Wirral midwife organises memorial for families affected by baby loss

As part of Baby Loss Awareness Week, Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) hosted a poignant memorial service at Arrowe Park Hospital, offering solace and support to parents and families who have experienced the heartache of baby loss.

More than a hundred parents, families, and friends came together to honour the memories of their lost children.

Hannah Blake, a bereavement midwife at WUTH who led the initiative, said: "I wanted to create a space where families could come together, share their experiences, and feel supported. Baby loss has often been a silent grief, but we want to change that.

Hannah Blake Bereavement Midwife (Image: WUTH)

“By allowing families to speak openly and say their baby's name, we can help break the taboo and offer a pathway to healing, no matter how recent or distant their loss."

During the memorial service, personal messages were written on paper lanterns and the names of babies who had died were projected onto a screen.

The event, supported by WUTH Charity, featured also featured a performance by local choir Sing Me Merseyside.

Dr Nikki Stevenson, executive medical director at WUTH added: "Supporting parents through this unimaginable grief is one of the most important things we can do as a trust.

“By offering gentle reassurance, clear communication, and resources, we hope to provide compassionate care that helps families through their journey of loss."

Baby loss affects around one in four pregnancies, leaving many families in need of understanding and support.

In response to recommendations from the recent Pregnancy Loss Review, WUTH has introduced a new initiative to assist families facing pregnancy after loss.

The scheme includes ‘pregnancy after loss’ rainbow lanyards and plaques, designed to discreetly signal the sensitive nature of a patient’s journey, ensuring healthcare professionals approach these individuals with enhanced empathy and care.