1 in every 3 pregnancies ends in loss. Across the developed world alone:

An estimated 500,000 miscarriages happen each year;
1 in every 148 babies are stillborn; and
3 in every 1000 babies die shortly after birth.

The loss of most pregnancies remains unavoidable. But disturbingly, the lives of many healthy babies could have been saved thanks to harmless, medical practices.

For e.g, when ultrasound sonography and colour doppler testing detects Vasa Praevia the infant survival rate is 100%; but without such detection, the survival rate is only 5 to 10%. Yet such safe prenatal testing is not routinely conducted.

This website aims to:

Support people who have been affected by pregnancy and infant loss (personally or professionally);
Raise more awareness of its prevalence; and
Attract more medical research into this area.

Of utmost importance, is our RED ALERT section -- with information that saves babies' lives.

Pilari.org is a resource for: grieving parents; their friends and family; and for professionals whose clients are dealing with this grief. (read more)

"We quickly find there are no words to describe the experience of losing a child. For those who have not lost a child, no explanation will do. For those who have, no explanation is necessary." ~ Mary Lingle

Recent News

A Charity that Helps Parents, Friends, Families & Professionals

Published 27/12/2009

By Nicole Ballinger

If your baby has died through miscarriage, stillbirth or neo natal death, you have our sincere condolences. Here at PILARI, most of our contributing authors have all shared this same tragedy: we know, first hand, how shattering this grief is. You are no longer alone.

Please feel free to explore our website: it’s brimming with ideas, wisdom, support and resources for people who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. New articles are submitted to this website frequently.

But you may feel you need to meet other bereaved parents, too. Many parents have found that they overcame their grief more quickly by joining support groups.

There are groups for survivors of pregnancy and infant loss across the world. Some of the newest are in Australia, run by Bears of Hope. This charity already runs groups in Sydney, Dubbo and the Hunter Valley NSW. In 2010, their first group will start in the ACT.

Amanda Bowles and Toni Tattis are the Directors of Bears of Hope. They have also lost babies, so they too understand the depth of shock, disbelief and sorrow. I met these dynamic women recently, and was impressed by their tireless efforts and their dedication to helping others.

Bears of Hope also helps friends, families, doctors and other professionals who care about grieving parents. The loss of a baby affects many people, typically creating feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. So when a baby is lost to our friend, family member or patient, we often wish we could do something to help them, somehow.

Now we can. As a charity, Bears of Hope accepts donations that go directly to helping bereaved parents. You can help by: making a donation; purchasing an inexpensive teddy bear (that Bears of Hope will send as a gift to grieving parents); or by attending their annual charity ball.

To find out more, visit their website. Thank you for caring.

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