NHS Lanarkshire is marking Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October) by bringing together families, staff and local communities to remember babies who have died during pregnancy, birth or infancy, while raising awareness of the profound impact of pregnancy and baby loss on parents, siblings, families and friends.
Throughout the week, a series of remembrance and awareness activities will take place across University Hospital Wishaw, University Hospital Hairmyres and University Hospital Monklands. These activities aim to create opportunities for reflection, remembrance and compassionate conversations about pregnancy and baby loss, while highlighting the support available for bereaved families.
Baby Loss Awareness Week is a national event that brings together more than 140 pregnancy and baby loss organisations to raise awareness, break the silence surrounding loss and ensure that affected families know they are not alone. The campaign encourages communities to “Wear, Share, Care” by opening conversations about pregnancy and baby loss and showing support for those affected.
Every day in the UK, approximately 13 babies die shortly before, during or soon after birth, while evidence suggests that at least one in six pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Many families also experience other forms of loss, including ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, termination for medical reasons and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Research has shown that around half of UK adults know someone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of bereavement and the importance of accessible support and compassionate care.
Kate Boyle, Interim Head of Midwifery, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is an opportunity for us to remember every baby who has died and acknowledge the lifelong impact these losses have on families. Across NHS Lanarkshire, we are committed to providing compassionate bereavement care and ongoing support to parents and families navigating the difficult journey of grief.
“Through remembrance activities, raising awareness and opening conversations, we hope families know that their babies are remembered, their experiences matter and support is available whenever it is needed. We also recognise the dedication and compassion of maternity, neonatal and support staff who care for bereaved families every day.”
The week also raises awareness of the importance of high-quality bereavement care, the ongoing support needs of families following pregnancy or baby loss, and the continued work required to improve pregnancy outcomes and save babies’ lives.
As part of NHS Lanarkshire’s Baby Loss Awareness Week programme:
- Buildings across Lanarkshire will be illuminated in pink and blue.
- Books of Remembrance will be available for families.
- Remembrance ribbon displays will provide an opportunity for reflection and tribute.
- Information and support resources will be available across maternity and neonatal services.
- Staff working across maternity and neonatal services will be recognised and thanked for the care, compassion and support they provide to bereaved families.
Baby Loss Awareness Week culminates with the international Wave of Light on 15 October at 7pm, when families, healthcare professionals and communities across the world light candles and leave them burning for one hour in memory of babies who have died, creating a global moment of remembrance and solidarity.
The NHS Lanarkshire Maternity Bereavement Team encourages anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss to reach out for support and to take part in local remembrance activities during the week.
For further information about Baby Loss Awareness Week visit www.babyloss-awareness.org
