Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day - Southern Cross University

Published: 15 October 2026

Losing a baby is devastating. Yet for almost six in 10 women psychological support never comes, says Southern Cross University Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer Dr Julia Marsden.

October 15 marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, an annual day observed in Australia, Canada and the US. Its purpose is to promote greater public awareness of the prevalence of baby loss and the intense grief that often accompanies the experience.

Here in Australia, nearly 60% of women surveyed were not offered information about pregnancy loss support services or access to counselling after a miscarriage despite most wanting help, according to a research review co-authored by Dr Marsden.

“Imagine losing a baby, receiving medical care and then being left to pick up the emotional pieces on your own. Now imagine becoming pregnant again, terrified it could happen again,” said Dr Marsden.

She said the finding exposes a confronting gap: women receive medical care for their loss, but too often are left to navigate the grief alone.

An estimated 50% to 80% of parents become pregnant again within 12 to 18 months of pregnancy loss. Dr Marsden said her commitment to improving psychological care has been shaped by a deep understanding of pregnancy after loss and years of working with women and families navigating grief and trauma.

“Pregnancy after loss can feel like you are holding your breath for nine months. Mothers tell us that an ultrasound, a routine appointment or reaching the same stage of pregnancy when they lost their baby can trigger painful memories, overwhelming anxiety and fear,” said Dr Marsden.

A blonde-haired woman wearing a black top

Research suggests post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects as many as one third (18% to 35%) of parents following pregnancy loss, with symptoms sometimes persisting for years even after the birth of a healthy baby.

“Progress is being made,” Dr Marsden said.

“Australia's NHMRC Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence and the UK's Tommy's Rainbow Clinics are advancing pregnancy-after-loss care. Organisations such as Pink Elephants, SANDS and Red Nose Australia are providing vital support, connection and advocacy for families, while the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has proposed a National Pregnancy Loss Register,” said Dr Marsden.

Yet there is still a missing piece, said Dr Marsden.

“Maternity care may end when a healthy baby arrives. Grief and trauma don't necessarily follow the same timeline.”

On Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Dr Marsden said the next challenge is to build on what is working and extend support beyond appointments and beyond childbirth.

“We know how important relational continuity of care is: to have someone who knows your story. Unfortunately, you can't take your care provider home with you. A reassuring scan might ease your fears in that moment, but what happens when you leave your appointment, or lay awake at two in the morning, terrified something has gone wrong?” said Dr Marsden.

Dr Marsden is now leading a proposed research program to work alongside parents and healthcare professionals to co-design a digital psychological intervention developed for and by families navigating pregnancy after loss, to provide timely, evidence-based psychological support that complements care.

“We've seen the incredible power of digital mental health care for young people through Orygen Digital. Yet pregnancy after loss remains neglected. Why shouldn't these parents benefit too?” she said.

“Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is a time to come together and honour our much-loved babies we will forever hold in our hearts. While we cannot change the heartbreak of pregnancy and infant loss, we can provide better support through the months and years that follow.

“No parent should have to carry that grief or fear alone.”