Ottawa – As we recognize Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, a time to extend our compassion and support to the many families across Canada who have experienced the loss of a child during pregnancy or early infancy. This day serves as a reminder that behind each statistic is a family forever changed by grief and loss.
Too many Canadian families experience a perinatal loss each year. Families often face complex emotions. For many, the grief that accompanies the loss of a baby is indescribable, affecting the parents and their loved ones. Recognizing the emotional weight of such a loss, it is essential that families feel supported by their community and health care providers through tailored care, rooted in empathy and respect—as they navigate their personal grief journey.
We can all contribute to making sure that no one feels isolated during such a difficult time. Loved ones provide crucial emotional support, while health professionals and community support groups play a critical role in providing the necessary information and emotional care during and after these moments.
Canada’s Family-centred maternity and newborn care: National guidelines outline principles for supporting families experiencing perinatal loss. These include offering parents the opportunity to make informed choices, ensuring they have the time and space to grieve in a way that feels right for them, and receiving care that respects their personal and cultural preferences. Families also benefit when they are given opportunities to connect with others who have faced similar losses, creating a space for shared healing and understanding.
If you or someone you know is dealing with pregnancy or infant loss, reaching out to organizations such as Baby’s Breath Canada can provide helpful resources and guidance. These support networks can be invaluable in helping families find their way forward after a loss. By keeping the conversation open, we can help break down the isolation often felt by families and provide the care and understanding they need.
You can also visit Canada.ca/mental-health for the most up-to-date information and resources, including information on free, virtually delivered mental health and substance use supports and services offered across Canada.
The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, P.C., M.P.