We hope you have all had a gentle Baby Loss Awareness Week. It has been a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together, reduce feelings of isolation, and give anyone touched by pregnancy and baby loss a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and feel that they are not alone.
You helped us to highlight the isolation many parents feel during a time when safety concerns around Covid19 have restricted what is offered in bereavement care. We know that many health workers continue to look after families with empathy and kindness and we are here to support them too.
All week we have been talking about the isolation that many people experience after pregnancy and baby loss (including partners, other family members and friends), how this has been complicated by the Covid19 pandemic, and its impact on their mental wellbeing.
Parents and families tell us how important it is that they each find a way to remember their baby in a way that suits them . Some join with others at special services organised by their local hospital or a local support organisation, some find solace in events organised by their faith community while others will remember alone in a way unique to them. It is important to remember there is no right or wrong way and it can change as the years pass too.
During last night’s #WaveOfLight messages of remembrance and hope brought many people together. As we close this immensely important week please take care of yourselves and know that we are here for you now and throughout the year. You really don’t have to feel alone.
Each day we have explored a different topic, sharing the Alliance’s wide range of excellent support and information and coping techniques, and engaging with people from all backgrounds and experiences of loss. If you missed any of the live panel discussions this week you can watch the recordings on Facebook
In 2019 we gathered parent experiences to prepare our report Out of Sight, Out of Mind to ensure that all parents who experience pregnancy or baby loss and need specialist psychological support can access it, at a time and place that is right for them, free of charge, wherever they live.
Watch our animation here
Talk about pregnancy and baby loss and help ensure that every bereaved family gets the support they need. You can also help raise awareness by wearing our ribbon pin badge.
From Pink & Blue buildings and landmarks to ribbon remembrance events and hospital displays, find out what’s on in your community and show your support.
This year our policy ask is about the lack of timely access to psychological therapies for anyone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss. Watch this space for more updates.
Unite with bereaved families across the world by lighting a candle at 7pm on 15 October in memory of all babies that died. Post a photo of your candle to appear on the social wall.