May is known for a lot of things and is a month of celebrations and awareness, but it is also known as a time to honor moms through Mother’s Day and International Bereaved Mother’s Day.

International Bereaved Mother’s Day

This day was started by Australian mom Carlie Marie Dudley in 2010 to honor her son Christian, who was stillborn. The day is commemorated in honor of moms who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, SIDS, and any other pregnancy and infant loss.  This year, the day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 5, 2024.

Read more about the history of this special day.

Mother’s Day

Most people probably do not know this, but the history of Mother’s Day in the U.S. holds with it special meaning to loss moms as well.  In 1908, Anna Jarvis started the day in honor of her mother, Ann Jarvis, who gave birth to twelve children, but only four survived into adulthood.  This year, it will be celebrated on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Gift Ideas

• Want to tell a bereaved mom that you remember their babies lost?  Consider a donation in their baby’s memory or in mom’s honor.  Also consider merchandise like Mama of an Angel or IVF Warrior or IVF Mom or a gift card for mom to choose her own.
• Are you a bereaved mom who wants to commemorate their angel babies?  Donate in their memory or buy yourself a mama of an angel shirt.
• Have to give to a mom that has everything?  A donation would be perfect and doing it in her honor would be even better!

Check out our honor and memorial wall

Resources for Bereaved Mothers

Coping with Infertility on Mother’s Day

Coping with Loss on Mother’s Day

How to Cope on Mother’s Day After Pregnancy Loss

How to Get Through Mother’s Day If You’ve Experienced Baby Loss

Preparing Yourself for Mother’s Day

Resources for Those Who Love Bereaved Mothers

How to Be There on Mother’s Day for Friends Who Don’t Have Kids But Want Them

Supporting the Mama Pregnant After Loss on Mother’s Day

What to Do for a Bereaved Mom

What to Do and Say to a Grieving Mother on Mother’s Day

Other Resources and Education

Can We Talk About Bereaved Mother’s Day and Mother’s Day?

History of Mother’s Day

How to Support Women Struggling with Infertility on Mother’s Day 

Mother’s Day Celebrations Around the World

Mother’s Day is Complicated

Mother’s Day Isn’t Black and White