Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month takes place annually during the month of October. This dedicated time provides a safe place for individuals who are grieving a loss and connects individuals going through similar struggles to share their stories and experiences. First recognized in 1988 by Ronald Reagan, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month still has a critical mission in the United States as one out of every four pregnancies ends in miscarriage and one in every 160 pregnancies end in stillbirth*. It is important to raise awareness and share resources about pregnancy and infant loss, as it is likely everyone knows someone who has experienced this type of loss.  

Infant sleep-related deaths are one of the leading causes of infant death in Baltimore City. At HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM), we are dedicated to ending this health disparity. This is why our Care Coordination Program’s Safe Sleep team provides safe sleep and family planning education, assessment, and referral to community resources. The Safe Sleep team can also provide a portable crib to qualifying Baltimore City residents, giving families in need a safe place for their new baby to sleep. Our team members are committed to providing resources and education to Baltimore City pregnant and post-partum individuals in order to help decrease the amount of infant sleep-related deaths.  

Latorrey is one of three extraordinary Safe Sleep Coordinators at HCAM. In this role, Latorrey works in an essential role to improve and promote the awareness of safe sleep practices, provide education regarding infant safety, and works in collaboration with providers and hospitals to improve the rate of infant deaths in Baltimore City related to unsafe sleep practices. Latorrey, who experienced child loss in 2009, aspires to keep educating the families HCAM supports, ensuring they never have to endure the same heart-wrenching experiences she went through. Latorrey sharing her personal experience with child loss with families in the community serves as a powerful catalyst, encouraging expectant mothers to prioritize self-care and pay close attention to their bodies during pregnancy. Latorrey shared the following, “My mission is to perpetuate awareness regarding the critical significance of prenatal care. I advocate that if something doesn’t feel right during pregnancy, it’s essential to trust your instincts and seek appropriate medical attention promptly. Moreover, if you ever feel like your concerns are not being heard, don’t hesitate to reach out for additional support. Our precious babies depend on us, and it’s our responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being.” 

There are many ways to recognize and observe Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month, both on an individual and national scale.  

Get Involved: 

• Participate in the International Wave of Light on Sunday, October 15th at 7PM local time. Light a candle and keep it lit for one hour, as the wave of light passes throughout the world. The Wave of Light is an opportunity to join with bereaved parents, families and friends around the globe to commemorate all babies gone too soon.  
• Share your baby’s story. Share their names and keep their memories alive. 
• Listen. If you know someone who experienced a loss, be there for them as they grieve. 
• Attend a local event in your community that honors and recognizes babies who have passed away. 
  • Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness of Washington County, MD – Mother’s Day Card Campaign 
  • This year, on Wednesday October 25th, Roberta’s House and B’More for Healthy Babies will be honoring their 10th Annual “Angelversary”, a citywide remembrance ceremony. The event will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Roberta’s House at 928 E. North Avenue, Baltimore MD 21202. For more information, please contact Shacoya Curry at 410-235-6633 or scurry@robertashouse.org. 

• Contact HCAM’s Safe Sleep team to see if you qualify for safe sleep education and resources. Call 410-649-0500, option 2. 

Resources:
*Pregnancy, Infant, and Child Loss Awareness Month – Because of You, My Child – Pregnancy After Loss Support