Charleston, S.C. A Heartfelt Recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
As October unfolds, it’s important to take a moment to recognize Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. In Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry, medical professionals are stepping forward to spread the word about an incredibly painful reality that many families face. According to research from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every four pregnancies will sadly end in miscarriage, while one in every 175 pregnancies results in stillbirth.
The Painful Reality of Loss
Dr. Conrad Williams, a pediatric care doctor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), shared that he witnesses families grappling with pregnancy and infant loss on a regular basis—sometimes daily. “Oftentimes, there is no identifiable reason for these tragic outcomes,” he explained. “This leaves families feeling a deep sense of guilt, believing that somehow they are to blame.”
This sentiment rings especially true for Kiosha Dickey, a Charleston resident whose painful journey through miscarriage ended in the devastating loss of her baby girl, Autumn. After experiencing three heartbreaking miscarriages, Kiosha took proactive measures to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. “I changed my diet, switched to safer products, and did everything I thought was necessary to ensure a healthy pregnancy,” she recalled.
Despite her efforts and excitement about welcoming Autumn into the world, Kiosha faced the unimaginable—she delivered a stillborn baby at 37 weeks. “It was the most trying time of my life, but my faith in God just really brought me through,” Kiosha said, reflecting on her long, difficult journey.
Living with Grief
Although Kiosha ultimately welcomed two healthy babies into her family, the pain of losing Autumn hangs over her like a dark cloud. “The pain, it never goes away. If you have lost a child? That’s with you forever,” she said, capturing the emotional weight that continues to impact her daily life. “You learn to live with it, but it’s always there.”
MUSC offers vital support resources, including assistance from Nicole MackDiaz, the pediatric grief and bereavement coordinator. Recognizing the taboo surrounding these topics, she emphasized the importance of discussing such losses. “This is something we deal with all too often, yet it’s not talked about nearly enough,” MackDiaz shared. “It’s so important to acknowledge that there are individuals around us who might be grieving, and we need to create a community of support.”
A Journey in Healing
Grief is a personal and unique journey for every individual. MackDiaz believes that nobody should face the heartache of losing a child alone. At MUSC, they work diligently to provide personalized support, ensuring that help is available when families need it most. “Talking about death and grief is crucial. We can be the light that people need during their darkest times,” she added.
Touched by her own experiences, Kiosha founded a nonprofit organization called Autumn’s Way in honor of her baby. Through this initiative, she and her family aim to support pediatric care programs throughout the state, using their story to inspire and heal. “I am forever grateful for her. This little four-pound baby who never breathed a breath has now touched so many lives,” Kiosha reflected proudly, honoring her daughter Autumn.
Finding Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with pregnancy or infant loss, it’s vital to seek help. MackDiaz encourages individuals facing grief to connect with their primary care provider or a mental health professional to explore the support options available. In times of loss, reaching out and talking about those feelings can make a big difference.
As we observe this important month, let’s commit to raising awareness and extending love and support to those facing the unthinkable loss of a child. Together, we can help illuminate the path through grief and build a more compassionate community.
