Baby Loss Awareness Week
The week, running from the 9th to the 15th of October, also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss; the importance that bereavement support plays in the ongoing bereavement journey; and of the vital work that is needed to improve pregnancy outcomes and to save babies’ lives.
Parents and families find it important to each find a way to remember their baby in a way that suits them. Some join with others at special services organised by their local hospital or a local support organisation, some find solace in events organised by their faith community while others will remember alone in a way unique to them.
It is important to remember there is no right or wrong way and it can change as the years pass too.
Tips from Sands baby loss charity for managing the week:
Pick and choose how you want to support. Don’t feel you have to do everything.
- Plan some activities that are special to you this week.
- Make space for self-care during the week.
- Turn off notifications and only check social media when you feel up for it.
- Reach out for support if you need it. We are here.
- Let friends and family know your boundaries, so they understand it’s okay if you don’t engage.
- Engage with content that brings you comfort or joy.
- Remember, choosing not to participate does not take away from your experience. Your healing and well-being come first.
Wave of Light
Baby Loss Awareness Week culminates with the global event 'Wave of Light' on the 15th October.
Families across the world create a wave of light in remembrance by lighting a candle at 7 pm local time and leaving it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have died too soon.
To join the Baby Loss Awareness virtual Wave of Light, take a photo of your candle and post it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #WaveOfLight at 7pm local time or join the Facebook Event to watch the livestream.
Your light will join the global ‘Wave of Light’ in memory of all the babies who lit up our lives for such a short time.
Local events
Widnes Wave of Light Lantern Walk
Widnes Babyloss Awareness Group welcomes you to join us to walk in honour and in memory of our babies during baby loss awareness week. Meet at Victoria Park Widnes bandstand. Friday 11th October from 6.30 pm for a 7 pm start.
Baby Loss Service
A remember service will take place on Sunday 13th October at 6 pm at St. Michael's with St. Thomas Church, Ditchfield Rd, Widnes.
Ribbon Event Runcorn
Meet at Runcorn Hill bandstand to place hearts of remembrance on Saturday 12th of October at 6 pm. Join in decorating the bandstand with hearts containing the names of beautiful loved ones which will be displayed on the bandstand until Saturday 19th October followed by a gentle walk through the forest.
Warrington Hospital Maternity Unit Butterfly Walk
Support
if you would like to talk to someone about pregnancy and baby loss there is an alliance of organisations to provide bereavement support and information to parents and families who have experienced pregnancy and baby loss anywhere in the UK.
