Take this opportunity to lunch with the ladies for a worthwhile cause. On Friday 11 September, The Miles Apart Foundation is hosting their first major fundraising event at Adelaide Oval to raise awareness for baby loss.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is coming up in October, this non-profit organisation has over 300 women attending the long lunch, with all proceeds going to charity.
“The event is a celebration of motherhood in all its forms and will raise funds to support those affected by baby loss”, says Founder of Miles Apart, Annabel Bower.
Miles Apart works closely with hospitals around Australia to increase awareness and support women and families dealing with baby loss.
“In Australia, six babies are stillborn every day. Annually, this number doubles that of the national road toll. In addition, one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage and each day two infants die”.
Statistics from St George’s University of London suggest that COVID-19 could increase stillbirths in Australia, after a recent increase in the United Kingdom.
Expectant mothers are reluctant to attend hospital in fear of infection and adding pressure to the National Health Service. In Australia, final figures will not be known until 2022.
Annabel’s fourth child, Miles, was stillborn. Having experienced this loss, she has written the book, Miles Apart, to grow awareness and assist others through this personal tragedy.
Through hospitals, local medical centres and pregnancy loss support services, the book will be available to grieving parents and families from this October.
“We hope through the event and book, we can support anyone who is suffering and guide those supporting the bereaved by opening up and normalising the conversation surrounding baby loss.”
Words by Mia Vidale