People affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together in communities across the UK, in person and online, to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October), helping to break the silence around pregnancy and baby loss that sadly still exists for many.
Half of UK adults have said that they, or someone they know, had experienced at least one form of pregnancy or baby loss.1 So it’s vital that everyone knows that they are not alone and that there is a community that understands and is here for them, whatever they need – be it guidance, shared stories or simply a listening ear to help and offer comfort.
Throughout the week people will be hosting ribbon displays, knitting post box toppers, painting pebbles with their babies’ names, lighting up their homes, businesses and high streets, painting their nails, dyeing their hair, or dressing up in Pink and Blue – the colours of Baby Loss Awareness Week. All the activities are designed to open up conversations about pregnancy and baby loss in local neighbourhoods, workplaces and community spaces.
The week will draw to a close at 7pm on 15 October when candles for all our babies gone too soon are left burning for one hour during the global Wave of Light, with many joining together online, creating a trending moment of connection and collective remembrance across the UK.
The theme for Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) 2024 is ‘Together, we care’ and acknowledges that finding ways to nurture your mental and physical wellbeing is a vital part of anyone’s bereavement journey.
Chief Executive of Sands, and Chair of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, Clea Harmer said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week helps to unite the pregnancy and baby loss community; we come together and speak out across the week to increase understanding of the impact of loss, and remember all babies.
“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.
“Together, we care for ourselves and each other as part of a community of people affected by all forms of pregnancy and baby loss. Self-care is essential, so you can sustain yourself and be able to raise awareness in a way that’s right for you.”
An initiative started by a group of parents 22 years ago, Baby Loss Awareness Week has now evolved into an Alliance of over 130 dedicated pregnancy and baby loss organisations led by Sands, Tommy’s, Bliss, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, The Lullaby Trust, and The Miscarriage Association. It also plays a crucial role in raising awareness of the importance of ongoing bereavement support and the essential work required to improve pregnancy outcomes and save babies’ lives.
This Baby Loss Awareness Week, the Alliance will be encouraging people to ask their local MPs to give their support to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Baby Loss, which brings together MPs and Peers from across parties. Its aims are to develop policy that supports families dealing with the grief of baby loss, and to prevent it happening in the first place. It aims to raise awareness of what more can be done by the government, Parliament or other agencies to help those affected, and reduce the risk of baby loss.
Clea Harmer said: “The growth of Baby Loss Awareness Week is incredible. Every year we see more friends, family, colleagues and businesses join in with activities in allyship with those directly impacted by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. We want everyone to ‘share with care’ and this year we’re encouraging those brilliant businesses, organisations, landmarks and buildings that light up, or turn pink and blue, during Baby Loss Awareness Week, to join us in explaining why they are doing so and signpost help and advice. On behalf of the Alliance, I say a huge thank you to everyone helping us to have those important conversations about loss in compassionate ways.”
Advice on looking after yourself or others after pregnancy or baby loss
Whether you’re someone who has experienced loss, a family member, friend or healthcare professional, we want you to know this Alliance stands together with you. Here are our tops tips for managing the week:
Pick and choose how you want to support. Don’t feel you have to do everything
Plan some activities that are special to you that week
Make space for self-care during the week. We will be talking a lot about this during the week
Turn off notifications and online check social media when you feel up for it
Reach out for support if you need it. We are here.
Let friends and family know your boundaries, so they understand it’s okay if you don’t engage
Engage with content that brings you comfort or joy. Remember, choosing not to participate does not take away from your experience. Your healing and well-being come first.
