10/15/2025
Today, October 15th, is Infant Loss Awareness Day. It’s a day that holds a unique, heartbreaking significance for so many parents, families, and communities.
It’s a day for us to acknowledge that profound grief and for those walking this road, the silence can be deafening, & the emptiness impossible to measure.
In Arkansas, the urgency of this day resonates even more deeply. Our state's battle with maternal and infant health turns awareness into an urgent call for change, because the challenges here mean our families are facing this unbearable sorrow at a tragically higher rate than much of the nation.
Consider this for a moment: Arkansas consistently holds one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country, currently ranking as high as the 3rd worst in the nation. This isn't just a number; it means that for every 1,000 babies born here, too many families are left with empty arms.
Why is this happening? On a governmental and systemic level, the answer often comes down to access. We know that 37of our 75 counties are classified as maternity care deserts, completely lacking crucial obstetric care. Think about the parent in a rural county who has to travel hours just for a check-up. When adequate prenatal care is inaccessible and when a system is structurally flawed, it leads to a higher rate of complications like preterm birth and low birth weight, the leading clinical causes of infant death.
At Arkansas Doulas, We stand with the mothers, fathers, and families who carry this silent grief every single day. We acknowledge their love and enduring strength.
Let’s use this awareness to open conversations, to demand equity, and to advocate for the resources and support that can help prevent future losses and gently hold those who are grieving.
If you are walking this path, know you are not alone. Your baby existed, your love is eternal, and your grief is valid.
💐Our collective hope must become our commitment to action.
