Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October 2017)

Baby Loss Awareness Week runs from 9 October – 15 October each year. The week is an opportunity for bereaved parents, their families and friends to unite with each other and with others across the world to commemorate their babies’ lives.

The awareness week ends on 15 October every year with a global “Wave of Light” to coincide with International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, and is recognised across the world. People can join other families by lighting a candle at 7pm, and leave it burning in a safe place for an hour to remember all babies that have died too soon, and in memory of all the babies who lit up friends and families lives for such a short time.

Locally, maternity services and health visitors are able to offer information and support for bereaved families.

Many national organisations can also support anyone affected by pregnancy loss and the death of a baby. These include: Sands, the Miscarriage Association, Bliss and the Lullaby Trust

For more information about Baby Loss Awareness Week, please visit https://babyloss-awareness.org/

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, adult social care and housing, said:-

“Although Shropshire has a lower than average stillbirth and infant death rate, this does not take away the grief that women and families feel with the loss of a pregnancy or a baby that has died too soon. We want to support families in Shropshire by raising awareness and taking time to reflect.”