October 2025 Awareness Month Highlights
- Raelyn Flores
- Oct 3
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Content warning: Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Bereavement
AWARENESS MONTHS
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month: October is the month we recognize pregnancy and infant loss. Tens of thousands of families across the U.S. each year experience loss and it is important to acknowledge those who may need additional help or support during this difficult time. One in four women will experience this type of loss at some point in their life, so it is important to remember you are not alone! We invite you to use the hashtag #1in4 to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month allows families across the nation to share their stories and hopefully encourage others who are going through something similar to do the same. There has been research which confirms that sharing your story may give you therapeutic gains and also may help you acknowledge your pain to move forward. Recognizing and honoring your baby’s life and telling others about your story are some of the first steps you can take.
Check out local providers who offer bereavement support in the CCCN Member directory who can help you along this journey. Additional support is available on the CCCN website through a comprehensive list of web resources.
For more information surrounding bereavement and loss, click here to check out one of our blog posts authored by a previous CCCN intern surrounding the challenges of loss and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Additional Blog Posts:
Sudden Infant Death Awareness Month: October brings awareness to SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), SIDS is used when an infant under the age of one died unexpectedly.
According to the CDC, about 3,400 babies die each year in the United States due to unsafe sleeping environments. It is important to learn about safe sleeping procedures to help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Local pediatricians, Dr. Patterson and Dr. Tedford, offer informative content surrounding safe sleep and ways to reduce suffocation.
The United States Consumer Product Commission also offers insight into safe sleep with reviewing crib and infant products. Ensure your sleeping arrangements for your child are up to date by using this online resource. If you choose to bedshare with baby, learn more from La Leche League International on ways to promote safe sleep with your baby. (Photo Credit: La Leche League International )
Health Literacy Month: October is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of making health information clear, accessible, and easy to use. It is about having the knowledge and resources to make informed choices when navigating the health care system. According to the European Journal of Midwifery, women’s health literacy is crucial influencing decision making during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum care, and shaping maternal and newborn health outcomes.
At CCCN, we are proud to offer parental support and educators, doulas, and childbirth educators, which you can locate on our member directory. These professionals work everyday to help support families' understanding and confidence in their health journeys.
National Chiropractic Month: In October, the United States celebrates National Chiropractic Health to help raise awareness about the role of chiropractic care in supporting musculoskeletal health. This year’s theme emphasizes the benefits of starting pain management with non drug approaches, which encourages individuals to explore safe and inclusive options for improving overall wellbeing.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, chiropractic care may help relieve back, neck, or joint pain, ease symptoms of nausea, and even reduce the likelihood of a C-Section. For families navigating pregnancy and postpartum, these benefits can make a positive difference in comfort and outcomes. We encourage you to check out our Chiropractic Care in the CCCN Member Directory to connect with trusted professionals near you for additional support.
AWARENESS WEEKS
International Babywearing Week: International Babywearing week is an annual outreach event celebrated globally. This week promotes babywearing and the benefits that result from wearing or carrying your baby in a sling/carrier.
According to Healthline, babywearing can reduce crying, assist with breastfeeding, and promote health. Local The Mother Nurture Shop offers local babywearing education and support. Click here to learn more about the benefits of babywearing and scheduling a consult!
National Midwifery Week:
National Midwifery Week is from October 5th through October 11th that the American College of Nurse-Midwives created to recognize and celebrate midwives across the country!
Learn more about midwifery care on the Central Coast here.
AWARENESS DAYS
National Depression Screening Day: Observed on the second Thursday of October, this year, it falls on October 9th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about depression and encouraging individuals to get screened for this mental health condition. Depression can affect anyone, at any age, for many different reasons, and it impacts each person differently. According to the CDC, depression rates increase after childbirth, with about 1 in 8 women reporting symptoms of postpartum depression.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) encourages mothers to take part in universal screening for prenatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Two commonly used tools are the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screen ( EPDS) or Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which can help identify when additional support may be needed.
At CCCN, we invite you to explore the Mental Health and Wellness providers in our Member Directory to connect with professionals near you for additional support. You can also revisit our past blog post on self care for more helpful tips and resources.
World Mental Health Day: October 10th is World Mental Health Day. This day raises awareness of mental health issues and ways to help support those who may be experiencing anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health symptoms that make it difficult to participate in daily living. CCCN invites you to check out the Mental Health and Wellness providers in the CCCN Member Directory to connect with professionals near you for additional support.
Parenting can be difficult. Be kind to yourself during this hard time. Take a look at Postpartum Permissions List blog post on our website. Say to yourself, “I am a good parent that deserves as much care as I give to my child/children.”
For additional pregnancy and postpartum support, check out CCCN local and web resources for valuable information and ways for you to find virtual support groups, help lines, and other professionals. Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers weekly online support meetings that may be beneficial to you. Check them out and attend a support meeting! (Photo Credit: PSI)
If you or someone you know are a healthcare professional needing additional tools, we invite you to check out and/or download Moodfit, a free app that allows you to monitor your moods, reduce stress, and strengthen the fitness of your mental health. (Photo Credit: Moodfit)
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day: October 15th- Today honors parents and families who experienced a pregnancy or infant loss to stillbirth, miscarriage, SIDS, or any other cause at any point during pregnancy or infancy. On Tuesday, October 15th at 5:30 p.m., join a community member led event at Beachcomber Drive in Shell Beach, coming together for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. This event is meant to honor the little ones while creating a safe, supportive space for parents and families to connect, share, and feel embraced by the community. We look forward to you attending this event. CCCN Member Bloom Therapy is an event sponsor. To RSVP, please reach out to Hillary at (805) 305-6593.
Remember, you are not alone. One in four women will lose a baby during pregnancy, delivery, or infancy (Starlegacyfoundation.org). For those of you or someone you know who has experienced pregnancy or infant loss, we invite you to learn more about our local resources and web resources available to guide you through this journey. These opportunities will help connect you with others who are also going through and experiencing similar experiences and emotions. If you or a loved one has experienced a pregnancy loss, please connect with Zabrina to receive a FREE Bereavement box. For more information, please email contact@zabrinacox.co or text 805-709-8645.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) also offers support groups for Loss & Grief in Pregnancy and Postpartum.
Authored in collaboration with:
Raelyn Flores, CCCN Intern
Morgan Jamati, Past CCCN Intern
Zabrina Cox, CtP Program Director
Sources:
Disclaimer: The opinions or beliefs expressed by various authors on this blog do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs, and viewpoints of Central Coast Childbirth Network, INC. Central Coast Childbirth Network, INC does not offer medical advice. The content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The author's opinions are based upon information they consider reliable; thus, Central Coast Childbirth Network warrants its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such.
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