Day to remember infant deaths in WA

Western Australia is commemorating World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day for the first time after a campaign led by a local couple.

John and Kate De'Laney had been pushing for the state to recognise the day, which has been marked around the world since 2002.

Premier Colin Barnett said many families had lost a baby during pregnancy or early infancy, and the remembrance day would help them understand they were not alone.

"Today gives us the opportunity to respect and recognise the immense grief that is suffered by parents and family members, irrespective of the gestational age of the baby lost," he said.

One in five Australian women would endure the loss of a baby in their lifetime, and many women might experience two or more miscarriages, Mr Barnett said.

The premier said despite major medical advances, almost one in five stillbirths remained unexplained in WA.

"All too often, pregnancy and early infancy loss will only be revealed and discussed when people learn of someone else who has had a similar experience," he said.

"We hope that through the recognition of their loss and the pain endured, this remembrance day will play a small part in enabling families to find a way forward in their grieving."

The King Edward Memorial Hospital memorial garden is a unique place for the interment of ashes of stillborn babies, with more than 17,000 babies placed there since 1989.