helping families heal: Dayton Children’s commitment during pregnancy and infant loss awareness month

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month was established in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. Reagan proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month to recognize the deep grief that follows the loss of a pregnancy or infant.  

“While statistics tell us that 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage and 1 in 160 pregnancies ends in stillbirth, these numbers only scratch the surface of the real impact," shares Maleka James, Infant and Child Wellness Initiatives Project Manager.  

"Each number represents a story—a family who has loved and lost a child, and whose lives are forever changed.”

At Dayton Children’s Hospital, we know that these are more than just numbers. These are stories of hopes and dreams, of parents who experienced the joy of expecting a child, only to be met with unimaginable loss. Our hearts go out to every family who has experienced this pain, and we are committed to honoring those stories, not just during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, but every day of the year. 

our commitment to supporting families 

Dayton Children’s Hospital remains dedicated to supporting families through pregnancy and infant loss. Though we are a children’s hospital, we recognize the importance of addressing loss at all stages of life. Our efforts also include working on initiatives to reduce infant mortality in our community. Through partnerships, education, and outreach, we are committed to improving maternal and infant health outcomes and supporting families at every step of their journey. 

One way we support Dayton Children’s patients who have lost an infant is through our legacy boxes, lovingly prepared by our nursing staff.  These boxes include keepsake items, such as footprints, providing families with a memory of their child. Families also receive a journey that includes grief support literature and resources.  

Dayton Children’s also hosts special events throughout the year to support families in their journey. In December, we hold a memorial gathering, a space for families to set up tables with personal expressions love of love in remembrance of their loved one. And, in June, we hold a butterfly launch for families.  

Through our partnership with the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA), our community health workers provide critical support and referrals for pregnant women, helping them access the care they need to ensure healthier outcomes. We are committed to improving maternal and infant health through these collaborations and outreach efforts. 

If you or someone you know is expecting and seeking support or services during pregnancy, please reach out to (937)-424-2361 or email DaytonHUB@gdaha.org. 

the stories behind the numbers

Behind every statistic is a name, a family, and a story. We are proud to be part of a broader community effort to understand the impact of pregnancy and infant loss and to work toward better health outcomes. These stories guide our commitment to improving maternal and infant health outcomes for future generations.  

Dayton Children’s Hospital is here to support families not just in October, but throughout the entire year. While our focus is on caring for children, we stand with families who have experienced loss and are committed to providing guidance and resources that can connect them with the right support in the community. 

For more information about our services or to connect with us, visit www.daytonchildrens.org or contact Dayton Children’s Hospital at 937-641-3000. 

honoring the babies we have lost

Pregnancy and infant loss is deeply personal. Every family has a unique story of love and grief, and we believe that sharing those stories can be a powerful way to heal. Throughout our community, there are efforts to hold listening sessions where families can share their experiences. These conversations play a vital role in shaping future initiatives to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants. Dayton Children’s supports these efforts as we all work together toward better maternal and infant health.  

If you have received support from Dayton Children’s with your baby or in regards to pregnancy or infant loss, we invite you to share your story with us.