The Labour Spokesman Editorial
How many of us are aware that there is an occasion called International Bereaved Mother’s Day? Observed annually on the first Sunday in May, and officially recognized in 2010, this day exists to honour mothers who have lost children, as well as women who are unable to have children due to infertility or other health challenges. It was founded by Australian mother Carly Marie Dudley in memory of her stillborn son, Christian, whom she lost in 2007. From personal grief emerged a global moment of recognition — one that continues to speak to a quiet, often overlooked reality.
The timing is deliberate. Positioned just one week before the traditional Mother’s Day, Bereaved Mother’s Day serves as both an alternative and an addition. It acknowledges that motherhood is not erased by loss. The bond between a mother and her child, even in death, remains deeply rooted — emotional, enduring, and lifelong. Yet, for many, that bond is not always publicly recognised or validated. As noted by pregnancyafterlosssupport.org, Dudley explained the need for such a day: “The traditional Mother’s Day has proven to be an emotionally exhausting day for so many mothers around the world. Just because your child died does not mean that you are not a mother anymore. You are your child’s mother forever, and people need to start recognizing this fact. On Bereaved Mother’s Day each year, we come together to celebrate our connection, our babies and children, and our hope for the future.”
These words challenge us to rethink how we define and honour motherhood. Society often celebrates the visible — the laughter, the gifts and the family photos. But what of the mothers whose love exists in memory, in longing, in absence? What of those who carry the weight of loss quietly, often in spaces where their grief is not fully understood? According to the same source, the day also seeks to break the silence surrounding child loss. Too many mothers feel that their grief is dismissed or minimized, making an already painful journey even more isolating. Recognition, even in its simplest form, can offer comfort. It sends a message that their pain is real, that their identity as mothers is valid, and that they are not alone.
As we approach the traditional Mother’s Day, many will rightfully celebrate — taking their mothers out, showering them with love, and expressing gratitude for their presence. These moments are important. But alongside the celebration, there must also be space for reflection. There are mothers who will spend that day grieving — not only the loss of a child, but in some cases, the loss of their own mothers. There are women who long to be called “Mom” but cannot. There are others who now carry the quiet title of bereaved mother, a title they never imagined holding. International Bereaved Mother’s Day invites us to broaden our compassion. It calls on us to recognise that motherhood is not only defined by presence, but also by love — love that endures beyond loss. Let us remember them. Let us acknowledge them. And in doing so, let us ensure that no mother feels unseen. Happy Mother’s Day to all including the mommy figures and expectant moms!