University Hospital Galway to hold candle light ceremony to mark International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

In recognition of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day, University Hospital Galway will hold a candle lighting memorial ceremony on Sunday 13 October at 3.30pm in the hospital canteen in the nurse’s home at University Hospital Galway (UHG).

Clinical Midwifery Manager Helen Byrnes said, “As part of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day we would like to invite parents and their families who have experienced grief through the death of a baby to a special candle lighting ceremony in memory of those babies who have died through miscarriage, stillbirth or in the neonatal period. While our maternity department is generally associated with happy times for families we are also here when a precious life ends.”

Anne Brady, Bereavement and Loss Midwife, University Hospital Galway said, “This will be the third year we have invited families to attend our service.  From the positive response we have received following our last two services we have come to understand and really appreciate the supportive value of the event for families, their extended families and the staff who care for them during their stay with us here in University Hospital Galway.”

“In honour of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day, University Hospital Galway will be joining over 30 other buildings around Ireland to show their support by lighting up part of the hospital in blue and pink.

“We would like to invite anyone who has been affected by the loss of a baby to join us on a day when we take time out to reflect and remember. It’s also a good opportunity for bereaved families to come together as a support for each other to talk and share their experiences over a cuppa.”

For anyone who wishes to get further information on the candle lighting ceremony taking place on 13 October, please contact Anne Brady on 091 893614 or 087 771 2329.

‘Wave of Light’

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day is celebrated all over the world with a ‘Wave of Light’ on the 15 October at 7pm across all time zones.  As part of our service on the 13 October parents will be invited to light a candle in memory of their baby who has died and If they wish they can then take the candle home and light it again at 7pm on the 15 October and join in the international ‘Wave of Light’ in honour of their babies.

Photo caption
The Maternity Department at UHG are preparing for the International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Candle Lighting Ceremony which will take place on 13 October. From left:  Helen Byrnes, Midwife; Tom O’Gorman, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist; Anne Brady, Bereavement and Loss Midwife; Barbara Bradley, Clinical Placement Coordinator/Midwife; Helen Murphy, Director of Midwifery and Teresa Forde, Midwife.