Pregnancy and baby loss affects thousands of families each year across the UK. It can be devastating, not only for parents, but also their families and friends, and can have long-term lasting effects.
This week is an opportunity for bereaved parents, and their families and friends, to acknowledge and remember their babies’ lives and for people to talk openly about the subject of, and raise awareness of, pregnancy, baby and infant loss.
Throughout the week, bereaved parents and their families will be sharing examples of something that someone said or did that helped them after their loss. It is hoped that this will inspire others and bring the issue out into the open.
For the first time, the charities supporting Baby Loss Awareness week will be working with the newly formed all-party parliamentary group on baby loss to highlight in parliament the impact of losing a baby. Events in parliament include a reception hosted by the speaker, the Rt Hon John Bercow, a remembrance service in the chapel, St Mary’s Undercroft, on Wednesday 12 October, and a backbench debate on baby loss on Thursday 13 October.
On 15 October people across the world are invited to take part in a global ‘wave of light’ at 7pm local time to remember all the babies that have died during pregnancy, at, during or after birth by lighting a candle and leaving it burning for an hour. Images of the burning candles are shared on social media using the hashtag #waveoflight.
Baby Loss Awareness Week is co-ordinated by Sands on behalf of a number of charities, united in their support for families who experience pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
Dr Clea Harmer, chief executive of Sands, said: “Now in its fifteenth year we hope that this week will help families feel less isolated and alone by giving them the opportunity to join with others and remember their babies, whether it be in public or private, across the world.
“Since Baby Loss Awareness Week started, more and more charities have come together that are committed to raising awareness of the issues surrounding pregnancy and baby loss, and working for change to reduce the number of families affected each year in the UK.”
For further information about the week is available at www.babyloss-awareness.org
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