Baby Loss Awareness Week
16th October 2019
By Jessica Dodds
This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week. Every year, thousands of people experience the loss of a baby; whether it’s before or after birth, or at infancy. In the UK, nine babies are still born every day and one in four pregnancies result in a miscarriage. Yet baby loss is still such a taboo subject, why? Because we simply do not talk about it enough. This staggering statistic highlights the need for awareness.
On 15th October every year, during Baby Loss Awareness Week, the ‘global wave of light’ happens. This is where bereaved families from across the world light a candle to share a moment to commemorate the lives lost during pregnancy or at infancy. As the families partake across the world, the ‘wave of light’ happens. This event happens every year, but this year appeared to be brighter than ever before. This is probably down to the drive in sharing the event on social media with the hashtag: #waveoflight. For some, this would have enabled them to feel united around the globe, for others it would have sparked an insight into how many experience the loss of a baby.
The strain on mental wellbeing of all people involved in the loss of a baby can really take its toll. This year, Baby Loss Awareness charities are calling on the Government to take action on the lack of psychological support that is accessible for bereaved families. While there are charities that provide the needed support, there are fundamental problems, such as funding, which means people are not receiving the help they desperately need. Or, some are experiencing inadequate support which is adding to their stress. There is a need to make services consistent and accessible for everyone who experiences this kind of tragedy. You can support the campaign through the following link: https://babyloss-awareness.org/get-involved/policy-ask-2019/
If you are currently suffering, what can you do? You can always visit your GP. But there are also various charities listed below who can help. They provide a lot of information and some are able to work with you more personally:
SANDS Charity: https://www.sands.org.uk/
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust: https://ectopic.org.uk/
The Miscarriage Association: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/
If you are a loved one, friend or family member who is worried about someone who is experiencing bereavement as a result of losing a baby and you do not know how to help, simply try talking to them. Try to understand what their needs are and how they want you to help. You could sign post them to support from the charities listed above or they may just want to talk to you.
If you think opening up the conversation is hard for you, imagine how hard it would be for them. Make the first move, and let’s talk.