People will see NHS Lanarkshire’s hospitals lit up pink and blue to show support for Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 to 15 October).
Baby Loss Awareness Week, now in its 22nd year, helps to unite the pregnancy and baby loss community and to increase understanding of the impact of loss and remember all babies.
The week also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, the importance that bereavement support plays in the ongoing bereavement journey, and of the vital work that is needed to improve pregnancy outcomes and to save babies’ lives.
Julie Ann Tierney, Bereavement Specialist Midwife at University Hospital Wishaw said: “We hope turning our three acute hospitals pink and blue will spark conversations about pregnancy and baby loss, and let local bereaved parents and families know we are thinking of them during this time and support them in their ongoing journey.
“Few experiences can compare to the trauma and pain of pregnancy and baby loss. During this Baby Loss Awareness Week, we will acknowledge that finding ways to nurture your mental and physical wellbeing is a vital part of anyone’s bereavement journey.”
Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of SANDS and Chair of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, said: “Following their loss, families find themselves on a new path they never expected to be on. Together, we care for ourselves and each other as part of a community of people affected by all forms of pregnancy and baby loss.
“Grief affects every person differently and can change over time, even during Baby Loss Awareness Week itself. It can be extremely hard for any bereaved person to speak out on the issues that matter to them, if they do not have the time and tools to care for themselves first. Self-care is essential, so you can sustain yourself and be able to raise awareness in a way that’s right for you.
“I hope that NHS Lanarkshire hospital’s being lit up pink and blue during October will help reassure anyone who finds themselves navigating this journey, whether recently bereaved or longer ago, that there is a community that understands and is here for you, whatever you need – be it guidance, shared stories or simply a listening ear to help and offer comfort. You are not alone.”
Baby Loss Awareness Week ends with the global ‘Wave of Light’ on 15 October. Everyone is invited, wherever they are in the world, to light a candle at 7pm local time as a special mark of support and remembrance.
Explore www.babyloss-awareness.org to discover self-care advice and ways you can get involved during the week.
