Miscarriages are often an extremely painful and emotional experience. They can be difficult to talk about, and many people feel like they do not know how to honor a miscarriage. Unfortunately, it is a significant loss that many families have to go through. The estimate is currently that in the United States, around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in a loss. If you have suffered a miscarriage or other loss of a baby, it is important to find ways to honor your baby during your healing process. There are many things you can do to remember and celebrate your child’s life, even if they were only with you a short time. If you have recently had a miscarriage, or know someone who has, read on for some memorial ideas about how to commemorate this loss.
If you are ever feeling alone after the loss of a child, consider reaching out to a loss parents or grief support group. There are also groups specifically for infant loss support if your baby was older when you lost them. These groups will be full of people with similar experiences who will understand what you are going through. Finding a group of people that truly understands what you are going through can be incredibly helpful and bring great comfort.
If you would prefer not to go to an in-person group, there are also many online groups you can join or attend. You can also reach out to a mental health counselor or other doctor for help and learning how to navigate this new life without your baby. It can be hard to go home from the hospital or doctor with empty arms, so please make sure you reach out for support. Hopefully some of the ways below will help you grieve, while also remembering your baby.
You may also like reading Free Gifts for Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss: Items of Remembrance and Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Fathers Who Have Lost A Child.
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Miscarriage Tattoo
A lot of people choose to get a memorial tattoo or baby loss tattoo in memory of their baby. This can be something as simple as the baby’s name or nickname, their footprints or handprints, or a symbol that represents your child. You could also include their birth date, due date, or any other significant dates. You can get this tattoo in a place that is visible to you, or you can keep it hidden. Either way, it is a beautiful way to remember your baby. There is no right or wrong thing to choose to represent your baby’s life. Pick whatever is most meaningful to you and something you can look at and always remember your baby.
Christmas Ornament
Another popular way to honor a miscarriage is to get a Christmas ornament. You can find these online or in stores. They usually have the baby’s name and date of birth written on them. Other options include handprint and footprint ornaments or something that represents their birth date or due date month. This is a special way to remember your baby during the holidays. You could get a new one each year or even have a special tree just for them.
You may also like reading 6 Ways To Honor Your Missing Child for the Holidays.
Baby Memory Box
A lot of parents like to create a memory box or keepsake box for their baby. This can include things like the baby’s clothes, ultrasound pictures, a lock of hair, a hospital bracelet, hand print or foot print molds, and anything else that reminds you of your child. This is a special way to keep all of these memories in one place. You can keep it in a place where only you can see it, or put it on display for others to see as well. Buy a pre-made box at the store or decorate your own to make it even more meaningful.
Shadow Box
Similar to a memory box, a shadow box is another great way to preserve the memorial items you have of your baby. A shadow box can include things like the baby’s hospital bracelets, positive pregnancy tests, their footprints, ultrasound photos or other photos, and any other small mementos. This is a beautiful way to display these items and remember your baby every day. You can proudly display it in your home for all guests to see, or keep it more private if you are not yet ready to talk about your loss.
Piece of Jewelry
Another meaningful way to remember your baby is to get a piece of jewelry in memory of your baby. This could be a necklace, bracelet, or ring. You can find these in an online shop or in stores that sell memorial jewelry. This is a special way to keep your baby close to your heart. There are so many different options available, including jewelry with quotes, birthstone jewelry, and personalized jewelry with your baby’s name and birth date or due date.
Read Miscarriage Keepsake Jewelry (Gift Ideas for Loss of Baby) for more ideas on miscarriage jewelry.
Local Garden of Remembrance
If you live near a garden of remembrance, this is a great place to visit. These gardens are usually located in hospitals or cemeteries. A flower garden is a tranquil place to reflect on your loss and remember your baby. You can sometimes plant your own flower or plant here. If there is no garden around you, create your own in the backyard or on the balcony. Watching the plants grow and bloom will be a reminder of your angel baby and provide a special place you can spend time thinking of your baby. You could even add some some special wind chimes or a memorial garden stone.
Random Act of Kindness
A simple way to honor your baby’s memory is to do a random act of kindness in their name. This could be something as simple as paying for someone’s coffee, donating to a charity, or volunteering your time. Others have paid for a cake at their local grocery store or bakery on what would have been their baby’s birthday. It is a beautiful way to do something in your baby’s honor and keep their memory alive. You will also be putting more kindness out into the world, which is always needed.
Memorial Service
No matter how far along you were, one thing you can do in your baby’s memory is hold a memorial service. You can do this privately with just you and your partner. Or make it more public and invite family members and close friends. Read a poem or quote that is meaningful for you. Play music that reminds you of your baby. Holding a memorial service can be a great way to help your grieving process as well. You could include a naming ceremony to help give the service an even more special meaning. If you did not know the sex of your baby, you can give a nickname or gender neutral name.
If you need help planning a service, you can contact the funeral home for resources and planning. You can also reach out to your hospital chaplain to see if they have any other resources to help you plan. Another thing you can create is a memorial website to go along with the service. Your family and dear friends can leave comments in your child’s memory.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This is a month to recognize the loss of your baby, whether it was through early pregnancy loss or infant loss. Join other bereaved parents and honor all the babies who have been lost too soon. There are many ways to get involved and support this cause. You can wear a ribbon in honor of your baby or participate in local events. October 15th is the International Wave of Light. Light a candle in honor of your baby and all the others gone too soon. The candles are lit at 7 pm your local time and take place across all time zones.
For more ideas on how to participate, read October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Make a Donation
One way to honor your baby’s life is to make a donation in their name. You could donate to a local charity or children’s hospital, plant a tree, or give to a cause that is important to you. You could even host your own charity event in order to raise money and awareness. Another way to donate is to make care packages for loss moms and donate to your local hospital. These will be given out to other families who experience a loss. This is a great way to help others and feel like you are doing something positive in memory of your baby.
There are many ways to honor a miscarriage. Remember, we all have different ways of grieving. Choose what feels right for you and your family. Remember, your baby is always with you, even if they are not physically here. There are so many unique ways to honor your baby and their memory. They will never be forgotten. No matter how you choose to honor your baby’s life, the most important thing is that you do something that brings you comfort. Do not feel like you have to do anything big or that there is a right or wrong way to grieve. Find what works for you and helps you heal. And know that you are not alone in this experience.
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All lovely ways to honor a lost child. I love the act of kindness in memory the most I think. Beautiful post, thank you for sharing!