This evening (Thursday 15 October 2020) many households across Newry Mourne and Down District will light a candle to remember babies who have gone too soon.
As part of Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity), the global ‘Wave of Light’ will take place at 7pm this evening in memory of cherished babies and to raise awareness around baby loss writes Laura Barr.
Baby Loss Awareness week runs from 9th to 15th October with its aim being to highlight the fact that around 14 babies die before, during or soon after birth, every single day.
Awareness around the devastation of miscarriage, which occurs in about a quarter of pregnancies is also being highlighted.
Castlewellan Sinn Fein Councillor, Róisín Howell said the matter was very close to her heart and believes everyone can play a part to help beat the silence around Baby Loss.
Speaking to Down News, she said: “The emotions felt after losing a baby are indescribable and it’s a heartbreak that many thousands of parents face every year.
“Unfortunately, many parents never find out why their precious baby died, and the reason is never established in many cases.
“For example, the cause of death is unknown for as many as four in 10 stillborn babies.”
The Slieve Croob Councillor said that since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, feelings of isolation have become more widespread and many people have begun to talk more openly about loneliness.
“Now more than ever, we need to let those affected by pregnancy and baby loss know they are not alone and that we are all here to support them.
“Take the time to make a phone-call or send a text as it can mean so much to those who have been affected.
“Many worry that they don’t have the right words to say, by being honest and saying just that, lets parents know you’re thinking of them”.
Cllr Howell is inviting everyone to join other families across the world by lighting a candle at 7pm local time and leaving it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have died too soon.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council will light civic buildings at 7pm in support of bereaved parents and to remember their babies.
The charity Sands are asking people to share their wave of light pictures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #waveoflightpictures.
Baby Loss Awareness week is supported by various groups and charities linked to baby loss, including Sands, the premature baby charity Tommy’s and the cot death charity the Lullaby Trust.
More information can be found at: www.babyloss-awareness.org/get-involved/wave-of-light
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will light up both Newry Town Hall and Downpatrick Leisure Centre on 14 and 15 October 2020 to represent baby loss awareness. The request came from Councillors David Taylor and Róisín Howell.
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