National Stillbirth Awareness Day: Honoring Babies, Supporting Families, and Breaking the Silence

By: Taylor Oberhelman-McLeod, LPC

September 19 is National Stillbirth Awareness Day, a day dedicated to remembering babies who have died before or during birth, honoring the families who carry their memory, and raising awareness about stillbirth and its lasting impact.

Stillbirth is a devastating loss that can be difficult to talk about. Families may feel isolated in their grief, unsure how to explain what happened, or worried that others will not understand the depth of their loss. Awareness days like this create space for remembrance, education, and compassion.

What Is Stillbirth?

Stillbirth refers to the loss of a baby before or during birth. In the United States, it is generally defined as a pregnancy loss at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirth is different from miscarriage, which typically refers to pregnancy loss before 20 weeks.

Every loss is significant, and every family’s experience is unique. Regardless of how far along a pregnancy was, the loss of a baby can bring profound grief.

The Impact of Stillbirth

Stillbirth can affect parents and families in many ways. Grief may include:

• Sadness, anger, guilt, or disbelief

• Feelings of isolation or disconnection

• Anxiety surrounding future pregnancies

• Difficulty navigating anniversaries, holidays, or baby-related milestones

• Changes in relationships and family dynamics

• Questions about identity, parenthood, and the future

There is no single way to grieve, and there is no timeline that determines when someone should feel “better.” Some days may feel manageable, while others bring unexpected waves of sadness.

For some parents, grief may also be complicated by the experience of giving birth while knowing their baby has died, leaving the hospital without their baby, or navigating a lack of understanding from others.

Remembering and Honoring a Baby

For many families, finding ways to remember their baby can be an important part of the grieving process. This may look different for everyone. Some families choose to:

• Give their baby a name

• Keep photographs, footprints, or other meaningful mementos

• Celebrate their baby’s birthday or due date

• Create a memory box or special place of remembrance

• Participate in memorial events or awareness activities

• Talk openly about their baby and their experience

There is no right or wrong way to honor a baby. What matters is what feels meaningful and supportive to the family.

How to Support Someone Experiencing Stillbirth

When someone experiences stillbirth, it can be difficult to know what to say. You do not need to have the perfect words. Often, simply acknowledging the loss can mean a great deal.

Consider saying:

“I’m so sorry for the loss of your baby. I’m here for you, and I remember your baby with you.”

Helpful support may include listening without trying to fix the grief, using the baby’s name if the parents have shared it, offering practical help, and continuing to check in over time.

Avoid minimizing statements such as “Everything happens for a reason,” “You can always have another baby,” or “At least you know you can get pregnant.” Even when intended to comfort, these statements can unintentionally dismiss the loss.

Seeking Support After Stillbirth

Grief after stillbirth can be overwhelming, and seeking support is not a sign of weakness. A therapist who understands pregnancy and infant loss can provide a compassionate space to process emotions, navigate changes in relationships, and explore ways to cope with grief.

Support may also be helpful when preparing for a future pregnancy, navigating anxiety after loss, or working through feelings of guilt, anger, or uncertainty.

You do not have to move on from your baby to move forward. Grief and love can continue to exist alongside the rest of life.

Honoring National Stillbirth Awareness Day

National Stillbirth Awareness Day reminds us that babies who die before or during birth matter, their lives matter, and their families deserve compassion and support.

Today, we honor the babies who are remembered, the parents who carry their love, and the families who continue to navigate life after loss.