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Written by the MPA DEI Team

Every year in October, a week is observed for Baby Loss Awareness Week.
It began in 2002 as National Baby Loss Awareness Day and has extended to Baby Loss Awareness Week since.

This week is dedicated to raising awareness of the grief and trauma that comes with baby loss, offering support to those who have been affected, and advocating for improvements in care and support systems. Baby Loss Awareness Week focuses on continuing the vital conversation about baby loss, breaking the silence, and ensuring that no family has to suffer alone. It is a time to reflect and remember all the much-loved babies who died too soon. It is a time for all those who are affected by baby loss.

 

Understanding the impact of baby loss
Sadly, some babies are lost during pregnancy, at birth or shortly afterwards. The journey of pregnancy can be difficult and with that an array of emotions like confusion and helplessness. The grief is immense, and it is often a time that can seem impossible and unpredictable to navigate. Baby loss impacts millions of families worldwide, however, it can still bring stigma and silence with it.

Many grieving parents can feel that their pain is minimised or overlooked, especially in societies where talking about baby loss is taboo. This silence can deepen their sense of isolation and make it difficult for them to process their grief or seek the support they need.

With 1 in 2 of us affected by baby loss each year, there are many charities that can support parents, caregivers and families during their grief. They are there to help understand the scale and impact of baby loss and ensure no one suffers alone or in silence.

Baby Loss Awareness Week aims to break the stigma by creating safe spaces for open conversations, raising awareness, and breaking down the barriers that prevent parents and families from getting the support they deserve during a traumatic time.

 

How can you support someone who has experienced baby loss?

For anyone supporting a loved one through baby loss, knowing how to help can be challenging.

Here are a few simple but meaningful ways to offer support:

• Don’t be afraid to talk about the baby or ask the parents how they feel. Avoiding the subject can make parents feel that their grief is being ignored.
• Everyone grieves differently. Be patient and offer a listening ear without trying to “fix” the situation or offer unsolicited advice.
• Grieving parents may find it difficult to manage everyday tasks. Offering to cook a meal, babysit siblings, or run errands can provide relief during an overwhelming time.
• Milestones such as anniversaries, due dates, and holidays can be particularly painful. A simple message of remembrance can provide comfort and show that their loss is not forgotten.

 

What can you do to support Baby Loss Awareness Week?

There are a few ways in which you can support during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

• Talking about pregnancy and baby loss, supporting friends and family who may have been bereaved.
• Wearing the Baby Loss Awareness Ribbon.
• Taking part in events across the country.
• Sharing your story, whether you’re a bereaved parent, sibling, family member, healthcare professional or supporting someone through their loss. Breaking the silence is important so people feel supported.
• Joining the #WaveOfLight. Uniting bereaved families all over the world by lighting a candle at 7pm on 15 of October, in memory of all the babies who died.

Baby Loss Awareness Week is a time to remember the lives of babies lost too soon, reflect on the deep impact of these losses on families, and advocate for improved care and support. By raising awareness and opening up conversations about baby loss, we can create a more compassionate world where every family’s grief is acknowledged, and no one has to suffer in silence.

This week, let us reflect and honour the much-loved babies who are no longer with us, supporting the families who are going through their journey of grief, and continuing the vital work of breaking the silence surrounding baby loss.

Resources

Baby Loss Awareness Week | Sands – Saving babies’ lives. Supporting bereaved families.
Baby Loss Awareness Week – Break the silence around baby loss (babyloss-awareness.org)
The Miscarriage Association: Pregnancy Loss Information & Support Baby loss information and support | Tommy’s (tommys.org)

For more information or to join our Family or BeWELL Employee Network, please contact:

Helen Choudhury
Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
[email protected]

Mandy Feighery
D & I Officer
[email protected]