Pregnancy & Infant Loss Events

According to the Metro Public Health Department, pregnancy loss happens more than people realize. While most people may know someone who has lost a pregnancy by miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death, it's difficult to know how those parents are feeling or what, if anything, can be done to help them.

October is National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, a 1988 proclamation by President Ronald Reagan who said, "When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their children, there isn't a word to describe them." Further, Reagan called for U.S. citizens to observe the month of October with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.

LOCAL EVENTS HONORING PREGNANCY & INFANT LOSS

Several organizations host special events this month and into November and December:

THE REMEMBRANCE CLOTHESLINE
Oct. 14 – 18 | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Lentz Public Health Department
2500 Charlotte Ave., Nashville
615-340-5616 | theymatter@nashville.gov
The Clothesline displays paper onesies to honor and remember the last 100 babies born in Davidson County who did not reach their first birthday. Families may participate by sending an e-mail by Oct. 15 with the name of their aby to be added to a onesie, or may come in person on Oct. 15 to add their baby's name to a onesie themselves. Taking photos of the onesie with the baby's name is welcome.

REMEMBRANCE CELEBRATION FOR PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS
Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 6:30 p.m.
Ready Nest Counseling Main Office
2021 21st Ave. S., Second Floor, Nashville
615-988-5123 | readynestcounseling.com | info@readynestcounseling.com
A night of remembrance open to friends, family and support partners. No registration, no cost.

A NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE: NATIONAL PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS DAY
Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Pedestrian Bridge, Downtown Nashville
therootedbridge.com
Parents, families and friends of bereaved parents can bring a photo of their baby to remember each child individually during this special ceremony.

SPECIAL SERVICE
Sunday, Oct. 20 | 5 p.m.
St. Thomas Midtown First Floor Chapel
2000 Church St., Nashville
615-284-5253 | jennifer.jarvis@ascension.org
For families and friends of parents who have experienced loss. RSVP to the e-mail above by Friday, Oct. 11. Include your baby's name if you would like it included in the service or program.

SPECIAL SERVICE
Sunday, Oct. 20 | 2 p.m.
St. Thomas Rutherford First Floor Chapel
1700 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro
615-284-5253 | jennifer.jarvis@ascension.org
For families and friends of parents who have experienced loss. RSVP to the e-mail above by Friday, Oct. 11. Include your baby's name if you would like it included in the service or program.

MEMORIAL MASS AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE HONORING ALL OF "THE LITTLE SOULS"
Saturday, Nov. 2 | 10 a.m.
Cathedral of the Incarnation
2015 West End Ave., Nashville
615-557-1301
The Little Souls sponsos this special mass for families and friends of parents who have experienced loss. A memorial, rosary and reception follow the service.

CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Sunday, Dec. 8 | 6:30 p.m.
Vine Street Christian Church
4104 Harding Pike, Nashville
615-753-1942 | sharingmiddletn.org | jennifer.hicks0213@gmail.com
The annual candle lighting ceremony is a time during the busyness of the holiday season to stop, rest and remember your little loves and to intentionally include their memory into the holiday season. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear their baby's name read aloud while they light a candle and will have an ornament and a candle to take home. Refreshments will be served, and Spanish translating is available upon request.

TINSEL AND TEARS WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Alive Hospice
1718 Patterson St., Nashville
615-327-1085 | alivehospice.org | Register HERE
All ages can participate in this holiday workshop designed specifically for grieving families. The workshop features opportunities to remember loved ones while connecting with others who have experienced loss. participants can enjoy a hot chocolate bar while creating unique memory ornaments. Alive Hospice grief counselors will provide tips and strategies for incorporating your loved one into holiday traditions. Admission is free.