General News
30 October, 2024
Candle ceremonies to recognise infant loss
Edenhope organisations have come together to honour and remember babies who have died either during infancy or pregnancy.
Employees of Be Your Best Counselling, Grampians Health and West Wimmera Shire Council identified a need to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day on October 15.
Ceremonies in Edenhope and Kaniva will take place in the coming weeks, where community members can light a candle in memory of a loved one.
“I’d say nearly all of us have been affected by the loss of a baby, because miscarriage still happens in one out of four pregnancies,” Council’s Perinatal Emotional Health Practitioner Adrienne Caldow said.
“This day covers so many kinds of loss, from miscarriages and terminations for medical reasons, to stillbirth and accidental death.
"Every loss is valid and it’s so common, but not often spoken about.
“We want to give people the space to grieve and remember and reflect.”
Should people wish to mark the occasion in private, free candles can be collected from the council offices in Kaniva and Edenhope.
Grampians Health Rural Outreach worker Murray McInnes said silent grieving was “far more common in this community than anyone would expect”.
“There are legal definitions and processes, which sometimes means a baby’s death is not legitimised enough,” he said.
“No matter how many weeks a baby is, the emotional toll can extend on forever.
"Realistically, people are dealing with trauma and grief all at the same time and, often, they need support through that.”
Mr McInnes said families dealt with grief differently, but all reactions were valid.
“Often young men will respond with anger and they can feel really helpless," he said.
"Awareness is important for men, because they can be really affected and don’t necessarily deal with it well, or get the support they need.”
Qualified counsellor Carine Bezuidenhout hopes the ceremonies will draw community members together.
“It can be very powerful to realise you’re not alone in your grief, that others have some understanding,” she said.
“For many babies there is no gravesite or funeral service and that can impact the grieving process.
“This will be our collective service, to honour all of our precious little ones.”
Candlelight vigils were held on Monday, October 28 from 7pm at the Kaniva Shire Hall meeting room and on Tuesday, October 29 from 7pm at the Edenhope Community Centre.
Candles, coffee, tea and refreshments were also provided.