Rowan experienced pregnancy loss through an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is where the pregnancy implants in a location that is not within the cavity of the womb. Sadly the pregnancy cannot be saved and it can be a life threatening condition for the woman or...
Pregnancy and baby loss can turn a person’s world upside down. In the time that follows, the support that someone has around them makes all the difference to their wellbeing as they adjust to a new normal. Communities come in all shapes and sizes – yours might be your friendship circle, your neighbours, your...
Amy and I had five miscarriages over a period of 18 months. That was easily one of the most difficult periods of our 16-year relationship. We met at university and, while I can’t speak for her, I remember almost immediately feeling like this was someone I...
Looking after the partners of people who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss is something that everyone can help do – friends, family, health professionals and colleagues. Partners often feel they have to be strong and keep their feelings hidden, or that their wellbeing isn't important. They can often be sidelined by pregnancy, maternity or...
Being only 5 when my sister died, my parents decided that my brother and I wouldn’t attend the funeral, we didn’t get the chance to say goodbye, if I am honest I’m not sure that I have ever really gotten over this fact. My sister’s...
If you’re the brother or sister of a baby who died it may feel like there is a missing piece of the family. If you’re younger than them you may only know about your sibling through what you’ve been told or seen in photos. Even if you were living at the time, your childhood memories...
Every year during baby loss awareness week, I reflect on the families I have cared for and how much they have taught me about love, life, and grief. However, this year I am also drawn to remembering the maternity staff I have worked with who...
Midwife Amina has shared some of her top tips on how she looks after herself and her team. Amina said: “On the ward, I work in a great team who are constantly making sure we're taking our break. We also have a volunteer wellbeing service who visit every day with a tea...
Throughout the pandemic, those working on the frontline have not only had to face the personal impact of lockdown and changing restrictions, but also its effect on the way they carry out their important jobs. Increased pressures on services, alongside the added stress restrictions have had on parents, made supportive...
Sarah lost her baby boy 24 hours after his birth, 11 years ago, due to an inoperable heart condition. She said: "Having also lost a parent (my mum died six years ago), the thing that is so challenging and life-limiting about losing a child, is the loss of a future in which...