International Baby Lost Mother’s Day also known as International Bereaved Mother’s Day is observed on the first Sunday in May. This year, it takes place on May 7. The day commemorates and supports grieving mothers, respecting the memories of those who have lost their children. It’s also a day to honor ladies who are unable to have children because of infertility or other medical conditions. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and even death are all possible causes of a baby’s death. The mothers can feel hurt, unworthy, and alone, especially during Mother’s Day celebrations. This day helps them seek support and feels less lonely knowing what they are passing through is not a journey they need to walk alone.
History of International Baby Lost Mother's Day
When it comes to Mother’s Day, many women are left out of the celebrations. They may have lost a baby, an infant, or even an adult child. A miscarriage or stillbirth may have happened to them before they delivered the child. Women who are unable to parent because of health issues are included. It can cause individuals to feel isolated, lonely, unappreciated, and hurt.Founded in 1908, Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis as a special gift for her mother. Out of the roughly a dozen she gave birth to, only four of Ann’s children lived to adulthood. When we celebrate Mother’s Day, we remember a mother who has lost her child, which is a common experience for many mothers. On Mother’s Day, their pain is at its most intense.A few years after the death of her stillborn son Christian in 2010, Carly Marie Dudley founded International Baby Lost Mother’s Day. She aspires to be a pillar of strength for other bereaved women by sharing her story and offering support. Those who have lost a child or have been unable to conceive should be recognized on Mother’s Day, according to her. As a result, it strives to broaden the definition of Mother’s Day to embrace all women. As a transitory holiday for grieving moms, Dudley envisioned International Baby Lost Mother’s Day to someday become part of Mother’s Day.
International Baby Lost Mother's Day timeline
Anna Jarvis creates Mother’s Day as a gift to her mother.
For those who have lost a loved one, Bereaved Parents of the U.S.A. is created by a group of bereaved parents from around the United States to provide support, understanding, encouragement, and hope to other bereaved families.
To help grieving families, the non-profit organization provides bereaved families with professional heritage portraits.
The day is founded by Carly Marie Dudley a couple of years after losing her son.
International Baby Lost Mother's Day FAQs
What are parents who lose children called?
A ‘vilomah’ is a grieving parent whose child has passed.
On Mother's Day, what can you do for someone?
Make a schedule for your day, honor the person by starting a new tradition, arrange a get-together for the entire family or do something nice for someone out of the blue.
What don’t you tell a mourning mother?
Don’t claim to understand the grief of a grieving parent. It is never acceptable to claim, “It must have worked out for the best” or “God had a hand in it.” Don’t say that the child is in a happier place. Don’t tell your tale to diminish the parent’s feelings.
How to Observe International Baby Lost Mother's Day
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Pay respects
Doing something in memory of a friend's or family member's child is a meaningful way to show your respect. In honor of the children, you can plant a tree. Alternatively, you can donate in honor of a friend or family member and their young child.
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Lend a listening ear
Parents who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or any other cause of infant death, or newborns who have gone missing. You can help relieve some of their burdens by simply listening to them as they share their stories today.
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Show support
It's a day for mothers, who have lost a child, to remember that they'll always be their children's mothers. Remember those who have suffered the loss of a child and show compassion to them. A note of encouragement or a hug would be appreciated by anyone who has lost a child or has the desire to become a mother.
5 Ways To Comfort A Grieving Mother
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Call them
You can call her and let her talk about her experiences after losing a child.
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Send a condolence card
Sometimes words can never be enough or you express yourself better with words, you can send a condolence card to the grieving mother.
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Call the child’s name
There can be an urge to avoid calling the baby’s name to reduce the impact of the loss but it is better to call the baby’s name even if the baby was named after the loss.
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Send food over
It can be hard to cook during this period, you can send food over to the family.
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Help with cleaning
You or a group of friends and family can go over to help with the cleaning of the house.
Why International Baby Lost Mother's Day is Important
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It helps people feel less lonely
Even though this event is rarely reported in the mainstream media, it is essential for the many people who are grieving the loss of a child. This helps them grieve with their loved ones by their side or even with other mums who have lost babies as they know that they are not alone.
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It offers support
Participating in a support group with other bereaved mothers can be extremely beneficial in this situation. On this day, many grieving mothers come together to support one another.
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Never Forgotten
A woman who has lost a child will always have a special place in her heart for that child. Bereaved moms can lay bouquets on their child's grave, polish their child's urn, or light a candle in their child's memory.
International Baby Lost Mother's Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 1 | Sunday |
| 2023 | May 7 | Sunday |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 4 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 3 | Sunday |
