to support one another, which is beautiful. Get involved on October 15th to show your support and be there for those who are grieving. Remember, you’re never alone. 

Article written by Rosie Buckley, Freelance writer

Contentcoffee.com

References:

_{1. https://tfp-fertility.com/en-gb/fertility-treatment/ivf}

_{2. https://www.sands.org.uk/support-you/remembering-your-baby/wave-light}

_{3. https://reflectyork.co.uk/}

_{4. https://www.mind.org.uk/media/7112/25-human-connection_v3.pdf}

_{5. https://shop-babyloss-awareness.org.uk/en/products/merchandise}

With less than 3 weeks left in our funding round, the more Co-op members that choose to support Reflect, the more funds we'll receive.

To find out more about our project and to choose us as your cause, please click here https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/88972

Thank you!

We are pleased to announce that Reflect has a new set of refreshed and updated leaflets! After a couple months of hard work, we now have a new tri-fold brochure, a new A5 Pregnancy loss leaflet and a new A4 poster. All of these leaflets include our new registered CIO charity number. Read more about each leaflet below to determine the best option for your organisations' needs and location. If you would like to request any of our new leaflets or posters to display, please email enquiry@reflectsupport.co.uk or call our York head office at 01904 676710.

Reflect Brochure 

    -- Tri-fold including general information of the services Reflect provides to individuals        facing a Pregnancy Choice or struggling after a Pregnancy or Neonatal loss. 

    -- Suitable for hospitals, doctors surgeries, charities, high schools, universities, etc. 

Reflect Pregnancy Loss Leaflet

     -- Front & back A5 leaflet designed specifically to target individuals who need mental & emotional support after experiencing a Pregnancy or Neonatal loss. 

     -- Suitable for hospitals, EPAUs and bereavement charities/alliances. 

Reflect A4 Poster

      -- A brief informational poster highlighting Pregnancy Choice and Loss support that Reflect provides, including a QR code and phone numbers of our four centres for quick & easy access. 

      -- Suitable for hospitals, doctors surgeries, charities, high schools, universities, etc.

Reflect is currently recruiting for 3 part-time roles. There is some flexibility and roles can be combined for the right candidate.

We are seeking an Administrator, based at our Head Office in Acomb, a Communications and Marketing officer and a Fundraiser.

If you, or anyone you know, is looking for a new job opportunity, please let them know about Reflect!

For more information, and to request an application form, please email info@reflectsupport.co.uk. Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 14^th February.