NHS Lanarkshire’s hospitals will be shining brightly in pink and blue to show support for Baby Loss Awareness Week. The event, spanning from October 9 to 15 and now in its 22nd year, aims to bring together the pregnancy and baby loss community, increase understanding of the impact of loss, and honour all babies. This week provides a platform to raise awareness about the effects of pregnancy and baby loss, highlight the crucial role of bereavement support in the grieving process, and advocate for initiatives to enhance pregnancy outcomes and save babies’ lives.
Julie Ann Tierney, a bereavement specialist midwife at University Hospital Wishaw, expressed, “We hope turning our three acute hospitals pink and blue will spark conversations about pregnancy and baby loss, and let local bereaved parents and families know we are thinking of them during this time and support them in their ongoing journey.” The emotional toll of pregnancy and baby loss is profound, and during Baby Loss Awareness Week, the importance of caring for mental and physical well-being through the bereavement process is emphasized.
Clea Harmer, chief executive of SANDS (the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK) and chair of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, noted, “Following their loss, families find themselves on a new path they never expected to be on. Together, we care for ourselves and each other as part of a community of people affected by all forms of pregnancy and baby loss.” She stressed the significance of self-care in sustaining oneself and raising awareness in a way that feels right.
The presence of pink and blue lights at NHS Lanarkshire hospitals in October aims to provide reassurance to those navigating the journey of pregnancy and baby loss, offering a reminder that a supportive community exists to provide guidance, share experiences, and offer comfort. Baby Loss Awareness Week culminates in the global ‘Wave of Light’ on October 15, inviting individuals worldwide to light a candle at 7pm local time as a symbol of support and remembrance. Resources for self-care and opportunities to participate in awareness-raising activities during the week can be found online.