Navigating Grief: Charities Supporting Baby and Infant Loss in the UK
The loss of a baby or infant is an unimaginable tragedy, leaving families overwhelmed with grief and searching for support. In the UK, several dedicated charities provide invaluable resources, guidance, and community to those affected by such heartbreaking events. This blog will highlight some of the key organisations making a difference in the lives of grieving families.
If you are reading this, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you are not alone, and we hope you find the support you need through these wonderful organisations.
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society)
Sands is one of the most well-known charities supporting families affected by stillbirth and neonatal death. Established in 1978, Sands offers a range of services including a helpline, local support groups, and an online community. They also provide training for healthcare professionals to improve the care and support given to bereaved parents. Additionally, Sands advocates for research to reduce the number of baby deaths and improve bereavement care. Visit their website.
Tommy's
Tommy's funds research into the causes of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth. They offer comprehensive support to families who have experienced baby loss, including a dedicated information line and online resources. Tommy's also runs specialist clinics for those at risk of pregnancy complications, aiming to ensure that future pregnancies are as healthy as possible. Visit their website.
The Lullaby Trust
The Lullaby Trust is committed to reducing the number of sudden infant deaths and providing support to bereaved families. They offer a dedicated bereavement support helpline, peer support network, and advice on safer sleep practices to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Their research initiatives and public campaigns focus on raising awareness and improving infant health. Visit their website.
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK provides support to families. Their services include a helpline, individual, couple, and family support sessions, and support groups. They also offer resources and training for professionals working with bereaved families, ensuring a compassionate and informed approach to care. Visit their website.
Saying Goodbye
Saying Goodbye, part of the Mariposa Trust, offers support to anyone affected by the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy. They organise remembrance services across the UK, providing a space for families to come together and honour their lost babies. Additionally, they offer befriending services and online support, ensuring that no one has to grieve alone. Visit their website.
4Louis
4Louis provides memory boxes to hospitals, hospices, and funeral directors across the UK, helping families create lasting memories with their lost babies. The charity also supplies hospitals with bereavement suites and cold cots, which allow families to spend more time with their babies. Their support extends to funding for counselling services and educational workshops for healthcare professionals. Visit their website.
Aching Arms
Aching Arms is a charity that supports bereaved parents by providing comfort teddy bears to hospitals and directly to grieving families. Each teddy bear is donated in memory of another baby, creating a network of shared experiences and support. Aching Arms also offers online support and signposts to other bereavement services. Visit their website.
Petals
Petals is a charity that provides specialised counselling to parents experiencing baby loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Their counselling services are designed to support emotional and psychological well-being, offering a safe space for parents to express their grief and begin the healing process. Petals works closely with NHS hospitals to ensure their services are accessible to those in need. Visit their website.
Arc (Antenatal Results and Choices)
Arc provides non-directive information and support to parents throughout antenatal screening and its consequences. They offer a helpline, online forums, and face-to-face support, helping parents navigate difficult decisions and cope with their outcomes. Arc also provides training for professionals to improve care standards. Visit their website.
Bliss
Bliss is dedicated to ensuring that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life. They offer emotional and practical support to families, advocate for babies in neonatal care, and fund research to improve outcomes. Bliss also works to empower families by providing information and encouraging involvement in their baby's care. Visit their website.
The Miscarriage Association
The Miscarriage Association provides support and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy, or ectopic pregnancy. Their services include a helpline, support groups, and online resources, offering a community for those experiencing early pregnancy loss. They also work to raise awareness and promote research into the causes and prevention of miscarriage. Visit their website.
Conclusion
The journey of grief following the loss of a baby or infant is deeply personal and incredibly challenging. The charities mentioned above provide a lifeline to families, offering support, comfort, and a sense of community. Their work not only aids in the healing process but also drives crucial research and awareness initiatives aimed at preventing future losses. If you or someone you know is navigating the difficult path of baby or infant loss, these organisations are here to help, offering a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.
