GAO Calls On HHS to Create Strong Assessments for White House Blueprint on the Maternal Health Crisis

February 2024 – Citing a “maternal health crisis”, this month the General Accounting Office reported that maternal mortality and other adverse pregnancy- or childbirth-related outcomes “worsened significantly” in 2020/2021 over 2018/2019. This included persistent disparities during the pandemic: the rate for non-Hispanic Black/African American women was around 2.5 times greater than for non-Hispanic white women. […]

This U.S. State has the worst outcomes in the developed world for women having babies.

This past weekend, CBS ran an updated version of a piece that first aired in April 2023 on the maternal mortality rate in the South. This latest piece, In Louisiana, pregnant women struggle to get maternal health care, and the situation is getting worse, once again highlights the facts surrounding maternal mortality in the US […]

The Consequences of the Abortion Ban

By Sarah Beach In the news this week I found an article in Time that shocked me, as it stood out from all of the tough news we see every day. My work with First Candle, which deals with infant loss through its work to end Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and its support for […]

A SIDS risk reduction practice is threatened.

At First Candle we are committed to promoting activities and practices that help to reduce the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) One of these is breastfeeding.  Not only does breastfeeding reduce the rate of SIDS by 50% and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) but breastfeeding helps mom recover quicker […]

New study and AAP commentary support First Candle’s community-driven safe sleep program.

Today, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a study on the rate of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) during the pandemic (2019-2020). The rate of SUID overall remained the same from previous years but the rate among Black infants increased.  The rates of SUID for infants born to Black families is now 2.3 times […]

Safe Sleep Community Outreach Program Success

In May 2022 First Candle launched the Let’s Talk Community Chat program, with Harlem as the first site, in partnership with the Hope Center Harlem and with the support of the Ryan Wolfe Kossar Foundation. Let’s Chat is an extension of our educational programming, offering families in the community the chance to discuss and learn about infant […]

Guys and Grief podcast launches

A new resource for grieving dads Today, I’m excited to announce the launch of Guys and Grief – a podcast dedicated to helping dads navigate their grief journey. The first episode airs today and you can listen to it here. It’s especially significant as one of the co-hosts of the podcast is Brian Scruton, the […]

Coping with grief during the holidays

The holiday season is a time for gathering and celebrating, but it can also be a difficult time for those who have lost an infant. It doesn’t matter if it was recent or not; even if parents and families have resumed their daily lives, the grief of losing an infant never goes away, whether it’s […]

Lucina is happy to announce partnership with First Candle

In the 90s, the proverb “It Takes A Village to Raise a Child” took root and became a popular part of our collective culture. More than 30 years later, the sentiment of that proverb remains true: it takes a concerted effort to ensure moms and babies have the access to care, education and support they […]

March of Dimes 2022 Report Card

Yesterday, the March of Dimes issued its 2022 Report Card on U.S. preterm birth rates, and it tells us that the national rate is now 10.5% — a 4% increase over 2021 and the highest recorded rate since 2007, earning a grade of D+. The report also includes a grade and rates for each state […]

First Candle Awarded HHS Grant to Address Structural Racism in Infant Safe Sleep Education

Non-Profit to Lead Three-year Community-Based Project Aimed at Reducing Black Infant Mortality Rates in Georgia Region October 14, 2022 – New Canaan, CT –  First Candle, the national non-profit organization committed to ending Sudden Unexpected Infant Death has been awarded a $385,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a […]

Byron Johnson Appointed Chairman of the Board of First Candle

Byron Johnson has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors First Candle, it was announced by CEO and Executive Director Alison Jacobson. Johnson is Vice President, Public Affairs at Fleishman Hillard, a global public relations agency with 79 offices in more than 30 countries. An experienced public relations and issues advocacy professional, Johnson’s […]

Statement on new AAP Guidelines and CPSC final rule on safe sleep

Today, the new safe sleep recommendations were released by the American Academy of Pediatrics. On Thursday the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s new federal rule goes into effect that states the only products that can be marketed for infant sleep are cribs, bassinets, play yards and bedside sleepers.  And last month President Biden signed the Safe […]

Statement From First Candle on The Safe Use of Infant Products for Sleep.

As the leading non-profit organization in the fight to end Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), one of our primary responsibilities is to consistently educate parents about the safe and proper use of infant products. We know that many SUID deaths have some element of unsafe sleep, either where the baby is sleeping or something in […]

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – What’s the difference?

Safe sleep practices are a safeguard for both Recently, people have started to use two different phrases, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) interchangeably. There is a difference however: SUID is the death of an infant less than 1 year of age that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly.  There are three […]

HALO Partners With First Candle to Offer Safe Sleep and Implicit Bias Training to Hospitals

April 20, 2022 – New York, NY – It was announced today that juvenile products company HALO, will partner with the national non-profit organization First Candle, to offer safe sleep and implicit bias training to hospitals across the country. HALO was founded in 1994 by Bill Schmid, following the tragic loss of his infant daughter […]

Join us in Atlanta in June

Come join us on Saturday June 11th in Atlanta, Georgia for an evening of delicious food, great music, and lots of fun! Light the Night in Georgia is an evening to raise awareness and support the survival of Georgia’s babies. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) claims the lives of 3,500 babies every year. Georgia has the 8th […]

First Candle Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon

First Candle was named an Official Charity Partner for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, taking place on November 6. First Candle will be among the 500 official charity partners providing thousands of runners the opportunity to run in the world’s most popular marathon.  This year, First Candle has 20 bibs for people who […]

Let’s Talk has launched in Harlem!

Last week we kicked off our Let’s Talk Community Chat program in partnership with the Hope Center Harlem and the Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership.  This program will offer families in the community the opportunity to receive education and support regarding safe sleep and breastfeeding every month at a location that is convenient and accessible. These community events will […]

What parents don’t know can harm their babies.

As I have written over the past several months, First Candle is committed to engaging in conversations with families and providing them with practical information on the importance of safe sleep practices that are not only evidenced based, but reality based. We know that parents want to do what’s best for their baby but are […]

Meet our NYC Marathon Team!

The New York City Marathon is less than two weeks away and we’re so honored and excited to have an amazing group of 16 runners as part of Team First Candle. We have runners who are new to our team and returning runners. We have siblings, aunts, uncles, parents and friends who have experienced the […]

Lack of affordable and safe childcare is a contributing factor to sleep-related infant deaths

It’s well known that there is a childcare crisis in this country.  But this week a new report from Office of Economic Policy lays out how “broken” the childcare system in this country truly is. The report states: Currently, the average family with at least one child under age 5 would need to devote about […]

First Candle Convenes Public Health Advisory Committee to Address Role of Racial Disparity and Implicit Bias in Infant Mortality Rates

April 12, 2021, New Canaan, CT –  First Candle, the national non-profit committed to ending Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), has announced the formation of a standing Public Health Advisory Committee of health care professionals and advocates to address racial disparity, health equity and implicit bias in maternal and infant health practices and their impacts […]

Hope for the days ahead

We thank Lauren McDaniel, a community member in our bereavement support group, for allowing us to repost her blog post. FEBRUARY 2, 2021 BY LAUREN MCDANIEL The day after Maddie died, I remember specifically asking “Will we ever be OK again?” In those first hours, and days, and even weeks, there were so many moments when I […]

Join us for an Evening of Chocolate, Music and Love

Get a head start on Valentine’s Day with an evening of chocolate, music and love. Join us on Tuesday, February 9th at 8P when you and your partner can learn how to make and create three decadent Hot Cocoa Bombs.  If you’ve never heard of these before, they’re delicious artisanal creations that are dropped into […]

Join us for an evening of Whiskey and Chocolate Tasting!

WHEN:  Thursday, December 10th, 7-8:30PM EST Join us for another Zoom event sampling three whiskeys from Woodinville Whiskey Co. accompanied with infused chocolate bonbons and truffles from Yelibelly Chocolates. Renee George will be discussing the history of Woodinville distillery and what led to them earning “Craft Whiskey of the Year” and “Craft Rye Whiskey of […]

Andrew F. Rubenstein, M.D. Named to First Candle Board of Directors

Andrew F. Rubenstein, MD, MPH, has joined the Board of Directors of New Canaan-based First Candle, it was announced by CEO Alison Jacobson and Board Chair David Cunningham. Dr. Rubenstein is the newly appointed Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Dignity Health Medical Group at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (SJHMC) in Phoenix, Arizona. This […]

First Candle Receives Grant from W.K. Kellogg Foundation

First Candle, the national non-profit committed to ending Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID), has announced it is undertaking an initiative to collect input from communities of color to and share with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as it updates the Safe Sleep Guidelines, for release in 2021.

Racism Must End for The Sake of Our Babies – #everybabycounts

First Candle is committed to ensuring that every baby gets to his or her first birthday and beyond.  Far too many babies are still dying and sadly a disproportionate number are Black babies.  What’s more, Black mothers are 3x more likely to die during or immediately after childbirth. The stress of structural racism is a […]

Virtual Mother’s Day to Father’s Day Walk/Run Challenge

Join us for a virtual Walk/Run challenge And help us support grieving moms and dads   Every year over 27,000 families will experience the death of a baby from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death or Stillbirth. For these families, the support of friends and relatives is what helps them get through this devastating time. Sadly now, […]

Coronavirus: The Latest on Breastfeeding and Pregnancy

Knowledge is still unfolding, but the The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued an advisory on the Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19; here are the excerpts on breastfeeding and pregnancy: Pregnancy: very little is known right now on COVID-19’s effect on pregnant women and infants, and it is not clear if COVID-19 can […]

What Parents Need to Know About the Coronavirus

Needless to say,  everyone is nervous about the Coronavirus but there is always a great deal of misinformation that can spread.  We asked First Candle’s Board of Director Dr. John Cianella, Director of the Division of Neonatology at Stamford Health to provide us with the facts to share with our community: Human Coronaviruses are a […]

First Candle’s position on new protocol from Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) has recently issued a 2019 revised protocol around the benefits and risks of bedsharing for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. First Candle realizes this may raise questions for some families, so we would like to put it in context with our approaches to infant safe sleep, which adhere to […]

Brian Scruton Joins First Candle Board of Directors

Brian Scruton has been appointed to the Board of Directors of New Canaan-based First Candle, it was announced by CEO Alison Jacobson and Board Chair David Cunningham. Mr. Scruton is a director in Cushman & Wakefield’s Leasing Services Group, in the firm’s Stamford, CT office, where he specializes in tenant and landlord representation services in […]

Message to grieving parents – It gets better..somewhat

16 years ago my son died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  He was 3 mos. and 24 days old.  That day, I wasn’t sure how, or even if, I wanted to survive.  I hardly remember anything from the days leading up to his memorial service and even less of the service itself and the sea […]

Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality: How Medicaid Expansion Can Help

The United States is often assumed to be one of the safest places in the world in which to give birth. But the truth is, national maternal mortality rates have been steadily climbing for decades. In fact, the prevalence of pregnancy-related maternal deaths has more than doubled in the US since 1987, from 7.2 deaths […]

Pacifiers Promote Safe Sleep

By Jennifer Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer MAM North America, Maker of Pacifiers and Other Baby Products Pacifiers have long been used to soothe babies, and studies have shown that their use when putting a baby down to sleep can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Offering a baby a pacifier at […]

Breaking Down Barriers for Moms and Babies

By Holly Schepisi Vice President of Vice Development, Holy Name Medical Center President, Holy Name Medical Center Foundation New Jersey has long been a leader in healthcare delivery, except for maternal and infant health, particularly among African Americans. The racial disparity in maternal and infant health is the widest in the nation as African American […]

Mathew’s Story

It has been 10 years since William Thomas Ellerbrock, age nine-and-a-half weeks, was dropped off for his second day of daycare and put down for a nap. It has been 10 years since baby William never woke up. It has been 10 years, but not a day goes by that his parents – Matthew and […]

The best way to move beyond grief? Do something.

As the CEO of First Candle I speak with hundreds of families who have lost a baby due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and stillbirth.  Their grief is beyond description.  It is all-encompassing and they can’t imagine surviving.  I know – I was one of those parents 22 years ago when my […]

Matthew Ellerbrock, a SIDS dad and our NYC Marathon runner

On Sunday, November 3rd, our team of runners will test their endurance running in the New York City Marathon. Each one of them has their own reason for running and we’d like to introduce you to them because they are truly inspirational. It has been 10 years since William Thomas Ellerbrock, age nine-and-a-half weeks, was […]

2019 TCS New York City Marathon Runner with a SIDS Campaign

It has been 10 years since William Thomas Ellerbrock, age nine-and-a-half weeks, was dropped off for his second day of daycare and put down for a nap. It has been 10 years since baby William never woke up. It has been 10 years, but not a day goes by that his parents – Matthew and […]

First Candle Welcomes The Boppy Company Support Of Its Straight Talk for Infant Safe Sleep Program

Longtime donor The Boppy Company has confirmed its 2019 support for First Candle and their mission of reducing the rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related infant deaths according to First Candle CEO Alison Jacobson.  The national non-profit organization has been leading the way for over 40 years in educating parents and caregivers […]

Stamford Health Supports Team First Candle

2019 TCS New York City Marathon Sponsor Stamford Health has awarded a $2,500 sponsorship in support of First Candle, which is an Official Charity Partner of the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon, according to First Candle CEO Alison Jacobson. “We’re honored to have Stamford Health’s support for Team First Candle in this year’s marathon,” Jacobson […]

Why black families aren’t getting messages about safe sleep and SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and accidental suffocation claim the lives of over 3,600 babies every year in this country.  These numbers haven’t moved in years and the racial disparity is great.   The rates of SIDS and accidental suffocation are nearly three times higher among black babies.  Why?  We know that by adopting the safe sleep […]

Bereavement support for a SIDS loss is critical

The death of a baby is the most devastating events a parent will ever experience.  The death touches more than just the parents however.  Grandparents, other family members, friends and even community members are impacted.  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death for babies one month to one year of age […]

When a baby dies, dads are often forgotten

At First Candle we offer bereavement support services to families who have lost a baby to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), other sleep-related infant deaths, still birth and miscarriage.  We have a 24-hour grief line, bereavement materials, volunteer peer-support providers and, most importantly our online support groups.  While our online groups are large and active, […]

Please welcome Natasha Ray to the First Candle Board of Directors

Natasha Ray, M.S., has been appointed to the Board of Directors of New Canaan-based First Candle, it was announced by CEO Alison Jacobson and Board Chair David Cunningham. Ray is the Core Services Manager for the New Haven Healthy Start Program at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. She has been with New Haven […]

How to Prevent Infant Accidental Suffocation and Strangulation in Bed (ASSB)

The greatest fear for any parent is something happening to their child.  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) especially strikes fear into the heart of every parent since it’s the leading cause of death for babies one month to one year of age and its cause continues to remain a mystery.  There is a great deal […]

First Candle’s SIDS and Safe Sleep Training Program Now Accredited

Five Contact Hours Available to Nurses First Candle, the national non-profit committed to ending Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related infant deaths has now been approved for accreditation of their Straight Talk for Infant Safe Sleep training program.  SIDS remains the leading cause of death for babies one month to one year of age […]

How long is it safe for a baby to sleep in a car seat?

This week the American Academy of Pediatrics released a study about the danger of babies sleeping in car seats.  The study looked at sleep-related infant deaths when babies were in a “sitting device” such as a stroller, bouncer, swing, inclined sleeper or car seat. A 10-year study of 11,779 infant sleep-related deaths showed that 348 […]

What Every Parent Whose Baby Has Died Wants You to Know

At First Candle one of the cornerstones of our work is providing bereavement support to families who have lost a baby to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths as well as stillbirth.  We have a 24-hour grief-line, peer support counselors, online support groups and bereavement books and articles.  We often have […]

New Report Concludes No Evidence That Baby Boxes Are Safe or Effective in Reducing SIDS

A new report was released today in the Public Health Reports: SAGE Journals looking at the safety and efficacy of baby boxes. Baby boxes are cardboard boxes that were first used in Finland for infants to sleep in during naps and at nighttime as part of an initiative to reduce the rate of Sudden Infant […]

2019 TCS New York City Marathon Bibs to Benefit Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Charity

First Candle, the national non-profit committed to ending Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related infant deaths, has once again been named an Official Charity Partner of the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon. The race will take place on Sunday, November 3, 2019.  For those runners who did not get a bib through the lottery, […]

First Candle Supports MOMMIES Act to Improve Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes

This week Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) introduced a bill to reduce the United States’ rising maternal mortality rates, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and close the disparities that continue to put mothers and children of color at risk. The bill, the Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and […]

Mother’s Day Jewelry for Bereaved Moms Who Are #alwaysamom

Once again, Natalie Kroft with Keep Collective has generously teamed up with First Candle and created some very special Mother’s Day jewelry.  Various pieces are available that can be inscribed with “Always A Mom.” “For many moms in our community whose baby has died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or other sleep-related infant death or […]

Please welcome our new First Candle Ambassadors

This weekend was an exciting time for our team. Over the weekend we conducted a two-day training with three women who will now be First Candle Ambassadors and conduct our Straight Talk for Infant Safe Sleep Trainings. We are proud to introduce you to Jen Ciannella, Carol Jordan and Dauline Singletary. Each has a public […]

Bibs for the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon Available Through First Candle

First Candle has once again been named an Official Charity Partner of the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon. The race will take place on Sunday, November 3, 2019.  For those runners who did not get a bib through the lottery, they can secure one and become part of Team First Candle running in the […]

Byron Johnson Joins First Candle Board of Directors

We’re pleased to announce that Byron Johnson, a public relations and issues advocacy professional, has joined the First Candle Board of Directors.  With nearly 20 years of experience creating and implementing awareness and social marketing campaigns, he brings to First Candle a desire to help families – with an emphasis on African American families and […]

Parental Bereavement Leave Act – Please Show Your Support

The loss of a child is devastating and leaves parents incapable of functioning for many weeks.  They need time to grieve and to begin healing.  First Candle is proud to support the Parental Bereavement Leave Act, prompted by The Farley-Kluger Initiative—a movement which began in 2011 to amend FMLA to allow up to 12 weeks […]

Statement from Alison Jacobson, CEO and Executive Director, First Candle

New Canaan, CT – The following is a statement from First Candle CEO and Executive Director Alison Jacobson regarding NICHD’s decision to release a strategic plan that excludes resources to battle SIDS. “The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s (NICHD) decision to release a strategic plan that places no priority […]

Help for a Grieving Parent at the Holidays

For those of us who have lost a child the holidays are always a difficult time.  Sure, we put on a good act for our other kids and even our family because, to be honest, they couldn’t handle our grief year after year.  After several years, we appear “normal” (whatever that means) but the grief […]

Safe Sleep and Breastfeeding Forum

New and energetic channels of communications between federal and regional groups opened up on November 5 when First Candle hosted a day-long Safe Sleep and Breastfeeding Forum at Stamford Hospital, fostering new relationships to help advance the Safe Sleep Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The event brought representatives from the Centers for […]

Infant safe sleep – what I wish everyone knew

Last week I was at a meeting of my book club – my bookclub is like everyone else’s – we get together so that we talk about everything BUT that book we all didn’t read. Our club is made up of a group of women who are connected kind of peripherally, with some knowing each […]

Important Legislation for SIDS

We at First Candle are reaching out to let you know of a promising piece of legislation now under review by the U.S. Congress, focused on improving resources devoted to improving better understanding and awareness around unexpected sudden death early in life, including SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Known as Scarlett’s Sunshine Act (H.R. […]

Days for Dylan First Annual Yoga Event

Halo joins First Candle’s Safe Sleep Guardian Program

We ‘re so excited when companies and influencers are willing to help spread the word about infant safe sleep in order to reduce the rate of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths such as accidental suffocation. Halo, a long-time supporter of First Candle has always been committed to safe sleep and in fact was founded […]

First Candle Launches Safe Sleep Guardian Campaign

Five Companies Earn the Designation by Committing to Only Showing Babies in a Safe Sleep Environment   September 12, 2018, New Canaan, Conn. — First Candle, the national non-profit organization committed to ending Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related infant deaths, announced today the launch of the Safe Sleep Guardian program, designed to urge […]

Dress Your Baby #Safe2Sleep

Dress Your Baby #Safe2Sleep 

First Candle’s Straight Talk Training Improves Knowledge of Safe Sleep Guidelines

In early August Barb Himes, First Candle’s Director of Education and Training, spoke at the 46th annual conference of the National Black Nurses Association, presenting an overview of our Straight Talk for Infant Sleep program, which follows the Safe Sleep Guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. First Candle launched Straight Talk in 2017, […]

Neonatologist John F. Ciannella joins First Candle Board of Directors

We are thrilled to announce that John F. Ciannella, MD has joined the First Candle Board of Directors. Dr. Ciannella is a fellowship-trained and board-certified neonatologist who since 2008 cares for newborn infants, specifically, babies who are born premature or diagnosed with complex medical and rare conditions and those who are critically ill. Dr. Ciannella […]

Walk or Run, it’s Fun and Fundraising at the 2018 Bella Rose Strides for Babies 5K

Saturday, August 4, 2018 was a beautiful morning for this year’s Bella Rose Strides for Babies 5K held in Cary, NC in memory of Bella Rose Diaz, daughter of Mike and Amy Diaz, who died from SIDS in May 2011. Adults, kids and dogs all lined up at 8:00 a.m. to start the walk/run; while […]

Breastfeeding Significantly Reduces the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

This week is World Breastfeeding Week and at First Candle we are actively working to get the message out about the benefits of breastfeeding.  This is something we discuss in our Straight Talk for Infant Safe Sleep programs and were surprised that over 66% of participants in our trainings weren’t aware that breastfeeding can significantly […]

Black Nurses Conference

First Candle Presents Overview of Safe Sleep Program at Black Nurses Conference Last week First Candle’s Director of Education and Training attended the National Black Nurses Association, Black Nurses Conference and presented an overview of Straight Talk for Infant Safe Sleep.   This program addresses the obstacles and objections parent’s face in following the Safe Sleep guidelines […]

2018 International Conference on Stillbirth, SIDS & Baby Survival – Straight Talk for Infant Safe Sleep

In June 2018,  Barbara Himes, our Director of Education and Training, attended the 2018 International Conference on Stillbirth, SIDS and Baby Survival in Glasgow, Scotland, where she presented our program, Straight Talk for Infant Safe Sleep, to a gathering of health care professionals, parents and SIDS researchers from around the world. She stressed Straight Talk’s […]

Why woman are still dying during childbirth in the USA

According to a USA TODAY investigative report released in July 2018, thousands of women every year suffer serious injury or death during childbirth due to ignored safety practices, making it especially important that women take an active interest in their own care. More than 50,000 women a year are injured and about 700 mothers die, […]

Protecting infants from sleep-related deaths

Why has no substantial progress been made in preventing sleep-related infant deaths? Approximately 3700 infants (aged 1 year) have died each year in the past 15 years, most of whom died before age 6 months. No recent breakthrough has occurred for this public health issue, which kills a surprisingly large number of society’s most vulnerable—typically […]

Father’s Day – Avoiding the Gleeful Masses

Father’s Day is often a lonely day for me.  I feel isolated, like I don’t belong, but for me that’s been the case for the last 14 years.  Honestly, I do not know how to recognize the day, but I try my best. I make it a point to reach out to my dad on […]

CCAT Child Care Checklist

Child Care Checklist – Infant Safe Sleep As you look for child care outside your home, there are many things to consider.  This guide will help you assess two important aspects of child care, infant safe sleep and breastfeeding, as you decide who will care for your baby.  Please keep in mind, this has a […]

Dad’s Grieve Too – Stephan’s Story

My wife and I had been planning to have a child for some time, before we decided when was the right moment to start building a family. The day Barbara called me at work to tell me she was pregnant, I already had a feeling what the call was about. I suddenly felt a surge […]

Five Tips for Managing Mother’s Day When Your Baby’s in Heaven

For moms who have lost a baby to due Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, stillbirth or miscarriage holidays are never easy. Probably one of the most difficult is Mother’s Day. My son was born in April of 1997 and died from SIDS August of the same year. For one year I had my baby with me […]

Study Identifies Unique Long-Term Grief Experienced by SIDS Moms

Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is common, distressing and persistent in mothers whose infants have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and have lasting implications for their health and well-being.  This comes from a study released today in Pediatrics that was conducted by Dr. Rick Goldstein, Program Director, Robert’s Program on Sudden Unexpected Death in […]

First Candle to Host Memorial Event in Honor of Mother’s Day

Flower planting ceremony to take place at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, CT   On Saturday May 12th First Candle will hold a flower planting ceremony at Calf Pasture in Norwalk, CT to honor mothers who have lost babies due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths, stillbirth and miscarriage.  First Candle is […]

First Candle Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon

              First Candle Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon Set for Sunday, November 4, 2018  New York, February 14, 2018 – First Candle was named an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, it was announced today by […]

Infant Deaths from Accidental Suffocation Can Be Prevented

Yesterday the American Academy of Pediatrics released a new report with the troubling finding that not only have declines in SIDS rates slowed but in some states they have actually increased.  What’s more, the report found that from 1999 through 2015, infant death rates from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed surged 184 percent. The […]

American Legion Awards Grant to Non-Profit First Candle

  Grant Supports Charity’s Mission of Saving Babies’ Lives  January 30, 2018 – New Canaan, CT – On Saturday Alison Jacobson, the Executive Director of First Candle, attended the Mid-Winter Conference of the American Legion’s Connecticut Chapter where she accepted the first half of a $16,000.00 Child Welfare Grant.  First Candle is the national non-profit […]

Calm & Comfort Retreat – Guidance for Life After Baby Loss

  Join First Candle for a virtual mini-retreat to help guide you through life after infant loss.  You are free to just quietly listen in or join in the Q & A.  You can attend this free event from anywhere with wifi. Grab a cup of tea and a notebook and learn what works to: […]

Program Spotlight: Straight Talk For Infant Safe Sleep

While the rate of infant mortality due to SIDS has been declining, the rates for non-Hispanic Black infants are still twice as high as that for non-Hispanic White infants.  Additionally, the rate for other sleep-related infant deaths is more than three times that of non-Hispanic white infants.   In response to these staggering statistics, First […]

How to create a Facebook Fundraiser

Facebook has expanded its set of online fundraising tools to include personal online fundraisers for its users. The new tool allows Facebook users to raise money for campaigns and causes, include memorials, birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. Nonprofits receive funds directly from Facebook every 15 days. Funds raised support our mission of eliminating SIDS, SUID, and […]

Why We Put #GivingFirst: “When you lose a baby you feel very alone at first”

Although these holidays with my family bring a lot of joy for me.  I also have that little feeling of grief that sits deep in my heart.  Every time there is a fun day to celebrate with my children I wish I could also be celebrating with my little one who lives in heaven.  She […]

Why We Put #GivingFirst: “She’s not replaceable”

It was November 17, 2008, when I received the phone call at work that my baby was in the hospital and I needed to come to the emergency room. I asked the nurse on the phone if she was breathing and she would not answer. I already knew at that moment that she was gone. […]

First Candle Joins the Global #GivingTuesday Movement with #GivingFirst Camapign

First Candle has joined the Newman’s Own Foundation $500k Holiday Challenge and #GivingTuesday, a fundraising competition on the global day of giving. #GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. On #GivingTuesday, The Newman’s Own Foundation is awarding $85,000 to the top three organizations to […]

Here’s why we’re thankful for you this year

                Dear Supporters, Thanks to you, this year we: provided over 600 families with a safe place for their baby to sleep; educated over 5,000 daycare providers, social workers and parents on why placing babies alone in a crib with no blankets can reduce the risk of SIDS […]

When Life Changed Forever — Remembering Dylan Robert McEwen

My son, Dylan Robert, was born on November 2, 2010, at 38 weeks and was a happy and healthy baby boy. I had the pleasure of spending those first months of his life doing all the things new mothers do. I returned to work and put Dylan in daycare for a few days a week. […]

Shop These Sites in October and You’ll Be Supporting First Candle’s Mission

  October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Sunday, October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. First Candle is joining forces with individuals, local, state and national organizations, as well as corporate and retail partners to increase awareness about these tragic causes of infant death. Shop these sites in October and you […]

Join us for NYC’s Annual Baby Steps Walk

  Join Team First Candle in New York City for a memorial walk and ceremony over the Brooklyn Bridge. The Walk is designed as a day of honor and motivation towards healing for families affected by perinatal and infant loss. It attracts people who are empathetic to the cause from all over the tri-state area each […]

We Need to Start Talking About SIDS

Last week a study came out with the disturbing finding that less than half of parents surveyed consistently and exclusively put their baby on his or her back to sleep. This unfortunately supports the concern of First Candle that a large percentage of parents either believe that “SIDS has been solved” or that the risk of SIDS compared to […]

Get Involved this October for Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Sunday, October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. First Candle is joining forces with individuals, local, state and national organizations, as well as corporate and retail partners to increase awareness about these tragic causes of infant death. For those of us who have lost a […]

Therapy Within Reach, Apply Now

Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss can be one of the most devastating and isolating experiences a parent can face. Thanks to a generous donor, we have started a lottery program to waive the lifetime membership fee to Open Path Collective. Your lifetime membership will allow you to receive psychotherapy sessions that range from $30 to $50 a […]