Grief remembered: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Recent figures showed 117 Australian babies die before their first birthday each year.

There are 737 neonatal deaths every 12 months and 2255 stillbirths.

South Lake residents John and Kate De’Laney have been behind a push for greater recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day following their own struggles starting a family.

Their efforts began when they made a promise to each other that they would do whatever they could to help others through the grief of losing a baby.

After some research the pair found the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day and successfully pushed for it to be recognised in WA.

On Thursday a Ceremony of Remembrance will be held at the Place of Reflection in Kings Park, in conjunction with SIDS and Kids.

Later that night, a candlelight ceremony will be held at Council House which will be lit up in the international Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day colours.

“Our hope for the day is that it encourages people to be open about the loss that they have suffered and to talk about it,” Mr De’Laney said.

“The loss of a baby is something that stays with you for life.

“You never forget about it, but most people mourn in silence because it is something that is not talked about or acknowledged.”