October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time when communities come together to remember babies lost too soon and support families navigating grief. In this moving episode of the Dad Livin’ Podcast, the hosts courageously share their own stories of loss, exploring miscarriage, stillbirth, fatherhood, and the long road toward healing.
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
Dads Talk About Pregnancy Loss | Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month
Support families in grief by donating:
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support (SHARE)
Why October Matters: Awareness, Remembrance & Advocacy
- In 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, to recognize grieving parents and promote public understanding. Star Legacy Foundation
- October 15 is observed as Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day, marked by vigils, the “Wave of Light,” and collective remembrance across the globe. March of Dimes
- According to March of Dimes, October is a month to “honor those who’ve experienced loss” and build supportive networks for bereaved parents. March of Dimes
- The Star Legacy Foundation emphasizes the importance of awareness, research, and advocacy around stillbirth, miscarriage, and infant loss. Star Legacy Foundation
By linking stories, data, and compassion, we help reduce stigma and deepen understanding of this pervasive issue.
What the Episode Covers
In this episode, the hosts (fathers) discuss:
- How to initiate open conversations about grief and loss.
- Their personal experiences with miscarriage, stillbirth, and the emotional impact on marriage and identity.
- The unpredictable nature of grief and why there is no single “right” way to heal.
- How grief can bring spouses closer through vulnerability and shared processing.
- Ways they keep the memory of their children alive as part of their healing journey.
- The importance of healthy support systems and how to find help.
- Encouragement and hope for those still walking this path.
Chapters include:
00:00 – Introduction and Milestone Celebration
02:58 – The Importance of Open Conversations
05:52 – Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month
08:47 – Personal Experiences with Miscarriage
11:32 – Coping with Grief and Loss
14:36 – The Impact of Loss on Relationships
17:12 – Finding Hope and Faith After Loss
20:15 – Keeping Memories Alive
22:49 – Support Systems and Resources
25:46 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Supporting Evidence & Broader Context
Loss Is More Common Than People Often Realize
- Many sources report that 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage. (While estimates vary, this figure is often cited as a starting point for awareness.)
- The CDC and March of Dimes provide resources and fact sheets about stillbirth, miscarriage, and infant mortality. March of Dimes
- The Star Legacy Foundation highlights that miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death collectively impact many families and encourages advocacy and awareness. Star Legacy Foundation
- In its grief-support blog, March of Dimes acknowledges that “loss shows up unexpectedly” and there is no “timeline” for grief. March of Dimes
The Nature of Grief After Perinatal Loss
- Perinatal bereavement is understood as the grief parents experience after losing a baby during pregnancy or early infancy. It carries distinct challenges, because many of the hopes and expectations of parenthood are invested in that child. Wikipedia
- March of Dimes emphasizes that parents may feel guilt, confusion, anger, and sadness — and grieving can feel overwhelming even at seemingly “ordinary” moments. March of Dimes
Role of Support, Community & Remembrance
- The Star Legacy Foundation offers free grief support, peer groups, phone/text support, and resources for pregnancy after loss. Star Legacy Foundation+2Star Legacy Foundation+2
- Star Legacy also provides toolkits for requesting official proclamations in local jurisdictions to raise awareness in communities. Star Legacy Foundation
- The broader non-profit landscape (e.g. SHARE, First Candle, MISS Foundation) complements these efforts by offering education, counseling, and community. CDC
- After loss, many bereaved parents find meaning in memory-making rituals, writing, community events, and observances held during October.
Key Lessons & Encouragement
From the episode and supported by external sources, here are some powerful takeaways:
- Loss can strike silently, but grief deserves a voice. Sharing stories breaks isolation.
- No “right” or linear path through grief. Honor your own pace and needs.
- Partners grieve differently, but shared vulnerability can deepen relationships when approached with empathy.
- Commemoration matters. Whether through naming, rituals, or public remembrance, honoring lost babies helps families integrate grief into their lives.
- Seeking support is strength, not weakness. You don’t have to go through this alone.
- Hope is not forgetting. Hope and memory can coexist — and healing is possible.
Watch the Episode & Take Action
If you or someone you care about has experienced pregnancy loss — or just wants to understand how to support others — this conversation is for you.
Watch now:
Dads Talk About Pregnancy Loss | Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month
Support compassionate care for grieving families:
Donate to Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support
