July 1-31

Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

Take time to honor and remember your loved ones this Bereaved Parents Awareness Month - celebrate their legacy and keep them in your heart.

Yearly Date

July 1

Observed in

United States

Introduction

July 1 marks the start of Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, an important time to recognize and honor those who have experienced the loss of a child. This special month was founded in 1989 by a group of bereaved parents who wanted to ensure that other grieving families were supported during this difficult time. Over the years, it has become a powerful movement that encourages people to come together and share their stories, as well as provide comfort and hope for those still struggling with grief.

Bereaved Parents Awareness Month Timeline

1989

Bereaved Parents Awareness Month Established

Founded by a group of bereaved parents to support others experiencing the loss of a child, recognizing the need for a dedicated awareness initiative.

1990s

Spread of Local Observances

Throughout the early 1990s, local communities across the United States began recognizing and observing Bereaved Parents Awareness Month.

2001

First Online Communities

The advent of internet communities provides bereaved parents a new platform to share their experience, gain support, and raise further awareness.

2010

Increased Institutional Support

More hospitals, mental health centers, and government institutions began officially recognizing Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, offering further resources to grieving parents.

2018

Global Observance

Evidence of Bereaved Parents Awareness Month extends beyond the U.S., reflecting the widespread need for such a support and community for bereaved parents worldwide.

How to Celebrate Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

1 Visit a memorial

Visit a memorial for those who have passed away. You can bring flowers, or a candle to honor their memory.

2 Attend a support group

Attend a bereavement support group, such as The Compassionate Friends, and connect with other bereaved parents.

3 Volunteer

Volunteer for an organization that helps bereaved families, such as hospice or a grief counseling center.

4 Create a memory book

Create a memory book of your loved one. Include pictures and stories of their life, and share it with family and friends.

5 Write a letter of gratitude

Write a letter of gratitude to the deceased, expressing your love and appreciation for being in your life.

Why Bereaved Parents Awareness Month is Important

It brings awareness to the issue of infant loss

Bereaved Parents Awareness Month promotes public understanding and sympathy for parents dealing with the grief of losing a baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after birth. By shining a light on this difficult topic, we can help provide comfort and support to those in need.

It encourages conversations around bereavement

As well as raising public awareness, Bereaved Parents Awareness Month also helps remove the stigma around talking openly about the subject. Through discussions, families are able to find strength and comfort in knowing they're not alone in their grief.

It promotes important mental health services

Due to the often devastating emotional effects that come along with infant loss, access to mental health services for bereaved parents is essential - but not always readily available. This month serves as an opportunity to remind everyone that these services exist, and encourage parents to take advantage of them if needed.