International Bereaved Mother’s Day is a day of remembrance and support for mothers who have lost a child, and it is observed on the first Sunday of May each year. This day acknowledges the profound grief of losing a child, no matter the circumstances. This year, International Bereaved Mother’s Day will be observed on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Flowers in a vase - International Bereaved Mother's Day

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History of International Bereaved Mother’s Day

Loss mom Carly Marie Dudley created international Bereaved Mother’s Day. Carly Marie’s son, Christian, was born still in 2007. After Christian’s death, she began documenting her journey through grief through her blog, artwork, and grief projects and found a community of parents who experienced similar losses.

In 2010, CarlyMarie organized the first International Bereaved Mother’s Day as a way to honor and validate the motherhood of those who have also experienced pregnancy and child loss. The day is now recognized around the world as a time to remember and support these beautiful mothers.

Importance of International Bereaved Mother’s Day

Losing a child is one of the most devastating experiences a mother can go through. It can be a lonely and isolating experience, as many people do not know how to support someone who is grieving the loss of a child. International Bereaved Mother’s Day allows mothers to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences, share stories, and offer comfort and support.

Carly Marie wrote about the importance of International Bereaved Mother’s Day: “The traditional Mother’s Day has proven to be an emotionally exhausting day for so many mothers around the world. Just because your child died does not mean that you are not a mother anymore. You are your child’s mother forever, and people need to start recognizing this fact. On Bereaved Mother’s Day each year, we come together to celebrate our connection, our babies and children, and our hope for the future.”

This day also raises awareness about the impact of child loss to break the silence around the topic. Many mothers feel that their grief is not validated or recognized by society, which can make the grieving process even more difficult. By acknowledging International Bereaved Mother’s Day, we show these beautiful mothers that their pain is real and that they are not alone.

While many loss moms find comfort and validation in International Bereaved Mother’s Day, other loss moms prefer to be recognized on Mother’s Day. Each person has their own grief journey and preferences, so check in with your loved ones about which day they would prefer to be recognized. They maybe want to be remembered on both days.

Ways for Loss Moms to Spend International Bereaved Mother’s Day

  1. Reach out to other bereaved mothers in your community, either in person or through online communities.
  2. Write a letter or do a special memory project to continue bonds with your child who died.
  3. Light a candle in memory of your child and all the children who are gone too soon.
  4. Make a donation to a nonprofit that supports loss families, like Pregnancy After Loss Support, in memory of your child or in honor of your motherhood.
  5. Unplug for the day, rest, and practice self-care. Be gentle with yourself and all of the feelings you may have about your loss and your motherhood journey.

Ways to Support Loss Moms on International Bereaved Mother’s Day

  1. Send her a card, text, or email letting her know you are thinking of her, acknowledging her motherhood, and remembering her baby with her.
  2. Light a candle in memory of your loved one’s child who died.
  3. Make a donation to a nonprofit that supports loss families, like Pregnancy After Loss Support, in memory of your loved one’s child or in honor of her motherhood.

Wishing a gentle Bereaved Mother's Day to all the mamas holding children in their hearts.

International Bereaved Mother’s Day is an emotional and meaningful day for the loss community. By acknowledging the impact of child loss and breaking the silence around the topic, we can help these mothers feel seen and heard. Loss moms, remember, you are not alone. Many other mothers understand your pain, and resources are available to help you cope with your grief.

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