Bereavement Midwife organises memorial for families affected by baby loss

As part of Baby Loss Awareness Week, Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) hosted a poignant memorial service at Arrowe Park Hospital, offering solace and support to parents and families who have experienced the heartache of baby loss.

More than a hundred attendees – parents, families, and friends – came together to honour the memories of their lost children. In a touching display of love and solidarity, personal messages were written on paper lanterns, which illuminated the room with a warm, shared sense of remembrance. During the memorial service, the names of babies who had died were projected onto a large screen, honouring each precious life and creating a moving tribute for all in attendance.

The event, supported by WUTH Charity, featured a special performance by local choir Sing Me Merseyside, adding an additional layer of reflection and comfort to the evening.

Hannah Blake, Bereavement Midwife at WUTH, led the initiative. Reflecting on the service, she said: "I wanted to create a space where families could come together, share their experiences, and feel supported. Baby loss has often been a silent grief, but we want to change that. By allowing families to speak openly and say their baby's name, we can help break the taboo and offer a pathway to healing, no matter how recent or distant their loss."

(Photo: Hannah Blake, Bereavement Midwife)

Dr Nikki Stevenson, Executive Medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, added: "Supporting parents through this unimaginable grief is one of the most important things we can do as a Trust. By offering gentle reassurance, clear communication, and resources, we hope to provide compassionate care that helps families through their journey of loss."

Baby loss affects around one in four pregnancies, leaving many families in need of understanding and support. In response to recommendations from the recent Pregnancy Loss Review, WUTH has introduced a new initiative to assist families facing pregnancy after loss. The scheme includes ‘pregnancy after loss’ rainbow lanyards and plaques, designed to discreetly signal the sensitive nature of a patient’s journey, ensuring healthcare professionals approach these individuals with enhanced empathy and care.

Through initiatives like this memorial service and the introduction of tailored support schemes, WUTH continues to lead the way in providing compassionate, inclusive care for families navigating baby loss.