Baby Loss Awareness Week
This year marks the 19th anniversary of Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15th October) – a time dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and promoting change for pregnancy and infancy loss. During this time, Sands, the neonatal death charity, collaborates with more than 40 other UK charities to lead the week’s events - culminating with a national “Wave of Light” on October 15th.
Despite one in four pregnancies ending in miscarriage or stillbirth, pregnancy loss remains largely undiscussed. Whilst legally, there is no leave entitlement for miscarriages before 24 weeks, the Pregnancy Loss Pledge ensures protected time for pregnancy-related absence. However, many are often not aware of their rights and feel that they must return to work before they are ready.
In April, a series of papers published in The Lancet challenged common misconceptions surrounding pregnancy loss and called for a comprehensive overhaul of the advice and medical care currently offered - advocating for #EveryMiscarriageMatters and #ChangeTheMiscarriageStory.
This was followed by a Parliamentary debate to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, which highlighted recent advancements and future ambitions relating to pregnancy and infancy loss:
- In December 2020, Olivia Blake (MP for Sheffield Hallam) successfully campaigned for partners to attend maternity appointments during the pandemic.
- Earlier this year, all NHS Trusts expressed an interest in, or formally committed to, implementing a government-backed national bereavement care pathway to improve the quality and consistency of care received following pregnancy or infancy loss.
- The Health and Social Care Committee successfully achieved its interim target of reducing stillbirths by 20% before 2020. However, further efforts are required to halve neonatal deaths by 2025.
Angela Crawley (MP for Lanark and Hamilton East) proposed a Miscarriage Bill which would entitle both parents to paid leave following pregnancy loss. This bill has since been put forward for review.
Helen Wilson, a Lived Experience Researcher within GMMH Research and Innovation (R&I) department is currently preparing a PhD application and grant proposals investigating “Trauma- Informed care for recurrent miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.” Work such as this, straddles two of GMMH research units – PRIME-RU and C-TRU . Demonstrating the Trust’s commitment in supporting lived experience researchers, developing, and leading on their own research projects, and supporting research development in perinatal mental health.
Seeking support?
Baby loss is a devastating and deeply personal experience which affects people differently. There are a number of charities offering further information and tailored support, including Tommy’s , The Miscarriage Association , and Sands . Alternatively, The Worst Girl Gang Ever provides a safe space for those affected by pregnancy and infancy loss to come together, whilst also offering educational courses and podcasts.
Keen to get involved?
If you’d like to show your support for Baby Loss Awareness Week, consider raising awareness by sharing #BLAW2021, participating in the “Wave of Light”, or turning your social media platforms pink and blue.
Lydia Taylor (Perinatal Research Assistant) – Lydia.taylor@gmmh.nhs.uk
Helen Wilson (Lived Experience Researcher) – helen.wilson@gmmh.nhs.uk
