Led by the Labor & Delivery clinical nurses, an event to recognize Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month was held at the Oakland Medical Center on October 15, 2024. The event was created to acknowledge the grief of these families and the staff and to recognize the value of these babies’ lives. At the end of the event, participants lit candles to join the international community in memory of the babies that have been lost.
“These memorial events support those who grieve in silence, facing the loss of their children without the right words to express their pain,” said Shanelle House, DNP, NE-BC, RNC-OB, Interim MCH Clinical Service Director at the Oakland Medical Center, who also hosted a memorial event at the Oakland medical center.
In October 1988, President Ronald Reagan declared October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Robyn Bear, the founder of “Remembering Our Babies,” chose October 15 as a day for parents to connect with others with similar experiences.
“Perinatal loss is not just a private sorrow; it is now a community sorrow. That is why as health care professionals, we strive to create an environment of empathy, understanding, and respect for our patients and colleagues,” Pavna Sloan, DNP, MSN, RN, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, Chief Nurse Executive East Bay Service Area. “Our follow-up support from social workers and resources for mental health and emotional well-being plays a crucial role in making sure families feel supported through every stage of their journey,” added Sloan.
Pictured above: Shanelle House, DNP, RN, L&D Manager, MCH Interim Director; Tanja Streiff, BSN, RN, Asst. Nurse Manager L&D; Jorlynn Lopez, BSN, RN; Lara Sloan, BSN, RN III; Juliet Nalubwama, RN.