You are not alone: standing with families during Baby Loss Awareness Week
From 9 to 15 October, we are joining people across the country to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week. This is a time to remember babies who have died during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy and to offer support to anyone affected.
Baby loss has a devastating impact that can last a lifetime and often feels very lonely. We want parents, families and friends to know that they are not alone and that support is always available.
Our Women’s Centre and Baby Remembrance Garden at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital will be lit in pink and blue to stand alongside the many landmarks across the UK that shine these colours. We will also be holding our annual Baby Remembrance Service in St Luke’s Church, Cheltenham (opposite the entrance to A&E) on Friday 10 October at 7pm. This will be a quiet and safe space to come together, reflect and remember.
Baby loss touches many lives and we want to make sure every family feels heard and supported. We are committed to supporting our staff with training so they can provide the most compassionate care possible, whether during pregnancy, at the time of loss or in subsequent pregnancies.
Bereavement specialist midwife Tracy Howard explains: “Our role is to listen, to be present and to provide support and information for anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss. Baby Loss Awareness Week is a time to recognise the experiences people go through and the opportunities to remember and honour their babies.”
Key events
- Friday 10 October at 7pm: Our Annual Baby Remembrance Service will be held in St Luke’s Church, Cheltenham [opposite the entrance to A&E] on Friday 10 October at 7pm. This is during the national Baby Loss Awareness Week. This informal service will last around 40 minutes and include music, poetry and prayer, with an opportunity to light a memorial candle. It is intended for all those affected by pregnancy loss at any point in their lives, including the staff who support families. Further details are available from the Department of Spiritual Care: ghn-tr.spiritualcare@nhs.net
- Thursday 9 October and Wednesday 15 October: Lights at the Baby Remembrance Garden and Women's Centre
- There will be ribbons in the Baby Remembrance Garden all week for families to tie a ribbon in remembrance and seeded Forget Me Not paper for families to leave a message in the post box
- Wednesday 15 October at 7pm: we will join the global Wave of Light, when candles are lit across the world in memory of every baby who has died. We invite you to take part at home and share in this moment of remembrance. You can join the Sands Wave of Light on Facebook Live
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact our specialist Bereavement team. You can also speak with your midwife, doctor or another member of staff. National charities such as SANDS, Tommy’s, Cruse and the Miscarriage Association also provide help and resources. You can find more support information, including local baby loss and miscarriage support group Forget Me Not on our support and contact information page.