Every year in October, individuals and organisations around the world come together to acknowledge Baby Loss Awareness Week. TimeNorfolk's chief executive Fiona Gosden talks about its continuing importance.
The week aims to raise awareness about the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, whilst providing support to families navigating their grief.
Amongst other national and local Norfolk charities, TimeNorfolk advocates for bereaved parents by providing opportunities for reflection, remembrance and community.
TimeNorfolk provides wellbeing support for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss at any stage, baby loss or is facing a pregnancy choice.
This week can feel difficult.
There is an influx of information and self-care suggestions and it can feel overwhelming to know what information is helpful and which self-help tools to put into practice.
Every experience of baby loss is different and sometimes generic advice risks depersonalising unique memories of a loss.
The advantage of having a week that brings baby loss awareness to the public’s attention is that it spotlights how vital support is in the wake of a loss.
At TimeNorfolk, we see referrals rise for our service following baby loss awareness week.
Even as society continues to overlook the pain that can be experienced during early losses, there have been some positive changes. For instance, in February this year, a new government scheme was launched enabling parents of babies lost before 24 weeks to apply for a baby loss certificate.
READ MORE: Mum goes viral on TikTok after sharing her grief following baby loss
The experience might be a miscarriage, termination, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. These certificates provide an option for grieving parents to communicate and validate their loss or losses. The validation of the pregnancy loss comes from there being the option to apply for the certificate.
Validating pregnancy loss at any stage not only aids healing but also helps break down the stigma surrounding baby loss in a society where many feel compelled to remain silent about their grief.
TimeNorfolk is holding two events during Baby Loss Awareness week, which runs from October 9 to October 15. All are welcome and both events are open to everyone.
Join us for a Doorway of Hope service of remembrance at Norwich Cathedral on Sunday, October 13 at 6pm, and Wave of Light at Hemsby Beach Cafe on Tuesday, October 15 at 6.30pm.
- Visit www.timenorfolk.org.uk for more information about TimeNorfolk.
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